CPAs Helping Schools Grant Program

Purpose: Established in 1991, the CPAs Helping Schools program encourages CPAs to become actively involved with the education of Texas youth.  Dedicated to improving the quality and scope of education Pre-K through grade 12, this initiative offers Houston CPA Society members an opportunity to get actively involved in support of  local schools.

• In their review of requests, the committee will look at a number of factors such as, but not limited to, school socio-economic level, mentor program, ethnic diversity, the number of students impacted by the program (or reuse of purchased materials for future classes), and local community business support in consideration of fund allocation.  The committee also looks at the notation of licensed CPA in a volunteer capacity at the school (may be a parent or community volunteer, employee, district trustee, board member, or other affiliation where the CPA can provide knowledge about the school). 

• The application and requested information should explain the need for the funds and exactly how the school plans to use the funds, if provided.
• Funding requests should be for the educational benefit of the students.  This may include, but is not limited to, books, educational materials and equipment, supplies, and school uniforms.  Other previously funded programs include Smart Boards and accessories, math manipulatives, established reading courses, music instruments, transportation for special activities, after-school activities, science labs, and much more.  The committee focus will be how many students are touched by this program and how many, if any, of the purchased materials can be reused by future classes.

• A funding limit of $5,000 per school year is currently allowed per campus.  Committee will award funds to impact the greatest number of students; funds are seldom awarded for instructor salaries or training.

• Schools receiving funding awards must submit follow-up correspondence, including copies of applicable receipts of items purchased within 30 days of spending the funds for the designated program and permit committee volunteers to visit the school to view the ongoing progress.  Adherence to this requirement will be considered in all future grant applications by school.

• Thank you letters and photos of the project's ongoing progress are appreciated for newsletter publication.  Photos should include the name and title/school position of any photo subject.  Photos of students will not be used in publication unless school acknowledges they have required documents on file.  Student photos may be included in CPAs Helping Schools’ display, at the discretion of the Houston CPA Society, for sponsored membership or continuing education events, or in weekly e-Bulletin to membership.

• Humble ISD campuses must submit grants to district contact, Adrianne Holmes for direct submission to funding agency. Grants may not be submitted direct to the funding agency from campuses.

• Contact Adrianne Holmes at adrianne.holmes@humble.k12.tx.us to get a copy of the mini application emailed to you and to receive technical assistance.

Eligibility: Humble ISD campuses

Amount available per project: $5,000

Deadline for Applications to funding agency : March 31, 2014

To receive the application to begin writing: contact Adrianne Holmes via email at adrianne.holmes@humble.k12.tx.us or by phone at 8141.

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