At the beginning of 2019, DEF introduced two funding cycles: Fall and Spring; and a new three-step process to apply for one of our four grant types.  The three-step process includes a Letter of Inquiry, Grant Application, and Post-Grant Evaluation.

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As we align with curricular changes occurring within School District 9-R, we are focusing more on innovation in relation to performance indicators as set within each school.  We define innovation as providing a new and/or different perspective about how educators teach and students learn in regards to the resources and opportunities funded outside a regular school budget. 

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We are working diligently to make our application process as seamless and simple as possible. Changes to our application include a fully automated system for electronic-only submissions and a ONE-step submission process.  Applicants will no longer be required to submit their applications to both School District 9-R and DEF.  We will do the work for you! Applicants will now submit through the DEF Application Process, in which your application will be pushed to the appropriate 9-R departments by DEF.