Think BIG!

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Think BIG! 〰️

Important Information

There are 2 application periods. Applications accepted:

  • Jan 15 to March 1

  • March 15 to May 1

After each application period, students will be invited to present their BIG Idea to VCSF. Full details are available below in BIG Idea Student Application Tips.

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How to Apply:

VCSF has prepared tips on how to prepare and apply for a BIG Idea grant below. Review and then go to to the the application page.

What’s your BIG idea?

The Voorheesville Community & School Foundation (VCSF) wants to know your BIG IDEA to enhance your school or community.

Grants of up to $1500 will be awarded in one or more categories:

1.     Educational – Equipment, materials, event, project, or program support to enhance the educational opportunities of students in the VCSD.  Examples: STEM equipment for the school or classroom, an addition of an educational program to the school or classroom, or unique additions to enhance student learning.

2.     Cultural - Equipment, materials, event, project, or program support to enhance the cultural opportunities within the VCSD. Examples: A cultural event for the school, equipment to support the drama club, or enhancement of a school cultural resource.

3.     Athletic – Equipment, materials, event, project, or program support to enhance the athletic opportunities of students in the VCSD. Examples: New safety equipment for a school team; enhanced space for players or sports equipment, or a new program that supports student athletes.    

4.     Organizational – Equipment, materials, event, project, or program support for new organizations or organizational initiatives within the VCSD. Examples: New equipment for a new or existing club; an event or program to develop student leaders, or support for a community organization or entity that provides a new or enhanced community service opportunity for students in the Voorheesville Central School District.

 

VCSF looks forward to seeing your BIG IDEA STUDENT COMPETITION SUBMISSIONS!

BIG Idea Student Application Tips

1. Think Big  

Observe your surroundings and talk with your teachers, coaches, parents, or other leaders/mentors. VCSF is looking for your BIG ideas for equipment/structures, events/programs, projects, organizational or group initiatives in the four categories described above.  

Requests for new projects, programs, equipment, or events are preferred. Grants for existing programs must include an enhancement or new element not previously funded by VCSF in the past 5 years.

2. Plan 

a)    VCSF grants need to be awarded to directly to the schools, entities (town, village, or library), or organizations within the Voorheesville School District. You must first get approval for your idea by the entity who would benefit from the grant. A letter of support from a representative (e.g., teacher, principal, coach, organizational leader, mayor, supervisor) must accompany your Big Idea grant request.

b)    Research how much money is needed to support your idea. Estimates must accompany your grant request. The more details, the better!

c)     Read through the application and get information ready in advance. Students are allowed to submit handwritten requests or ask someone to help them write/submit their Big Idea grant request. Groups of students may also apply, but one primary applicant should be identified.

3. Submit Application

 VCSF will have 2 application periods, listed below. Big Ideas can be submitted anytime within an application period. Each period will have a presentation date (or dates) where the applicant will be invited, either via Zoom or in person, to talk about their idea. Big Idea Student Competition winners will be notified shortly after the presentation period.

        Application period: Jan 15 - March 1 * Presentation period: March 10-16

       Application period: March 15 – May 1 * Presentation period: May 12-18

Note: Students who submit earlier in the application process may have an advantage because they will have more time to gather any additional information requested by VCSF. 

The BIG Idea Application is available here:
https://vcsfoundation.com/big-idea-grant-application-form-1  

Applications should include:

1.     Letter of Support

2.     Estimates or Actual Costs

3.     Complete Answers to Application Questions

4.     Drawings, pictures, and/or detailed descriptions

5.     Imagined impact of your Big Idea

Questions? Send an email to info@vcsfoundation.com and use the subject “Big Idea Student Competition Question”.