Grant Information!!! 2008 Competition Closed on May 16, 2008

2007 LEAPs Annual Report and Grantee List

Grantee Corner

Frequently Asked Questions (2008)

Web Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Links

Grant Writing Tips (Power Point)

Tennessee School Safety Center

Tennessee Lottery

Office of School Safety and Learning Support
Mike Herrmann, Executive Director
710 James Robertson Parkway
5th Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Phone: (615) 741-3248
Fax: (615) 532-6638

Frequently Asked Questions (LEAPs)

Since each site is required to offer services for an average of 15 hrs., can sites be combined for 6 hrs. on Saturdays?

This may be a good idea as a way to collaborate and meet the requirement for the 15 hrs.  Each site may complete the 15 hrs. requirement anyway it chooses, just as long as services are provided during the required timeframe and all program priorities are addressed.

What happens if parents are not willing to provide transportation?

All sites must have a safe plan for transporting students.  This plan may include transportation expenses such as gas, insurance cost, driver salary, lease payments etc.  It may not include the purchasing a vehicles for transportation.  You may not prohibit any child, who qualifies, from participating because of a lack of transportation.

Who monitors meeting childcare guidelines and the number of hours offered?

If you are a Faith Based or Community Based agency you will be monitored by the Dept. of Human Services.  If you are a school/school district, you will be monitored by the Dept. of Education.  CBOs/FBOs should contact DHS to start the process and discuss hour requirements.  Schools/Districts will be contacted by a Dept. of Ed School-Aged Child Care Monitor to begin the process and discuss hours of service.  However, all applicants are required to adhere to state childcare guidelines.

How are holidays incorporated with the required hours?

That depends on how you choose to operate your program; the statute regarding this program requires that programs provide services every day that school is in session.  However, you might want to consider a flexible schedule (before-school, weekends, holidays) to complete the required 15hrs per week.

Are bonus points given to students beyond the 50% guideline?

No bonus points are awarded with this grant, however, proposals that have 80% or higher in the eligible participants criteria will be given additional consideration.

What is meant by leisure opportunities?

Leisure opportunities are those activities that one might consider as “thinking sports”.  This could include activities such as knitting, quilting, chess, checkers, backgammon, etc.

Is transportation included in the 15 hrs?

Yes, the transporting of students is included as part of the required services offered.

Are there bonus points for programs offering more than 15 hrs of service?

No bonus points are awarded with this grant.

How do you know what to ask for in case of low enrollment?

Applicants may request funding in the range of $5.00 - $7.50 per student, per day for the number of days of service being provided.  The best way to figure what to ask for is to review your records and calculate the amount it costs to provide the activities you want/need to offer.

 What is the average salary range for budgeting?

Based on previously funded projects, average lead teacher salaries range approximately $15-20 per hour and teacher assistants $7-10 per hour.

How much notice is given for continued or subsequent year funding?

These are one year grants and are subject to available funding.  Funding is based on 100% of unclaimed lottery prize winnings.  The amount of funding available from year-to-year will not be known before the final Lottery Board report of funding in June.

Is there a limit to be budgeted for community workers to assist with students?

You may use any number of volunteers to tutor as you see fit.  If you choose to pay your tutors you may want to examine how you are using funds wisely.   Based on previously funded proposals, minimum wage seems to be the average rate of pay.

Can after school programs collaborate with child care programs?

Partnerships and collaborations are highly recommended to help provide all the required academic components for the LEAPs grant.

What are indirect cost items?

Indirect cost items are those matters that it takes to keep your program operating. An example is that you may use a facility that is not owned by your organization, you may utilize the indirect cost percentage to pay a portion of the lights and telephone service.

Can the budget be edited after the proposal is approved?

The budget will more than likely be adjusted once an approval is awarded for funding.  However, once the final budget is approved, you would need to abide by that budget and contractual language.  Budget changes will require approval of the state department contact and must stay within the amount approved in the contract.

Should the timeline include the student selection process?

The timeline may include your process and procedures for student selection, but the most important item to show on the timeline is the date you plan to begin providing services to students.

 Can students be paid a stipend?

Students may not be paid a stipend, but you would be allowed to offer small incentives as rewards for student improvement (i.e.- gift certificates, books, school supplies).