Q: I want to apply for a grant. What is the first step?

A: Contact Resource Development at (502) 485-3290 to discuss your proposal. All grant applications must go through Resource Development for review and approval before they may be submitted to the funder.

Q: Can I accept a grant without Board approval?

A: No. A grant is a contractual agreement between the funder and the district. It must be facilitated through Resource Development for board review.

Q: Our grant award came with an agreement. Can my principal sign it?

A: No. All grants require formal Board approval. Please note that the Superintendent is the sole authorized signatory for all district grant contracts.

Q: Does the Grants & Awards department write my grant?

A: No. The Grants & Awards department is in Finance and they handle post-award accounting and reporting. For help writing or processing an application, contact Resource Development at (502) 485-3290.

Q: Do I need to report a $0.50 donation from a local business?

A: Yes. All donations, regardless of value, must be submitted to the Board using the Donation Database (Board Policy 04.61).

Q: A donor would like to gift a vehicle to a school. Can we accept that?

A: If a donor wishes to gift a vehicle to a school or department, contact Resource Development before accepting the donation. The district must verify that the vehicle serves an educational purpose (e.g., for an automotive repair program). If there are special donor conditions, a donation agreement may be required. Schools must contact Shane Redmon, Manager of Fleet Services, at (502) 485-3423, to facilitate the Title transfer and ensure it is added to the district fleet. All vehicles must be listed as property of the Board of Education of Jefferson County on the Title. The school/department must also contact Jill Sanford, Bond/Insurance Technician, at (502) 485-3313. Once the school/department receives the vehicle, the bookkeeper must enter the donation value into the Donation Database. Resource Development will report the donation to the Board.

Q: Our alumni association wants to pay for facility renovations and/or installations (e.g., auditorium renovations, school marquee, stadium ticket booth, etc.). Do we report the donation in the Donation Database like other in-kind donations?

A: Donated facility renovations and improvements may be allowable, but require more steps. A building modification is required first, and a donation agreement between the donor and JCPS must be approved by the Jefferson County Board of Education before any work begins. This process can take at least two months.

Q: A community partner is applying for a grant and would like to partner with our school/department/district program. What is the process?

A: All community partners applying for grants requiring JCPS schools, programs, or resources must submit a letter of support request. JCPS may provide letters of support or commitment for community organizations whose proposed projects align with the JCPS Strategic Plan. Organizations seeking a letter must initiate the request through the JCPS Resource Development Department by completing the Request for Letter of Support or Commitment Form. Submission of the form begins the internal review process to determine alignment, feasibility, and district approval. Letters are not guaranteed and must be requested with sufficient lead time - ideally 10 business days - prior to the grant deadline to allow for appropriate review and authorization.

Jefferson County Public Schools