Louis and Karen Constan Science Education Fund Grant 

The Louis & Karen Constan Science Education Fund grant program provides funding for creative, science-based strategies for teaching a concept or solving a problem. This grant is to be used for materials and/or equipment for hands-on experiments outside of traditional school budgets.

Funded projects will help students learn elements of the Scientific Method:

• Ask a question and conduct research
• Construct a hypothesis
• Create and conduct experiments
• Analyze data and draw conclusions
• Revise the hypothesis and evaluate the procedures

Desired Program Outcomes

For Students

• Engaging programming for all learning styles
• Growth in understanding of subject matter
• Increases in curiosity and meaningful participation
• Confidence in learning ability

For Educators

• Develop and share innovative teaching methods
• Foster exciting classroom environments
• Inspire professional development and growth

Eligibility Criteria

All Saginaw County P-12 educators are eligible to apply. While more than one application may be submitted, only one grant will be awarded per individual, per year.

Review Criteria

Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis by an advisory committee. Louis and Karen Constan Science Education Fund proposals are evaluated on a number of criteria; including, but not limited to:

• Number of students impacted from the project
• Educational objectives supplement the P-12 curriculum
• Potential to improve students’ understanding of core concepts
• Potential for continuation and/or replication of the project in future school years
• Enhancement of the skills and/or resources for educators

Discouraged Requests

There are many needs of educators; however, due to limited funding the following components are discouraged unless they are vital for the success of the project:

• Basic technology assets (i.e. computers, tablets, audio and video equipment, etc.)
• Field trips
• Tuition or similar program fees
• Renovation of facilities (never permitted for funding)
• Religion-based activities and teachings (never permitted for funding)

Evaluation

Grantees are required to provide a written report to the Saginaw Community Foundation at the conclusion of their project, no later than July 1, 2025. A copy of the evaluation form will be provided to the grant recipient.

Additionally, Grantees may be requested to present their project to the advisory committee in the month of April following their grant award. This activity is to help the committee connect with educators and improve this program moving forward.

Grant Amounts

The maximum grant award is $500.

Timeline

• Application Deadline: Nov. 30, 2024
• Notification of Decision: Dec. 2024
• Project Implementation: 2024-25 school calendar year

For more information, contact Chamika Ford, program officer, at (989) 755-0545 or chamika@saginawfoundation.org.