State Matching Funds
A special appropriation from the Legislature allows county education foundations to receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds provided the money is used for low performing students, literacy, teacher retention and recruitment, and/or career and technical education. The money must be spent within the current school year. The total amount given to education foundations in 2007-2008 was $3.8 million.
Funding is determined by the percentage of FTE (Full Time Equivalent Students) and is distributed through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and comes in two increments. We receive part of the funding in the fall and the remainder in the spring. This is referred to as first round match money. The Consortium reviews the amount given among Foundations that applied. If any monies are left over, Foundations can apply for a second round of match money. To qualify, a Foundation must raise new money to support the additional funding.
The SJCEF uses this funding for Horizon Grants, a competitive grant application process open to all teachers within the district. The maximum amount of each grant is $750. There is also an opportunity for educators to apply for four special competitive grants: The Community First Finance Grant, the Donald Dombrowsky Technology Grant sponsored by Tensolite, the Florida Power and Light Environmental Grant, and the St. Johns Cultural Council Arts Grant. Winning applicants are announced in the fall.
It is the intent of the School District and the St. Johns County Education Foundation to review all funding proposals prior to any distribution of money.