Classroom Grants provide funding for individual educators to support projects that enhance classroom learning and provide students with meaningful educational experiences. These grants are typically smaller in scale and are intended to support creative ideas that may fall outside of a school’s regular budget.

Eligible projects may include classroom materials, hands-on learning activities, guest speakers, field experiences, technology, supplemental resources, or other tools that directly support student learning. Strong applications clearly describe the educational need, how the project connects to curriculum or student outcomes, and how students will benefit from the experience.

Big Impact Grants support larger-scale projects that extend beyond a single classroom and create meaningful opportunities for students across multiple classrooms, grade levels, programs, or school buildings. These grants are designed for initiatives that require broader coordination, larger investments, or long-term planning.

Eligible projects may include district-wide initiatives, innovative instructional programs, shared resources, equipment or technology, professional learning opportunities, or other efforts that expand access to impactful educational experiences. Projects should demonstrate a clear need, broad student benefit, and a plan for implementation and sustainability.

Mental Health Initiative Grants support efforts that promote the emotional well-being of students and staff throughout Stillwater Area Public Schools.

Funding may support programs, services, resources, training, and other initiatives that strengthen mental health awareness, prevention, intervention, connection, and support. Projects may serve students, educators, staff members, or the broader school community.

These grants were established in partnership with the school district during the 2021-2022 school year in response to the growing need for mental health resources and support within educational settings. Since then, we’ve committed more than $220,000 to mental health efforts across every building in the district.

We proudly support new Stillwater Area Public School educators through our New Teacher Welcome Grants and a collection of most-requested supplies. These grants provide new teachers with resources to help support their transition into the district and best set up their unique classroom needs.

New teachers automatically receive this award — no need to submit an application! Information is provided at the beginning of the school year.

If you are a new teacher and believe you are eligible but did not receive information, or if you need a replacement grant letter, please reach out.

> Award Amount
Up to $500

> Application Priority Deadline
October 1, 2026

> Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be employed by Stillwater Area Public Schools as a teacher, assistant teacher, specialist, or paraprofessional working in early childhood or primary grades (K–2), in either general education or special education.

• Have been employed by District 834 for at least two years.

• Demonstrate involvement in the school community or extracurricular activities.

• Show creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom.

• Demonstrate a commitment to student-centered education.

• Promote growth in the teaching field by exploring new approaches, strategies, or practices in the classroom.

> Use of Scholarship Funds

Scholarship funds may support opportunities that enhance an educator’s knowledge, skills, and effectiveness. Plans for use of the scholarship will be considered as part of the selection process.

Priority will be given to requests for:

• College coursework

• Continuing education opportunities

• Professional conferences

• Other professional development experiences

> Additional Information

Previous recipients are eligible to apply for future Harcey Walmar Scholarships. Scholarship awards may be prioritized for areas where there is an identified need for teachers, assistant teachers, specialists, or paraprofessionals.

Applicants should describe how the scholarship opportunity will support their professional growth and ultimately benefit the students they serve.

All Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834) educators and staff are welcome to apply, including early childhood through grade 12 and Adult Basic Education. You don't need to have a traditional classroom to be eligible — if your work directly supports student learning, we'd love to hear your ideas.

Grant applications are accepted year-round and are reviewed on a rolling basis until available funding for the school year has been awarded. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure funding availability — and especially if your project has a specific timeline.

The priority deadline for a Harcey Walmar Scholarship is October 1, 2026.

There isn't a strict minimum or maximum.

We're most interested in funding meaningful ideas — not fitting projects into a dollar amount.

The Partnership Plan primarily awards grants for use within a single school year. However, we recognize that some initiatives require more than one year to launch, grow, or demonstrate meaningful impact.

As part of our strategic planning process, we are exploring the role The Partnership Plan can play in supporting longer-term initiatives. Multi-year funding can provide important stability for impactful programs, but it also requires thoughtful planning to ensure we continue to support a broad range of needs across the district.

Applicants are encouraged to share the full scope of their vision, including any anticipated future needs or ongoing support. If you are considering a project with a multi-year timeline, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your idea.

Yes. We ask that you first discuss your idea with your principal or supervisor to ensure it aligns with your building's goals. All proposals also receive district-level review before funding decisions are made.

The strongest applications clearly explain:

• What you'd like to accomplish

• How students will benefit

• How the project supports learning (alignment with academic standards is a plus)

• How you'll measure success

• What you'll purchase with grant funds

Creativity is always welcome — but don't let the word "innovative" intimidate you. Some of our favorite projects simply found a better way to help students learn

Our goal is to support opportunities that extend beyond what is usually covered through school or district budgets and provide meaningful benefits for students, educators, and the broader school community.

The list below reflects our current funding practices and is intended as a general guide. We are currently reviewing our funding policies to ensure we continue to support the most important and emerging needs across Stillwater Area Public Schools. Your input matters — we want to hear from staff about the challenges, ideas, and opportunities that will help shape our future guidelines.

Every proposal is unique, and exceptions may be considered. If you have an idea and aren’t sure if it’s a fit, we encourage you to reach out before applying.

Items we don't typically fund include:

• Field trips and bussing

• Meals, snacks, or refreshments

• Transportation and travel costs (per diems, hotels)

• Staff salaries or substitute costs

• Furniture and classroom fixtures

• Playground equipment

• Standard classroom technology

• Routine curriculum or subscriptions

• Books to expand classroom libraries

• General classroom supplies

Most proposals take about 30 days from submission to final approval, although timing may vary depending on the complexity of your project's request.

Once approved, funds are immediately available.

If your request is time-sensitive, please reach out so we can plan accordingly.

We'll provide the information you need to get started, including purchasing instructions and next steps.

Please note it is highly preferred for projects to be paid for via established district purchasing procedures, with invoices run through your building secretary or financial staff.

If your project cannot be paid for through an approved district procedure, please discuss with us before applying. We are happy to work with you on unique circumstances but it must be approved by The Partnership Plan prior to incurring the expense.

Equipment and materials purchased through The Partnership Plan become property of Stillwater Area Public Schools and remain with the school if staffing changes occur.

If you will be moving classrooms, buildings, or roles within the district, please discuss with your principal or supervisor on whether granted materials should move with you.

At the conclusion of your project, we ask you to share a brief summary, photos, and the impact your grant had on students. Your story helps inspire future educators and donors alike!