All SELCO branches will be closed Monday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Account access will still be available through digital banking. 

SPARK! Creative Learning Grants in the community

Applying for a Creative Educator Grant

Eligibility requirements 

Grants are open to all K–12 educators across the 27 Oregon counties SELCO serves. 

Application tips 

  • The most memorable projects will stick with students for years to come. Tell us how yours will make a long-lasting impact. 
  • We want our funding to have a major effect on your project. If your project will cost more than $2,500, please tell us the source of the remaining funds. (In rare instances, we may provide additional funds if they would support project longevity.) 
  • We’ll pay for equipment and supplies, such as iPads, calculators, or art materials as long they’re part of a larger project. 
  • Funds cannot be used to pay for food, prizes, field trips, or salaries. 
  • Don’t forget to keep your principal in the loop by getting their approval of your project proposal before applying. 

Scoring criteria 

Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate creativity and innovation in the classroom. We review each application with an eye to the following: 

  • Project creativity and originality: Does this project approach a lesson in a unique or interesting way? Is this project something that will create a lasting memory for students? 
  • Proposal clarity: Is it clear what the project hopes to accomplish and how it will reach students? Is the program budget well defined? 
  • Number of students affected: How many students will benefit? Will this project run for multiple years? 
  • Potential to develop a targeted skill: Does the project aim to develop or deepen a specific skill or set of skills? Are the goals and scope clearly defined and achievable?  
  • Supporting impact and diversity: How many students will benefit from this program in the grant year? Will this program run for multiple years?  

Have additional questions? 

We’d love to hear from you. Email stepsup@selco.org and we’ll be in touch soon.