Fast Track Grants

Fast Track Grants provide funding for programs and initiatives that address emerging needs or require faster access to funds than MSF’s annual Teacher Grants. MSF launched Fast Track Grants in 2024 to ensure that innovative ideas and urgent opportunities can be supported quickly and efficiently.

Key Details:

Applications are accepted twice throughout the school year.
Grants are typically awarded approximately 8 weeks after each application deadline.
Fast Track Grants are generally limited to $2,500, though larger requests may be considered in exceptional cases.
The application consists of two parts: the Grant Application form and the Budget Spreadsheet.
Any District staff member may submit a Fast Track Grant application; however, the co-applicant must be the applicant’s school principal. If the applicant does not report to a school principal, the appropriate supervisor must sign off as co-applicant.

Application

Budget Spreadsheet

Since 2024, MSF has proudly funded 32 Fast Track Grants – an investment of $57,720 — that will spark creativity and enrich learning for students throughout our schools.

View Fast Track Grants

Fast Track Grant Application Overview

The Mamaroneck Schools Foundation (MSF) accepts Fast Track grant applications from District staff to fund smaller-scale projects and initiatives that address emerging needs and enhance the educational experience.

Application Timeline

Round	Submission Deadline	Decision Notification	Funds Available	Use by
1	October 22, 2026	Late November	Mid-December	June 30, 2027
2	March 30, 2027	Late April	Mid-May	December 31, 2027

Submission Deadlines: Multiple cycles throughout the school year (see above)
Funding Available: Approximately 8 weeks after each cycle’s deadline, with funds expected to be used by the end of the school year or as specified by MSF

Eligibility & Guidelines

Each grant application requires one applicant. The co-applicant must be the applicant’s school principal. If the applicant does not report to a school principal, the appropriate supervisor must sign off as co-applicant. All applicants must be district employees.
Fast Track Grants typically fund projects under $2,500; exceptions may be considered in limited circumstances.
There is no limit to the number of grants an applicant may request in a given year. Applicants may also apply for a Teacher Grant in addition to a Fast Track Grant.
Previous MSF grant recipients are welcome and encouraged to apply for grants for new initiatives. MSF generally does not award grants supporting continuation of prior projects.

Approval Requirements

All applications must be reviewed and approved by your school principal or supervisor before submission.
Grantees are responsible to confirm that the requested item/program/training is not already covered by the District’s operating budget.
Some grants may require additional approvals if they involve District facilities, technology, or professional development/teaching tools. These approvals must be secured before submission.

Guidelines and FAQs

MSF Grant Liaisons are available to discuss ideas and answer questions during the grant application process. Our Grant Liaisons previously served on the Grant Selection Committee and are very knowledgeable about the process. We encourage applicants to use this valuable resource!

MSF Grant Liaisons: Marion Goldstein and Bonnie Lin can be reached at msfgrantliaison@mamaroneckschoolsfoundation.org

All costs associated with the grant should be included in the separate Budget Spreadsheet to be submitted with the Grant Application.

When preparing the budget:

Follow District procedures for purchasing. Contact Joel Bobet in Purchasing BEFORE submission to ensure that the District can purchase from the suggested vendor and that the best pricing has been found.
Include appropriate shipping costs. Check with the vendor if this information is not clearly indicated on your price quote.
Obtain a well-vetted, cost-effective price quote. Please be sure to request that price quotes remain valid through July of the following year.
Follow District procedures for conference attendance.

Once you are ready to prepare the budget spreadsheet:

Make a copy of the Budget Spreadsheet, complete and save as a new Google Sheet.
Input budget items directly into the new copy of the spreadsheet. Do not copy and paste from another spreadsheet. Include URLs for items when possible.
You are required to upload a copy of this spreadsheet as part of your application.

Before submitting an application, please be aware that MSF does not fund:

Items that are commonly within the scope of the regular operating budget of the District, including salaries and “standard” furniture.
Refreshments for events and programs.
Any type of prize money or gift, including but not limited to awards for other individuals or organizations.

In addition, Fast Track Grants are generally limited to requests of $2,500 or less. Requests above this amount will only be considered in very limited circumstances.

All grant applications must be reviewed and approved by your school principal or supervisor BEFORE submission. Approval is an automated step in the application process—when you submit your application, it is first sent to your principal or supervisor before reaching MSF. We strongly recommend discussing your proposal with them before submission to ensure support.

Additional approvals may be required for certain grants:

Facility Modifications: Any work involving electrical, plumbing, walls, interior/exterior spaces, or use of facilities outside normal school hours must be approved by the District Director of Facilities.
Professional Development or Teaching Tools: Grants for conferences, consultants, instructional software, or assessments must be approved by the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.
Technology Components: Grants involving technology must be approved by the appropriate Instructional Technology Coach.

If you are unsure whether your grant requires district-level support or coordination—such as projects impacting an entire grade, requiring follow-up purchases, or involving ongoing maintenance—consult the District Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction before submitting.

If your grant proposal includes professional development or staff training, the following costs must be included, if applicable:

Trainer/consultant costs (include daily or flat rate).
Reimbursement costs for each District employee if training will occur outside of contractual hours.
Travel expenses for District staff or consultant/trainer traveling to the District.
Substitute teacher cost (if training is to take place during school hours). District procedures regarding travel and conference attendance must be followed if your grant is for a conference or workshop.

NOTE: Current staff development reimbursement costs should be budgeted at $352/day. This rate includes the approved daily teacher reimbursement as well the cost to the District for benefits (Social Security, Medicare, and TRS pension rates). Substitute teachers should be budgeted at $152/day. These rates may be updated during the grant process if allowable contractual rates increase.

To help you prepare, you may view all application questions in advance here. When you’re ready to apply, your final submission must be completed using the Google Form, linked above.

The GSC is a volunteer committee of the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation that reviews, evaluates, and recommends grants for funding each year. It is made up of members of the MSF’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board, who work together to ensure that all MSF grants align with the Foundation’s mission and benefit our schools.

Sign and fulfill a grant contract, which is a three-way agreement between MSF, the grant recipient and the District. Grant funds must be spent in accordance with the approved budget defined in the contract, unless prior approval from MSF has been provided.
Any unused funds must be returned to MSF.
Once your grant is complete, submit a final report on the grant.
Assist MSF in its efforts to publicize the grants.

“This was such a positive experience for the kids and teachers involved. Matt has a way with kids and he really touched everyone’s heart.”

– Mindy Friedman, recipient of the Kindergarten Sings Their Hearts Out Fast Track Grant