For LPOSD educators
Apply for a PAFE grant
Have an idea that would make learning come alive for your students? Here’s everything you need: key dates, grant types, how proposals are scored, and what happens after you’re funded.
Applications are submitted through Google Forms. Your progress auto-saves for 30 days, and a copy is emailed to you.
2027 grant cycle
Feb 1
Applications open
Mar 1
Applications close
May
Awards announced
Last day of school
Projects completed
June 30
Final evaluations due
Grant types
Find the right grant for your idea
Every request is judged on innovation, creativity, collaboration and impact on student learning.
Teacher Investment Grant
Up to $2,500
Materials, equipment and services for your classroom. Up to $7,500 when two or more teachers apply together. Voluntary, outside-of-class student groups may be included.
School Investment Grant
Up to $10,000
School-wide proposals that test new teaching methods, address student conduct, or improve reading, math and writing, built on collaboration among teachers, staff and administrators.
District Leadership Grant
Up to $2,500
Leadership training and continuing education for principals and teachers, such as seminars that prepare for administrative roles.
Master Class Grant
A modest stipend, plus travel if needed, to bring an expert in the arts, humanities or sciences to Bonner County. Priority goes to programs that pair a lecture, performance or demonstration with intensive student contact.
Special Investment Grant
For great ideas that don’t fit the other categories. Address every award criterion, with special attention to cost-benefit.
Donor-directed awards
Betty Ann Diehl Grant for Music & Arts · Dave & Laurie Wall Grant for Math & Science · Lesley Goffinet Grant for Literature · Glass Slipper Award for Innovation (one project a year).
Not funded: capital improvements (“bricks and mortar”). Projects must be completed within the grant cycle.
How proposals are scored
The 100-point rubric
The Grants Committee scores every proposal on six criteria. Address each one in your application.
30 points
Project purpose & goal
Clarity, purpose, and innovation/impact — and how it connects to PAFE’s mission.
15 points
Student involvement
Number of students, intensity of contact, and a student-centered approach.
15 points
Collaborative model
Teamwork among teachers, among students, and with the community.
15 points
Evaluation plan
Meaningful, measurable, creative and clear.
15 points
Cost-benefit ratio
Longevity, plus cost per student: under $10 earns 10 points, under $50 earns 7, under $200 earns 3.
10 points
Timely completion
A reasonable schedule and your record of meeting deadlines.
Building your budget
- Upload a budget listing each item and how funds will be used.
- List any other funding or in-kind support.
- Technology: include replacement parts and installation.
- Materials: include shipping (estimate 12% if unknown) and taxes.
- Stipends: include benefits and taxes, at the LPOSD extra-duty summer rate. Ask the LPOSD Business Manager for current rates.
After you’re awarded
- No purchases before your PO is approved.
- Start requisitions with your school’s bookkeeper, and write your PAFE grant number on the purchase list.
- April 1: purchase requests for items from more than 30 miles away.
- June 1: last local purchases, and all invoices and packing slips are due.
- June 30: Final Evaluation due. It must be on file before you apply again.
Helpful resources
Before you apply
Past grant awards
See what’s been funded
2026–27 grant awards
The projects PAFE funded for LPOSD classrooms that school year (Word document).
2025–26 grant awards
The projects PAFE funded for LPOSD classrooms that school year (PDF).
2024–25 grant awards
The projects PAFE funded for LPOSD classrooms that school year (Word document).
Good to know
What if my costs change after I’m funded?
If rising prices or enrollment changes make your approved budget inadequate, contact PAFE.
What if I change schools or roles?
You may take the grant to a new assignment within the district if the plan still works. If you leave, another teacher in your building can carry it out. The Grants Committee reviews these requests.
What if I can’t finish the project?
Unused funds return to the grant pool for the next year. Contact PAFE in writing if you can’t serve as Project Director.
Who owns what my grant buys?
Grant purchases belong to the Lake Pend Oreille School District and stay with the school they’re assigned to.
How do I share my project?
Send PAFE photos (with media releases for students), mention PAFE in any publicity, and expect we may reach out for a story you can review first.
Questions? We’re happy to help.
Contact Heather Lowman in the PAFE office at (208) 263-7040. Zoom consultations are available by appointment.
