Technology-Based Remediation RFP

Technology-based remediation involves integrating computer-based and/or multimedia applications into a course of study designed to improve the academic achievement of students performing below grade level. These technologies are employed to facilitate a course of remedial instruction designed to assist students in improving their performance to grade level standards.

Integrating technology into a course of academic remediation requires a commitment to selecting and procuring tools appropriate to addressing clearly identified needs; providing classroom personnel with adequate training to use these tools effectively; providing a reliable and robust technical infrastructure; and assessing the tools’ effectiveness on an on-going basis.

Through this request for proposals, the Tower Foundation seeks to assist schools and school districts in implementing technology-based academic remediation programs for students in grades K-8. Specifically, the Tower Foundation seeks to provide schools and school districts with the technology resources and training required to provide enhanced remedial education services to students who are performing below grade level in core academic subjects (including, but not limited to, English language arts and mathematics).

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible organizations:

Public and diocesan school districts
Private and charter schools with 501(c)(3) classifications
Tax-exempt organizations operating schools with 501(c)(3) classification from the Internal Revenue Service that are neither private foundations nor described as 509(a)(3) organizations

Geographic restrictions – eligible organizations must be located within the following geographic areas:

Massachusetts:

Barnstable County

Dukes County

Essex County

Nantucket County

New York:

Erie County

Niagara County

Organizations, school districts, and schools that received an award in 2009 should contact Foundation staff for eligibility determination.

Grant Awards

Grants of up to $100,000 are available. Each grant will be for a two-year time period, with grant payments made on an annual basis. Multiple awards may be made in each of the geographic areas served by the Foundation.

Grant awards will differ considerably. Factors used to determine the amount of a grant award include, but are not limited to: the scope of the project, the number of individuals trained, and the number of students affected.

Successful applicants are required to provide a cash contribution equal to 10 percent for each item requested.

Use of Grant Funds

In general, the Foundation will provide funds for the incremental costs that are associated with the implementation of technology-based remediation programs at the classroom or building level. Incremental costs are defined as costs that are new to the organization as a result of this project. For the most part, grant funds are intended to be used for:

computer hardware essential to implementing the program
computer software essential to implementing the program
multimedia equipment essential to implementing the program
assessment materials
external trainers and/or consultants
training materials
staff release time and substitutes for training or professional development associated with the implementation of the technology-based remediation project
teacher stipends for out-of-school time training directly associated with the implementation of the technology-based remediation project

Please note that grants through this RFP do not provide funds for existing personnel expense or the hiring of new staff.

Grant money may not be used:

for the private benefit of any grant recipient or affiliated person
for individual scholarships
for research
to attempt to influence legislation
to attempt to influence or intervene in any political campaign
for endowment or capital campaigns

Application Procedure

This RFP has a two-step application process:

Submission of a brief pre-application.
Submission of a full proposal, if requested.

The Foundation accepts one pre-application from each organization per RFP cycle. Pre-applications must follow the attached format and may not exceed five pages. The pre-application must be signed by the organization’s executive director, superintendent, or headmaster.

Please note that diocesan schools must make application through the local central diocesan education department.

To be considered for a grant through this RFP, pre-applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on January 20, 2010.

E-mailed or faxed copies are not accepted.

Send pre-application to:

Glenda M. Cadwallader
Executive Director
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation
2351 North Forest Road
Getzville, NY 14068-1225

All pre-applications are reviewed to determine if the Foundation wishes to pursue a full proposal. Applicants will be notified by February 10, 2010 of the result of this review. A request for a full proposal should not be interpreted as an indication of likely support. The deadline for a full proposal, if requested, is March 31, 2010. Requests for full proposals are made at the sole discretion of the Foundation.

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.

RFP Contact Information

For more information about this RFP, please contact:

Glenda M. Cadwallader
Executive Director
(716) 689-0370 Ext. 204
gmc@thetowerfoundation.org

Donald Matteson
Senior Program Officer
(716) 689-0370 Ext. 207
dwm@thetowerfoundation.org

Download the PDF Version of the Pre-Application

2010 School-Based Request for Proposals
Technology-Based Remediation

Pre-Application Face Sheet

Total Amount Requested:

Legal Name of Organization Applying:^*

*Should be the same as on IRS determination letter and as supplied on IRS form 990

^3.

^Address:

Contact Person:*

^Title:

*should be a person with detailed knowledge of the project.

^5.

^{Telephone Number:}

^(_____)

^6.

^{Fax Number:}

^(_____)

^7.

^{E-mail Address:}

^8.

^{Web Site:}

^9.

^{Organization’s Annual Operating Budget:}

^10.

^{Anticipated Project Start and End Dates:}

^From:

^To:

^11.

^{Organization’s Superintendent/Headmaster/Executive Director}

^Name:

^Signature:

^Date:

⇒ Please note: signature must be in blue ink.

2010 School-Based Request for Proposals

Pre-Application - Technology-Based Remediation (page 2 of 2)

Please Note: Pre-Applications may not exceed five pages (not including attachments).

I. Organizational Information (approximately one page)

A. Provide information about your school or school district, including the communities served and student demographics.

B. Identify all other technology-based remediation programs currently used by students in your school or school district.

II. Project Description (approximately 1-2 pages)

A. Provide a brief description of your proposed project.

B. Identify the number of students who will benefit annually.

III. Project Rationale (approximately 1-2 pages)

A. Describe how your proposed project will result in improved student outcomes.

B. State the student outcomes in measurable terms (i.e., from what to what).

IV. Proposed Preliminary Budget (does not count against page maximum)

A. Provide a preliminary budget, including the dollar amount requested and a brief description of how funds will be used. (Please note
that your school or school district will be required to provide a 10% cash match for each item requested.)

V. Attachment (does not count against page maximum)

A. Attach information describing the technology-based remediation program/tool that you wish to implement including the network/system requirements.

Glenda M. Cadwallader
Executive Director
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation
2351 North Forest Road
Getzville, NY 14068-1225

*** The 2010 School-Based Request for Proposals / Technology-Based Remediation is now closed. ***

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