Catholic schools
do not receive state support like their public school counterparts, which can leave the schools looking for additional sources of funding. Several private organizations offer grants to Catholic schools to help fund school programs or improve the school's resources. Catholic schools, from the elementary school level to the high school level, can use these grants for a range of purposes, from improving programs offered to students to attracting new students.
Grants for Tuition Support
One of the challenges that Catholic schools face is attracting families who are willing to pay tuition for private school education. Many grants focus on helping schools subsidize tuition for families who want their children to have a Catholic education but cannot afford it. Grants available through the Catholic Foundation help schools fund student scholarships for families with a financial need. Thus, Catholic school grants can help attract a more diverse student demographic, welcoming students with scholarships who otherwise might not be able to afford tuition.
Grants to Build Teacher Knowledge
Catholic school teachers can extend their education and knowledge base with the use of grant money. Some Catholic school grants have a teacher focus, meaning the granting organizations want teachers to use the money for continuing education. For example, the National Catholic Education Association runs the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund, which sends teachers on three-week study visits to Japan. Upon their return, teachers educate students about Japanese culture. Grant money that supports continuing education for Catholic school teachers, then, can have an impact on how students learn and what they learn.
Grants to Fund Programs
Many Catholic school grants are open ended, meaning that schools can apply for grant money to fund a program or initiative of their choice. Rather than restricting schools to use funds for a specific cause, these grants allow schools to put the funds where they are most needed. However, schools cannot simply request money without a proposed project or initiative. For example, these Catholic school grants can go toward updating student textbooks, funding a specific program such as the math program or improving school facilities.
Grants With a Specific Theme
Although many grants for Catholic schools are open ended, allowing the schools to choose the program or area that needs the funds, others are more restrictive. Some grants distribute funds to schools willing to implement a specific program in their schools. Thus, the grant proposal will detail how and why the school is qualified to execute the program. For example, the National Catholic Education Association distributes a social justice grant to Catholic schools willing to implement social justice programs. In 2011, the social justice theme was solidarity, so grant applicants had to devise an original way to implement the theme of solidarity in the school's curriculum. These grants allow Catholic schools to fund new educational initiatives they might not otherwise consider -- or be able to afford.
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