Have an idea?
We fund the ones that last.

Grants: Overview

The Friends of Winnacunnet Foundation is proud to support creative, impactful ideas that enhance student learning. If you have a vision that could make a difference at Winnacunnet, we encourage you to apply.

Grants are open to faculty, staff, students, and administrators in the Winnacunnet High School community.

Students are welcome and encouraged to apply. You'll need a faculty advisor or mentor on board before you submit, and partnering with an advisor is one of the best ways to strengthen a proposal and bring your idea forward. Your advisor writes a letter of support and confirms that the administrative approvals are in place.

Download the Tips for Success

Download our Grant Scoring Rubric

NOTE: All grant awardees are required to submit an Impact Statement within a time period post implementation.

Before you apply, have these in hand

  • Approval from your Principal, Curriculum Director, and Team Leader

  • Support from colleagues who will use or collaborate on the project

  • A clear answer on whether this was requested through the normal budget process, and what happened: approved, denied, or deferred

  • In some instances it might be best if your request fits in the school’s annual budget, please check with the Principal

  • Students: a faculty advisor and their letter of support

What makes a strong application

To help bring your idea to life, here are four things the strongest proposals have in common.

  • We're excited by ideas that push boundaries and create lasting value.

    • How could this benefit students not just today, but for years to come?

    • Could it start as a pilot and grow into something bigger?

    • Projects that introduce new approaches, especially ones that can be reused, shared, or expanded, tend to stand out.

  • At the heart of every great proposal is student impact.

    • Who will benefit from your idea, and how many students could it reach?

    • Where will this show up in the classroom experience?

    • The more clearly you can bring that impact to life, the more compelling your application becomes.

  • Strong ideas are even more powerful when paired with preparation.

    • Have you explored other funding opportunities, partnerships, or the school budget?

    • Can you outline a clear, well-researched budget with a written quote for every purchase?

    • Preparation shows your commitment and helps us understand how we can best support you.

  • Great ideas gain momentum when others believe in them too.

    • Have you shared your concept with school leadership?

    • Are there colleagues who are excited to collaborate or who will use what you build?

    • Students: a faculty advisor's backing carries real weight.

Tips for Success (pdf)
Grant Scoring Rubric (pdf)

Fall Deadline: October 15th | Spring Deadline: April 15th

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Fall Deadline: October 15th | Spring Deadline: April 15th 〰️

How to Apply

  • Plan with Purpose

    The strongest proposals are fulfill a need, are unique, create something durable, and reach a lot of students. Plan to submit by April 15th or October 15th.

  • Secure Approvals

    Get sign-off from your Principal, Curriculum Director, and Team Leader, and talk to the colleagues who will be involved. Students: line up your faculty advisor and their letter of support.

  • Itemize Your Budget

    This is required and important for success. Include a written quote for every purchase needed to implement the grant. A detailed, well-researched budget measurably improves your chances

  • Write Proposal

    Answer every question on the application form. Be concrete about goals, curriculum alignment, the number of students reached, how you will share the work with colleagues, and how you will evaluate whether it worked.