BUILDING ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY FOR INNOVATIVE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Innovative school models in Chicago are providing new opportunities for Chicago’s families and students as well as new challenges for the educators, administrators, and community leaders who start them. Since 1997, the Chicago Public Schools system has been providing educators and community leaders the opportunity to open charter and/or contract schools. These schools are allowed more autonomy in exchange for increased contractual accountability. This new model requires school leaders to be more entrepreneurial. The Foundation invests in not-for-profit public schools and other organizations that provide support, training and services so that these innovative schools have strong business and academic foundations. Efforts could include, but are not limited to:
- Providing back office support or establishing a charter management office
- Training and recruiting professionals to serve on school Boards of Directors
- Providing strategic business counseling or leadership training to school’s administrative staff and/or the Board of Directors
- Improving the skills of teachers and principals
- Improving business practices at a school or schools through management assistance grants (MAS)
PROVIDING MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE TO INNOVATIVE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS (MAS)
grants are provided to a specific Chicago public charter, contract, or performance school that is interested in strengthening the school’s organizational structure and capacity. Grant requests should not exceed $25,000 per project.
MAS funds are available to help schools to:
- Strengthen executive and board leadership
- Undertake strategic planning and assessment
- Improve financial management and stability
- Improve human resources, compliance and accountability practices
- Create a communication, marketing, or evaluation plan
PROMOTING PHYSICAL FITNESS FOR CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Rates of childhood obesity and related illnesses have increased drastically over the past decade. Schools need to become part of the solution. The Foundation funds projects that encourage and support Chicago public charters or contract schools to create physically active learning environments. Efforts should be comprehensive and have additional funding sources. Grants will be considered for:
- Initiating, expanding, and improving physical education and health programs during or after school
- Providing one-time expenditures for equipment and facilities to be used for fitness purposes
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