Right To Learn Grant Guidelines

YouthNoise and Right To Learn will award grants of up to $5,000 to students interested in:

• advocating for a better education at the local, district or state level
• or playing a part in directly improving the education their school provides through the creation of a program or initiative on their campus

Timeline:

• All projects must take place between June 1, 2008 and May 30, 2009. (UPDATED!)
• Applications will be reviewed as they are received, beginning June 1, 2008.
• While there is no deadline, all applications must be received no later than March 1, 2009. (UPDATED!)
  
• Potential applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible for the best chance at funding.

Funding Guidelines:

• All projects and actions must occur in the state of California.
• All projects must aim to have a positive impact on education at the local, district and/or state level.
• All projects must be directly led by youth (ages 13-21).
  • If you are working with other groups (e.g. teachers' unions, PTAs, etc.) on a joint project, please contact us at info@RightToLearnCA.org for more information and additional guidelines.
• Students under the age of 18 must list a non-controlling adult ally on their application who has volunteered to assist as needed. Control of the project, however, should remain in the hands of the youth applicants.
• Grants will not cover salaries or stipends for group participants, teachers or adult allies.
• Groups should not spend more than $15 per participant on food or beverages.
• If groups choose to spend part of their grant on equipment to document their action (digital camera, digital video camera, tapes/memory cards), those expenses should not exceed $500 and groups must provide documentation that any such equipment has been donated to a California public school at the conclusion of the project.

Application Process:

• Students must apply online in groups of two or more at www.RightToLearnCA.org/grants.
• The Right To Learn staff will contact you within 10 business days after an application is submitted.
• Approved grant funding will be issued in the form of a Visa prepaid debit card, which can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted.
  • Note: RTL staff will have access to your purchase history to assure compliance with RTL funding guidelines.
• During all stages of your project, we ask that you keep in close contact with the RTL team on the status of your project either by phone or e-mail.
• Please credit "Funded by YouthNoise Right To Learn Campaign" in any printed materials, signage, etc. that advertises your project or event.
• Upon completion of your project, we ask that you:
  • Send us copies of pictures, digital video, etc. from your event
  • Submit a written report telling us how your event went (less than one page)
  • Submit a post-event summary of expenses
• Any remaining funding must be returned to YouthNoise at the conclusion of your project.