Fall Grant Applications

Posted on October 7, 2025 by Barbara Talvitie in From the PTSO

Fall Grant Cycle: Applications Due by October 27, 2025

Each year, the NSHS PTSO sets aside part of its budget to support special projects at our school. Faculty, staff, parents / guardians and students are invited to apply for a grant to help launch new ideas, programs, or activities that make a difference in our community.

Grants are awarded to projects that connect to one or more of our core values:

Student Learning

  • Pilot a new program or idea
  • Improve classroom tools or the overall learning environment

Community

  • Foster personal connections and build community
  • Encourage participation in community service projects

Wellness

  • Develop programs that support mental and physical health
  • Promote wellness, balance, and self-confidence

Please carefully review the guidelines and procedures listed below before submitting an application.

The submission deadline is Monday, October 27, 2025. Most awards range between $100 and $500; larger grants may be considered, particularly if they involve collaboration between groups.

Guidelines

Students:

In order for your application to be considered, you must comply with the following:

  • A NSHS teacher or staff member must agree to advise the project and that person must be listed by name on your application.
  • Requests for special projects, initiatives or one-time events will be considered. Examples include: supplies for a mural, single day activities, materials or supplies such as puzzles or games that students can use during WIN/Lion blocks.
  • Club related requests must be open to and designed to serve the wider community, beyond club members.
  • Single day community service project requests will be considered.
  • Requests for food can not be funded.
  • Ongoing or recurring expenses/materials for clubs or activities can not be funded.

All Applicants:

Projects should be one time expenditures and have the ability to continue without additional PTSO funds. In most cases, funding is not provided for on-going support of programs.

Grants cannot be used to fund salaries, stipends or school-based professional development.

Grants cannot be used to purchase core curriculum technology or materials, including computers, consumables

Grants cannot be used for regular club activities, field trips, transportation, food or promotional items.

Grants cannot be used for direct donations to charities. Requests for conference fees and travel expenses will be considered only after applicants have applied for departmental, school and/or district funding.

Grant Evaluation Criteria:

The Grants Committee will consider the following in evaluating grant applications:

  • The number of students/people participating in and/or benefiting from the program/project and the overall impact on students and the school.
  • How the grant would serve our core values: student learning, community, or wellness.
  • Consistency with the school’s community values and goals as listed on the NSHS website.

If A Grant Is Awarded:

The Grants Committee requires a detailed list and invoices/receipts for items purchased and any other expenses when you submit your request for reimbursement. Receipts must be submitted to treasury@newtonsouthptso.org before the end of the school year. If you determine you will be unable to spend the funds by the end of the academic year, please notify the Grants Committee so we can reallocate the funds.

Grant funds must be spent only on specific application requests. If there is a change in the request, the Grants Committee will need to review and approve the modifications.

Applying for a Grant

Timeline and Process:

For the fall grant cycle, applications must be submitted by October 27, 2025. After the application window closes, the PTSO Grants Committee will review all requests and make recommendations to the PTSO Board. Grant applications are also reviewed and must be approved by the Principal with input from the Bursar. Decisions will be announced by mid- to late November.

Regardless of the grant cycle, awarded grants must be spent during the current academic year and only on items specified in the application.

Please feel free to contact the Grants Committee at grants@newtonsouthptso.org with any questions. Grant Application: Here is the link for the grant application.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a grant! 2025-2026 PTSO Grants Committee: Jessica Berns, Lijuan Jiang, Julie Tishler, Lisa Weinman