Grant Guide
Propel your students forward.
Guiding your path to PROPEL funding.
At the San Juan Education Foundation, we believe great teaching deserves great support.
That’s why we’re committed to making the PROPEL Grant process transparent, fair, and impactful.
This page is here to help you understand the rules—and write your strongest application possible.
Getting Started: Key Details
Funding Cycles
The PROPEL Grant Program runs each school year from August through June. Cycles and deadlines vary between grant types, and total funding depends on annual community philanthropy. Be sure to check each grant application for specific dates.
Review Process
Every application is carefully reviewed and evaluated based on:
- Alignment with PROPEL outcomes
- Potential impact on student learning
- Clarity and feasibility of your proposed goals
Tip: Clearly connect your project to the Working Definitions below and share how it will make a meaningful difference for students.
Eligibility
Open to all San Juan Unified school-site staff (certificated and classified), including dependent charter schools.
Limit: One grant per individual per 12-month period.
What PROPEL Grants Don’t Cover
While we love bold ideas, PROPEL Grants do not fund:
- Professional development costs
- Staffing expenses (salaries, stipends, substitutes)
- Airfare or lodging
What Can Be Funded
PROPEL Grants support a wide range of impactful ideas, including:
- Classroom supplies and instructional materials
- Technology for student use
- Field trips that enrich learning
- Online subscriptions for district-approved learning tools
- Consultant or guest performer fees
Reporting Requirements
All grant recipients are required to submit a brief impact report detailing how funds were used and the outcomes achieved. These stories help inspire future projects and show donors the difference their support makes.
Acceptance Deadline
If awarded a grant, you must accept it within 15 days to confirm funding.
Working Definitions
Understanding these terms—and highlighting them in your application—can strengthen your proposal:
- Academic Achievement:
- Fostering critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application—even beyond grades and test scores.
- Accessible:
- Removing barriers so every student can fully participate and succeed.
- Dynamic:
- Creating flexible, engaging, and adaptive learning environments.
- Engaging:
- Sparking curiosity and motivating active participation.
- Innovative:
- Introducing new ideas, tools, or methods that transform learning.
- Meaningful:
- Connecting lessons to students’ lives and making learning relevant.
Not Sure Which Grant Fits Your Idea?
Explore our three grant levels to find your perfect match:
Learn more about Resources, Achievement, and Innovation Grants
Questions? Let’s Connect!
We’re here to help you navigate the grant process confidently and bring your ideas to life.