ARISTOS PROGRAM
Background
For ten years, the Aristos Scholars and Grants Program has been funded by the Rennebohm
Foundation in the amount of $750,000. Currently, the program is supported through a $200,000
grant from the Kelly Family Foundation through the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools.
Through the use of these funds, the district created a prestigious group of Aristos Scholars who
form a Think Tank of creative thinkers as well as award funding for innovative grants.
Aristos Scholars Academy
Aristos Scholars are identified through a nomination or self-nomination process. Teachers or
administrators should have a demonstrated record of innovation, project implementation,
successful project evaluation, creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and exhibit a district
perspective and vision. Up to ten Aristos Scholars are selected each spring to form the Aristos
Scholars Academy. The Aristos Scholars Academy is a prestigious MMSD Think Tank in which
members explore district issues. Aristos Scholars are recognized at an annual Celebration
Banquet, serve a three-year term, select future grant recipients, and participate in a two-day retreat
to study educational issues. Go to http://bpaweb.madison.k12.wi.us/grants/aristos_about to
download the nomination materials.
Aristos Grants
See the timeline, checklist, instructions, and application materials for further information.
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2012 Grant Application Timeline
Aristos grant applications are accepted from January 17, 2012 until 4:00 PM, Thursday, March
1, 2012.
The signed original and 12 copies of your application must be received by Rita Applebaum,
132D Doyle Administration Building, by 4:00 PM on Thursday, March 1, 2012.
Applications available on the Grants and Fund
Development Office website and the Foundation for
Madison’s Public Schools website
11-1-11
Online Grant Writers Information and Support
Session
Date TBD, watch your email for more
information
Grant Writers Support Sessions
1-18-12, 3 PM – 5 PM and 2-15-12, 3 PM – 5
PM
During these dates and times, the Aristos mini-grant
manager, Rita Applebaum, will be available via email
(rapplebaum@madison.k12.wi.us or phone 6631655) to answer your questions. You are welcome to
contact her at other times as well, but at these
specific times, she will be available.
Budgets and draft narratives submitted to relevant
personnel (see Instructions, # 3) for review.
2-23-12
NOTE: Budgets and draft narratives submitted for
review after 2-23-12 will not be reviewed.
Respond to questions or concerns regarding budget
review
2-23-12 through 2-29-12
Application Deadline
1-17-12 through 3-1-12
2
2012 Grant Application Checklist
_____ Read and follow the Application Instructions on pages 4 - 8
_____ Complete project narrative (not exceeding 3 pages)
_____ Contact the necessary personnel during proposal development to get sign off on the
proposed budget Note: Budgets and draft narratives must be submitted by 5:00 PM
on February 23, 2012 for review and sign-off.
_____ Complete project budget, including required signatures
_____ Complete cover page, including required signatures by your supervisor (e.g. Principal or
District department head), any significant partners
_____ Deliver the signed original and 12 copies of your completed application to
Rita Applebaum, Room 132D Doyle Administration Building, by 4:00 PM on
Thursday, March 1, 2011.
To get feedback on the appropriateness of your project idea for Aristos funding, please contact Rita
Applebaum, 663-1655 (ph) or at rapplebaum@madison.k12.wi.us.
3
INSTRUCTIONS
ARISTOS MINI-GRANTS
1. Purpose
The grant funds are used to:
 Support grants for innovative projects designed by MMSD teachers or
administrators.
 Create a prestigious group of Aristos Scholars. Individuals selected to be Aristos
Scholars will participate in the Aristos Scholars Academy, a Think Tank exploring
district issues.
The Aristos program discourages applications for projects that have been implemented in the past
in the district or school operating budget. In this regard, in order to provide an accurate answer to
question #1.B in your project narrative, applicants are expected to make a good faith effort to
research this question. A list of previously funded Aristos grants may be found on the Aristos
section of the Grants and Fund Development Office website.
The Aristos program places a premium on creative proposals that offer new, innovative
approaches to a particular educational issue, problem, or opportunity. Thus, while projects such as
Read 180, Peaceful Playgrounds, family literacy nights, and elementary bookrooms have indeed
had significant benefits for our students, the Aristos program will no longer consider them for
funding.
2. Deadline
Only complete grant applications submitted prior to the March 1, 2012, 4:00 PM deadline will be
considered for funding. A complete application consists of the Cover Sheet (with appropriate
signatures), the project narrative (not to exceed 3 pages), and budget (pages 9, 10, 11, and 12
ONLY). Do not submit the timeline, checklist, instructions, or sample budget. Typed, word
processed applications are required. Please consult with your principal/supervisor early in the
proposal development process to ensure that your grant proposal is consistent with district and
School Board policy and that he/she will be comfortable signing the application cover page when
your proposal is ready for submission.
3. Required Review and Signoff Procedure
If your project includes payment to any staff, purchase of computer hardware or software,
purchase of materials or supplies, and/or alterations to a school building or grounds, it must be
reviewed and approved. Food for staff may not be budgeted.
If the proposal includes….
payment to staff*
contact….
June Glennon, Employment
Manager, Human Resources. If
you are unable to reach June
Glennon, you may contact Heidi
Tepp.
at….
663-1867,
jglennon@madison.k12.wi.us
computer hardware or software
William Smojver, Director of
Technical Services
663-5430,
wsmojver@madison.k12.wi.us
alterations to buildings or
grounds
John Finnemore, Director of
Building Services
204-7909,
jfinnemore@madison.k12.wi.us
supplies, equipment, or
purchased services
Mary Teppo, Director of
Administrative Services
663-5931,
mteppo@madison.k12.wi.us
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663-1742,
htepp@madison.k12.wi.us
The budget and a draft of the narrative must be submitted to the required personnel by
February 23, 2012 to allow sufficient time for them to review the budgets and for you to
address any issues before the March 1, 2012 deadline. Approval is indicated by the appropriate
staff member signing off on the signature spaces provided on the application budget form OR
submission of a hard copy of an email showing communication between you and the required
person with his/her approval of the intended use of grant funds.
* Use $19/hr for extended employment. This includes salary (range of $11/hr to $18.17/hr
depending on years of service) and fringe benefits (Wisconsin Retirement System contribution and
federal Social Security/Medicare taxes, about 20% of the hourly rate). You will receive $11/hr to
$18.17/hr depending on your years of service and whether or not the work includes student
contact. These rates are set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between MMSD and Madison
Teachers, Incorporated (MTI).
4. Eligible Applicants
Previously-selected Aristos Scholars and previous Aristos grant recipients are not eligible to apply
for new grants. All other MMSD teachers and administrators are eligible to apply for either a
grant or selection to the Aristos Scholars Academy. Other staff members are welcome to be part of
your project team but may not be the team leader.
5. Grant Types and Amounts
The Aristos Scholars Program will provide funding to support new, creative initiatives to increase
student success. Up to $10,000 will be awarded to support project implementation.
Grant Criteria:
The project must have a single author and:
Be a new, unique initiative
Detail an effective implementation strategy
Clearly define the purpose, rationale and target population
Exhibit project sustainability and replication
Grant Application Components:
Innovative, unique, or creative features
Purpose, rationale, and target population
Implementation plan/anticipated outcomes
Evaluation plan
Sustainability/replicability
6. Project Period
Funding is provided for projects to be conducted and completed during the 2012-13 school year.
Funding for approved projects will be available beginning July 1, 2012. If multiple funding sources
are required for successful completion of your project, release of your Aristos grant will be
contingent on (a) your securing the necessary additional funds, or (b) negotiating a scaled-down
project budget and design with Aristos Director, Rita Applebaum.
7. Award Announcements
Grant awards are expected to be announced in May.
8. Review Process
a) Grant proposals are judged by the Aristos Scholars, MMSD retirees, and others.
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b) The rubric below is used to score your proposal with the following scoring system:
9-8-7 More than Acceptable
6-5-4 Acceptable
3-2-1 Less than Acceptable
Be sure to address these criteria directly in your project narrative and budget.
1.
Innovative, unique, and creative (25%)
In what ways does this project address a need in a new, creative/innovative fashion?
Ratings
Benchmarks
9
8
7
The project has never been done before in MMSD; a new project; the idea is new; the
project is unique; implementation and activities are unique; a new twist or approach.
6
5
4
3
2
1
The project is similar to district initiatives; project supplements a current district
initiative.
The project is a replication an existing project in the district.
2. Purpose, rationale and target population (25%)
What needs will this project address? Who is the project intended to benefit? What is the
estimated number of students, staff and/or families who will benefit from the project?
Ratings
Benchmarks
9
8
7
The purpose, rationale, and target population are clearly defined and compelling; the
need is clearly identified; the project promotes one or more of the aspects of the
Framework: engagement, learning, and relationships.
6
5
4
3
2
1
The project is not a high leverage project for a large number of students OR there are
a small number of students reaping great rewards.
The project is more of a luxury than a necessity; a need has not been established
3. Implementation Plan (20%)
How will the project meet the needs identified with goals, objectives and activities?
Ratings
Benchmarks
9
8
7
The goals and objectives are clearly defined and measurable and focus on the
project’s outcomes; activities include timeframe, target dates, person responsible for
conducting the activity, start and end dates.
6
5
4
The goals and objectives are established but the activities wouldn’t lead to the
anticipated outcome; there is a lack of correlation (relationship) between the activities,
goals, and outcomes.
6
3
2
1
The goals and objectives are imprecise with little or no detail; activities lack
implementation clarity
4. Evaluation Plan (20%)
Describe how progress toward each of the project objectives will be assessed.
Ratings
Benchmarks
9
8
7
The evaluation plan is clearly linked to the goals and measurable objectives; it includes
valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative measurements; and ongoing systematic
monitoring of progress towards goals and objectives.
6
5
4
The evaluation is incomplete; some goals and objectives are evaluated and measured
or choice of evaluation tools is poor for what they’re trying to measure.
3
2
1
The evaluation is either missing or does not connect with the goals and objectives
established in the grant
5. Sustainability and Replicability (10%)
What is your strategy for sustaining this project after the grant period has ended? If not
sustainable, what is the project’s potential impact beyond the grant period? What is the
potential for replicating this project in the Madison Metropolitan School District?
Ratings
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Benchmarks
The strategy for sustaining the project after the grant has ended is clearly stated. The
potential for replicating the project is evident.
It’s either sustainable or replicable
It is neither sustainable nor replicable
Percent of Score
Innovative, unique, and creative……………………………………………………………… 25%
Purpose, rationale, and target population are clearly defined and compelling…………. 25%
How will the project meet the needs identified with goals, objectives and activities? …. 20%
The project evaluation plan is linked to the goals and measurable objectives………….. 20%
The plan to sustain the project is clearly presented and the potential for replicating the
project is evident. ……………………………………………………………………………… 10%
100%
c) Applicants will be notified of final funding decisions in May 2012.
9. Project Evaluation
All grant recipients must submit a project evaluation following grant implementation. Forms and
due dates will be provided to you well in advance of the deadline.
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10. Applying to Multiple Funders
Applicants are encouraged to apply to multiple mini-grant funding sources, and to document these
other applications in Part II of the budget page, since grantseeking is a highly speculative process
with no guarantee of success. Do know that our mini-grant managers consult each other and, from
time to time, make collaborative decisions in order to fund a project they like but which no single
funder can fully support. Our MMSD mini-grant program managers, and indeed funders
everywhere, will also see this as an indication of an applicant’s commitment to their project.
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ARISTOS GRANT PROGRAM
APPLICATION COVER PAGE
2012-13
Project Title:
Project Leader:
(single author only; must be a teacher or administrator)
Project Leader’s b#: b_______________
Project Leader’s Title:
School/Department:
Amount Requested:
Project Abstract
(Please limit to 50 words)
Signature of Project Leader, Supervisor and Partners
In addition to signing below, the Project Leader must secure their supervisor’s signature (e.g.
Principal or district department head) below. Also, if a non-MMSD partner (e.g. consultants,
colleges, community-based agencies) will play a significant role in your project, an authorized
administrator from each one should sign below. (Use additional sheets if necessary.) Please note
that by signing below, you authorize the district to share your proposal as a model – if it is funded
by Aristos – with other staff in future years. Note to Principal/Supervisor: By signing below, you
are indicating your comfort with the project described in this application, including its consistency
with Board of Education and district policies.
________________________________________
Project Leader Signature
________________________________________
Supervisor Signature
________________________________________
Outside Partner Signature
__________
Date
__________
Date
__________
Date
Return 12 copies of the completed Grant Application to Rita Applebaum,
132D Doyle Administration Building, by 4:00 PM on Thursday, March 1, 2012.
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Aristos Project Narrative
2012-13
1. Innovative, unique, and creative – 25%
A. In what ways does this project address a need in a new, creative/innovative fashion?
B. Has this project previously received support from the district or school operating budget? If so, in what
year(s) and approximately how much per year?
2. Purpose, rationale and target population – 25%
A. What needs will this project address? Who is the project intended to benefit? What is the estimated number
of students, staff and/or families who will benefit from the project?
3. Implementation Plan – 20%: Explain how the project will meet the needs identified above by providing the
following.
A. Goals and Objectives: List the specific goals and objectives of the project. The objectives should be clearly
stated, measurable, and focus on the project’s desired outcomes.
B. Activities: Explain how the project will achieve these aims by describing the activities that will be
implemented for each of the goals/objectives listed. For each activity, please include (i) its start and end
dates, and (ii) the lead person(s) responsible for conducting the activity.
C. Funding Level Impact: If the funder supports your project at a lower level than you request, what impact
would that have on the feasibility/integrity of your project plan? Please note that a thoughtful, forthright
answer to this question may help you gain at least partial funding for your project when you might otherwise
receive none.)
4. Evaluation Plan – 20%:
A. Describe how progress toward each of the project objectives will be assessed. Evaluation methods should
be clearly related to these objectives.
5. Sustainability and Replicability – 10%
A. What is your strategy for sustaining this project after the grant period has ended? If not sustainable, what
lasting impact will the project have (beyond the grant period) on the quality of education that MMSD delivers?
What is the potential for replicating this project elsewhere in the District?
Reminders

Carefully read and follow the instructions.

Prepare your project narrative by answering questions 1 – 5 above. State each question and
write your response beneath it. Limit: 3 pages.

All applications must be word-processed. No hand-written applications accepted.
10
Project Budget
Part I: Line Item Budget
A. Budget Item and Cost Formula
B. Purpose/Activity
Estimated Cost
C. Aristos
Funds
Requested
1. Extended Employment (includes fringes)
Use $19/hr for extended employment. This
includes salary (range of $11/hr to $18.17/hr
depending on years of service) and fringe
benefits (Wisconsin Retirement System
contribution and federal Social
Security/Medicare taxes, about 20% of the
hourly rate).
SIGNATURE, HR EMPLOYMENT MANAGER:
______________________________________________
2. Substitute Teachers Salary and Fringes
Use $216/day x # of sub days needed
3. Other Salaries/Fringes (Position, # of staff &
duration)
SIGNATURE, HR EMPLOYMENT MANAGER:
______________________________________________
4. Capital Items: Equipment over $5000 (List
individually with cost)
.
SIGNATURE, TECHNICAL SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
SIGNATURE, BUILDING SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
SIGNATURE, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
5. Non-Capital Items (materials, supplies,
books, manipulatives, food, etc.) (List
individually with estimated cost)
SIGNATURE, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
6. Purchased Services (transportation, hiring a
person or group to do a performance/workshop
with students or to conduct professional
development with staff, etc.)
SIGNATURE, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
7. Conferences (registration, food per diem @
$35/day in state, $40/day out of state, lodging,
mileage for staff)
8. Total Project Budget
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D. Other Funds
Requested or
Secured
(Complete Part II
below)
E. Total
Funds
Part II: Detail on Other Funds Requested or Secured
Instructions: Please complete the following chart to identify the sources from which you have secured, or are
seeking, the “other” funds you need to complete your project (shown in Column D in Part I above). To indicate
the status of each alternate funding source request, place an “X” in the appropriate box in column C, D, or E. For
each source from which funding has not yet been secured, please indicate the expected decision date in column F.
Be sure that your bottom-line total in column B below is equal to or greater than the total on line 8, column
D, in Part I above.
A.
Alternate Funding Source
B.
Amount
Requested
C.
Approved
Status of Funding Request
D. Application
E. Application F. Expected Application
to be Submitted
Submitted
Decision Date
TOTAL







Reminders
Use the format provided above for all budget information.
Budget items must be clearly described and linked to project activities.
Double check your numbers for accuracy.
Complete the budget page, including all required signatures. The budget and a draft of
the narrative must be submitted to the appropriate staff by February 23, 2012 to allow
sufficient time for budget review and approval.
All budgets must be word-processed. No hand-written budgets accepted.
Food for staff may NOT be budgeted.
A sample (completed) budget appears on pages 13 and 14 for your reference. Please
use the blank template rather than the sample to complete your budget.
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SAMPLE Budget
Part I: Line Item Budget
A. Budget Item and Cost Formula
B. Purpose/Activity
Estimated Cost
C. Aristos
Funds
Requested
D. Other Funds
Requested or
Secured
(Complete Part
II below)
E. Total
Funds
1. Extended Employment and Fringe Benefits
3 teachers @ 6 hours each: 3 X 6 = 18 hours X
15/hr = $270
1 teacher @ 3 hrs/week x 13 wks x $11/hr =
$430
SIGNATURE, HR EMPLOYMENT MANAGER: June Glennon
–sample, actual signatures or hard copy of email required as
described in the instructions
Curriculum
development
$700
$430
$270
MSCR after-school
club leader
2. Substitute Teachers Salary and Fringes
Use $216/day x # of sub days needed
2 teachers released 1 day each: 2 X 1 = 2 days
X $216/day = $432)
Teacher staff
development related to
project work
$432
$432
3. Other Salaries/Fringes (Position, # of staff &
duration)
Salary: 0.1 FTE @ $50,000 = $5,000; Fringes
(@30% = $1,500)
Project Coordinator
$6,500
$6,500
SIGNATURE, HR EMPLOYMENT MANAGER: June Glennon
–sample, actual signatures or hard copy of email required as
described in the instructions
4. Capital Items: Equipment over $5000 (List
individually with cost)
SIGNATURE, TECHNICAL SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
SIGNATURE, BUILDING SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
SIGNATURE, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
5. Non-Capital Items (materials, supplies,
books, manipulatives, food, etc.) (List
individually with estimated cost)
Supplies: paper, games, books, videotapes
Food: 6 sessions @ $50/session
SIGNATURE, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
Parent involvement
materials
6 parent meetings at
school
$550
$300
$850
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6. Purchased Services (transportation, hiring a
person or group to do a performance/workshop
with students or to conduct professional
development with staff, etc.)
Contracted Service: Artist in residence @ $100
per session X 6 sessions
Artist in Residence 6
sessions at school
$600
$600
$2,152
$9,082
SIGNATURE, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR:
_______________________________________________
7. Conferences (registration, food per diem @
$35/day in state, $40/day out of state, lodging,
mileage for staff)
8. Total Project Budget
$6,930
Part II: Detail on Other Funds Requested or Secured
Instructions: Please complete the following chart to identify the sources from which you have
secured, or are seeking, the “other” funds you need to complete your project (shown in Column D in
Part I above). To indicate the status of each alternate funding source request, place an “X” in the
appropriate box in column C, D, or E. For each source from which funding has not yet been secured,
please indicate the expected decision date in column F. Be sure that your bottom-line total in
column B below is equal to or greater than the total on line 8, column D, in Part I above.
A.
Alternate Funding
Source
1. Capital Times Kids
Fund
2. Dane County Youth
Commission
3. PTO
4. Optimist Club –
Madison Northeast
TOTAL
B.
Amount
Requested
C.
Approved
$1,500
Status of Funding Request
D. Application E. Application
F. Expected
to be
Submitted
Application Decision
Submitted
Date
X
3/1/12
$2,020
$500
$500
X
3/1/12
X
X
1/15/12
$4,520
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