Grant Application FAQ

I’ve never written a grant. Is it difficult?

The MEF Grant application is one of the easier ones. However, it does require a minimum two hours of your time. You must pay close attention to grammar. The MEF Board also implemented a minimum score of 75 this year. Any grant scoring under a 75 will not be awarded. More information on scoring is provided in our grant workshop.

 How is the grant scored?

Two reviewers score each grant. If the two reviewers disagree by more than 3 points per area, a third reader scores.

The maximum grant score is 100. Grants must score 75 or higher for funding. The scoring rubric is reviewed during our grant workshops. We will also plan to post this on our website as soon as possible.

 Am I limited to McKinney ISD vendors?

Classroom Grants: YES The McKinney ISD Vendor list is provided on the Budget page of the application.

 Since Professional Development Grants are funded by MEF, they are NOT required to be McKinney ISD Vendors.

 Who reads and scores my application?

The MEF Grant Committee consists of McKinney ISD and community members. Please keep in mind that a community member may work or volunteer other places in McKinney. Usually, they are not familiar with your school environment. It is important you use language and illustrations in your application to relate your needs for the project. Once the MEF Committee scores grants, we send all applications to the McKinney ISD Curriculum and Instruction team. Technology may also review your application to ensure the district can support project requirements. 

Does my principal need to approve? 
Yes. Once you SUBMIT your application, it will automatically send your form to your principal. Your principal has a few days after the deadline to approve any grant requests for your campus. Please understand your principal will not be notified of your grant request until you submit it. 

 When will I know if I win a grant?

Typically, we award in December. However, we plan to remain flexible this year. We will continue communicating with applicants to let you know the status. For now, we still plan to fund in December.

How are funds distributed?

If funded, please be sure to read your paperwork carefully.

MEF sends all CLASSROOM funds to the school district. Your secretary or bookkeeper will help you with distribution.

 Professional Development funds are distributed through the MEF office. All funding requests run through this email: mefgrants@mckinneyisd.net. 

 Is there a deadline to use funds? 

Yes. All funds must be used from MEF by June 30, 2021. HOWEVER, you MUST follow all funding request guidelines with McKinney ISD. Your school secretary or bookkeeper will know any deadlines. If we know the school district’s funding deadlines when we award grants, we will include that in your paperwork.