FUNDING REQUESTS

The Friends of Kenwood Academy (FOKA) Microgrant and Fundraising Request Program is designed to support teachers, school staff, and student organizations in launching impactful projects and initiatives. The program provides: 

• Microgrants: Quick funding for small-scale educational and extracurricular projects. 
• Fundraising Support: Assistance in developing and managing fundraising campaigns. 

Next Funding Cycle Begins: August 2025 

Quick Overview: What This Process Covers? 

1a) Microgrants: Funding for teacher-led classroom projects, extracurricular activities, and student enrichment. 

1b) Fundraising Support - Campaign Development: Approval process for launching Kenwood-affiliated fundraising campaigns. 

2) Funding Disbursement & Accountability: Guidelines for processing and tracking financial support. 

Requesting a Microgrant ($1,000 or less) 

• Complete the FOKA Microgrant Request Form [Insert Link] at least three weeks before funds are needed. 
• Provide details, including: 
• Project summary – Purpose, student impact, and implementation plan. 
• Budget breakdown – Estimated costs and vendors. 
• Requested disbursement method – Vendor payment, reimbursement (with receipts), or school budget allocation. 

Microgrant Processing Timeline: 

• Review Period: Rolling basis, response within seven business days. 
• Payment Processing: Within five business days of approval (processed via electronic payments such as wire transfer, Zelle, or credit card). 

Successful Microgrant Applications will Fund: 

• Academic, arts, athletic, and extracurricular initiatives benefiting Kenwood students. 
• Short-term projects requiring $1000 or less (for Microgrants). 
• Projects aligned with Kenwood’s 4 A’s of Excellence (Academics, Arts, Activities, Athletics). 

🚫  Microgrants will Not Fund:

• Personal stipends or salaries (except select scholarship reimbursements). 
• Long-term programs requiring ongoing funding beyond a single school year - consider starting a campaign. 

Requesting a Fundraiser Campaign 

• Fundraiser requests must be submitted at least two weeks before launch. 
• Complete the FOKA Fundraising Request Form [Insert Link] and include: 
• Campaign purpose & timeline 
• Estimated fundraising goal 
• Intended use of funds 
• Marketing & outreach strategy 

Fundraiser Processing Timeline: 

• Review Period: Response within seven business days. 
• Bi-Weekly Financial Updates: Available as long as funds remain. 
• End-of-Year Fund Transfer: Unused funds by June 30th will roll into FOKA’s General Fund. 

• All payments will be processed electronically within five business days of approval. 
• Funds will be distributed directly to vendors or Kenwood school budget accounts to ensure transparency. 
• Distributions to individuals (e.g., reimbursements) require detailed invoices & proof of payment and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

For Microgrants: 

• Implement the project as planned. 
• Provide a brief post-project report (photos, testimonials, or success stories encouraged). 
• Approved projects may be featured in FOKA communications & social media. 

For Fundraising Campaigns: 

• Track donation progress and adhere to proposed spending plan. 
• Provide final reporting on campaign impact and use of funds. 

Important Reminder 

Any unspent funds from fundraising campaigns must be used by June 30th or transferred to FOKA’s General Fund. 

📧 Email: cheryl@friendsofkenwoodacademy.org 

🌐 Website: https://friendsofkenwoodacademy.org 

By following these guidelines, we ensure fair, transparent, and impactful funding that directly benefits Kenwood students and educators.