2024-25 GOLD Grants |
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GO for the G.O.L.D.!
Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration Grants
Thanks to All Who Applied for 2024-25 GOLD Grants!
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2024-25 Grant Applications at a Glance
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2024-25 Grant Round - now closed Deadline: Applications accepted July 15 - through Sep 25, 2024 Deadline Extended to Sep 25, 2024! Grant awards to be announced by State Board of Education: Nov 2024 Grant fund availability: Dec 2024 Project completion deadline: Jun 30, 2025 Eligible applicants: schools, school districts, non-profit organizations, or public agencies; project beneficiaries must be GA public school students Funded activities: professional learning for educators, schoolyard improvements, supplies for outdoor learning, and/or field trips Grant amounts: $500 - $5000 per grant; at least 18 grants to be awarded Grant-Writing Webinars: Aug 12 and Sep 9 at 4:00 |
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History of the GOLD Grant Program
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Legislative intent for the GOLD Grant program is explained in the Final Report of the bipartisan Senate Study Committee on Outdoor Learning, chaired by Senator Sheik Rahman. Committee Members included Lt Governor (then-Sen.) Burt Jones, Senator Jennifer Jordan, Senator Ed Harbison, and Senator Sally Harrell. The GOLD Grant program is managed by the Georgia Department of Education.
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GOLD Grant Writing Webinars Aug 9 and Sep 12, 2024
Keith Crandall and Renee Shirley-Stevens of the Georgia Department of Education and Karan Wood of EEA presented a grant-writing webinar for prospective GOLD Grant applicants on August 12, 2024. A recording of the webinar, the slide deck that was presented, and answers to questions received during the webinar are provided below. Another webinar will be held on September 9. To register for the September webinar, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (including those asked in the Webinars)
Has the application deadline been extended?
Yes, the deadline is now Sep 25, 2024
What is the "environmental education continuum" referenced in the grant application?
Yes, the deadline is now Sep 25, 2024
What is the "environmental education continuum" referenced in the grant application?
I have a question about GaBOE District Map and GaBOE district in which project will be located. Does this application ask about my school location or where we are going on a field trip. My school is in (X) County. I want to take our kids to another county. Which county do I list?
Please list the county in which your school is located.
Quick question -- our project is a workforce development internship for Title I students. It takes place from June 1 - July 31 -- since the program ends in July, are we not eligible? Or could we apply for funding for half the course of the program?
A project such as the one you describe would span fiscal years. Funds do not roll over from one year to the next . So no, a project that takes place next July would not be eligible but the June part of the project - if it could stand alone, could be eligible for GOLD Grant funds.
Does the grant writer need to be a school staff member? Or can a parent leader submit the grant?
The grant application can be written by a parent or volunteer but the principal and district financial officer need to sign off
Can funds be used to cover staff time and mileage to/from a school where professional development will take place?
Out of pocket expenses by educators who are attending professional learning can be eligible expenses if included in the grant budget.
Does the school have to be a title one school in order to be eligible?
No - schools do not need to be Title I to be eligible. However points are awarded for economic need as indicated by any of four indicators, including Title 1 status and rate of free or reduced price lunches.
In my county, the use of Google docs is not possible through our computers. I am working on this at home on my personal computer. Is there a way to complete the document on line to share with our administration prior to submitting to the state? I have not been able to find support through my technology dept.
You can review the questions in the application by opening the Preview document (which is in pdf format). You may be able to convert the pdf to a Word document. Answers can be prepared and shared with administrators before pasting them into the google doc to submit the application.
I wanted to know if the application is able to be saved on the site with out submitting to access along the way?
Yes, as long as you are logged into Google.
From the Con App side - Is this a federal funded grant or a state grant?
GOLD Grants are state funded - but most district do not have a state grants specialist so the District federal grants person should be listed in the application.
With which school district should a RESA partner, if the RESA intends to provide services to multiple schools through a grant-funded project?
A RESA can apply directly without going through a school district. Please list the RESA financial staff person and have the executive director sign off on the application.
A district has already submitted an application on behalf of two partnering schools. May one of those schools also submit another application?
Yes, an application from the school would be accepted, despite being included in another application submitted by the district, assuming the applications seek funding for different projects. These applications would compete with each other - and one of the goals of the GOLD Grant program is to spread resources throughout the state - but it is theoretically possible that both could be funded (one: if it is the highest ranked in its state school board district, and the other: if it is one of the top-ranked applications state-wide, after one grant has been awarded in every state school board district).
A project such as the one you describe would span fiscal years. Funds do not roll over from one year to the next . So no, a project that takes place next July would not be eligible but the June part of the project - if it could stand alone, could be eligible for GOLD Grant funds.
Does the grant writer need to be a school staff member? Or can a parent leader submit the grant?
The grant application can be written by a parent or volunteer but the principal and district financial officer need to sign off
Can funds be used to cover staff time and mileage to/from a school where professional development will take place?
Out of pocket expenses by educators who are attending professional learning can be eligible expenses if included in the grant budget.
Does the school have to be a title one school in order to be eligible?
No - schools do not need to be Title I to be eligible. However points are awarded for economic need as indicated by any of four indicators, including Title 1 status and rate of free or reduced price lunches.
In my county, the use of Google docs is not possible through our computers. I am working on this at home on my personal computer. Is there a way to complete the document on line to share with our administration prior to submitting to the state? I have not been able to find support through my technology dept.
You can review the questions in the application by opening the Preview document (which is in pdf format). You may be able to convert the pdf to a Word document. Answers can be prepared and shared with administrators before pasting them into the google doc to submit the application.
I wanted to know if the application is able to be saved on the site with out submitting to access along the way?
Yes, as long as you are logged into Google.
From the Con App side - Is this a federal funded grant or a state grant?
GOLD Grants are state funded - but most district do not have a state grants specialist so the District federal grants person should be listed in the application.
With which school district should a RESA partner, if the RESA intends to provide services to multiple schools through a grant-funded project?
A RESA can apply directly without going through a school district. Please list the RESA financial staff person and have the executive director sign off on the application.
A district has already submitted an application on behalf of two partnering schools. May one of those schools also submit another application?
Yes, an application from the school would be accepted, despite being included in another application submitted by the district, assuming the applications seek funding for different projects. These applications would compete with each other - and one of the goals of the GOLD Grant program is to spread resources throughout the state - but it is theoretically possible that both could be funded (one: if it is the highest ranked in its state school board district, and the other: if it is one of the top-ranked applications state-wide, after one grant has been awarded in every state school board district).
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Environmental Education Alliance, Inc.
P.O. Box 801066 | Acworth, GA 30101 EEA does not does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its program , activities, or employment. For more information on EEA's non-discrimination commitment click here . Grievance officer may be contacted at [email protected] |