Tips for Applying

Funding Guidelines:

The Foundation aims to be a funding partner, not the sole funder, to ensure the project's future success. We value transparency and shared responsibility.

Strong Budget Criteria:

  • Aligns requested items with project goals; all items are essential for success

  • Lists of other funding sources, including school or district contributions, to show broad support and sustainability.

What We Do Not Fund:

To ensure our funding remains focused on direct programmatic impact, MHJF does not provide grants for the following:

  • Capital improvements or construction

  • Indirect costs, overhead, or fringe benefits

  • Endowment or capital campaigns

  • Facility fees

  • Storage units

Expenses Considered Only as Part of a Project:

The Foundation may consider funding the following only when they are integral components of a broader, aligned project. These items will not be funded as stand-alone requests:

  • Travel expenses

  • School bus transportation

  • Field trips or admission fees

  • Incentives

  • Curriculum writing

  • Time or stipends for participating in staff development

  • School supplies

  • Refreshments or food

  • Awards

  • T-shirts or promotional materials

  • Technology

  • Equipment

  • Books

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how these costs directly support project goals and advance teaching, learning, or public education.

If you have additional questions or need help accessing the grants management system, please contact us at grantsmanager@mhjf.org