NOTE: The deadline has passed and applications are no longer being accepted for the 2007-2008 grant cycle.
The Challenge Grant for Day School Growth includes three distinct grant programs to which schools can apply. To better understand PEJE's grantmaking philosophy and gain knowledge about PEJE's suggestions for submitting a strong proposal, read "A Window Into PEJE's Grantmaking Philosophy." We also suggest that schools review the following short article "Twelve Characteristics of a Good Proposal." In particular, characteristics number two, three, six, seven, and eleven are most applicable to PEJE grant applicants.
School Improvement Journey
Schools that receive a School Improvement Journey grant embark on a two-year process of in-depth reflection and analysis leading to a higher level of excellence in all areas of functioning. The grant includes support for a whole school assessment and coaching in Year One, with the opportunity for further support in Year Two. For schools either in the early stages of a head transition or who would like to plan for a future head transition, PEJE is piloting a School Improvement Journey program grant with an emphasis on head transition management and succession planning. A small number of pilot grants will be awarded along with a number of general School Improvement Journey grants.
Pipeline
The focus of the pipeline grant is exclusively on establishing enduring relationships with early childhood education programs for mutual benefit, including increased recruitment and enrollment of students from early childhood education programs into day schools. Grantee schools work with coaches and receive a modest matching cash grant for implementation of a work plan created in consultation with the coach.
New Schools
The new school grant is available to planning groups establishing new Jewish day schools and to existing schools that are ready to add a new division or branch (e.g. a middle school or a high school). The grant funds a coach to work with the board and head of school (if one has been hired) on mutually agreed upon priorities. Grantee schools are also eligible for matching cash grants to help the school with start-up operational expenses. Though considered on a case-by-case basis, typical annual matching cash grants range between $25,000 and $60,000. Elementary school planning groups may also be interested in the PEJE publication From Dream to Reality: A Guide to Planning a New Jewish Day School.