Grant Info

Applications for the 2025 round of grants are now closed. 

The Rotary Club of Sebastopol strives to enrich the learning experiences and skills of West Sonoma County students through the Mark Sell Rotary Teacher Grant Program (MSRTG).  The grants fund a multitude of class and school projects. Grant requests from $50 to $700 are accepted the day after Labor Day through September 30th. Final selection of the Grant requests and distribution of checks are issued in the month of October. The Grant projects must be completed by the end of the school year. If you have a project that you would like to see incorporated into your class or school that will enrich your students’ learning and skills, please consider applying for a Mark Sell Rotary Teacher Grant. With a little effort and time, you can make it happen
 
Who Is Mark Sell?
In the early 2000’s, the late Mark Sell, co-owner of Sebastopol Hardware, noticed more teachers in his store purchasing classroom supplies out of their own pockets.  One such teacher was the late Sally Briggs, a respected art teacher at Analy High School, and the wife of Rotarian Scott Briggs.  After several conversations with Sally Briggs and other teachers, Mark Sell came up with an idea to help teachers via the Rotary Club of Sebastopol.  Mark developed the Teacher Grants Program.  Co-founded in 2002 through today, the program has given out 1,313 grants, totaling $433,693 to teachers to help fund projects and programs for their students in West Sonoma County.  Sadly, Mark Sell passed away in 2017 but his legacy lives and continues to thrive.
 
 
 
Funds for Mark Sell Rotary Teacher Grant Program are raised at the Rotary Club of Sebastopol’s  Crab Feed.  Every February, people from all over West Sonoma County and beyond gather to feast on some of the freshest crab.  Live music, a full bar, a silent auction, delicious food, and attentive service makes this popular event a sellout each year!  Check out the Rotary Club of Sebastopol website for details about the Crab Feed.
 
 
 
Application Guidelines:
The following is information and guidelines for preparing an application that has the best chance of being funded:
  • Grant applications are accepted from public and tax-exempt private schools located within the West Sonoma County Union High School District boundaries.  Private schools who have never submitted a grant application to Sebastopol Rotary must submit a copy of an IRS determination letter documenting tax-exempt status with the grant application.
  • Applications must be submitted using the online application form posted on the Rotary Club of Sebastopol website.  You will receive an email of confirmation upon receipt of application.
  • Grant requests focusing on basic core skills including reading, writing, math, science, history, social studies, physical education, career-technical education, the Arts, as well as, field trips, social-emotional learning, guest presenters that enrich the students’ learning and educational experiences, equipment that will benefit students over multiple years will be considered.  Funding will not be provided for religious education.
  • Grants requested may be from $50 to a maximum of $700 and must be used within the school year. 
  • Keep your grant request short and succinct.  Tell us what you want, the cost, and how it will impact and enrich the students’ learning.  Be sure to specify the number of students that will benefit from the grant. 
  • Be specific with exact price, taxes, shipping charges, other anticipated charges, and where bought.  If your grant request will not cover the full amount, please tell us how you will cover the remaining costs.  (You may wish to attach a picture to help the Rotary grants committee better visualize what you are requesting.)
  • Teachers need to share their MSRTG application and funding request with their school principal or site administrator to keep her/him informed of their needs and plans for their classroom.
  • In filling out the application, use your school’s mailing address, not your home address.  We will send a single check to each school for the total amount awarded to teachers at a particular school.  Funds are then disbursed by the school administration.
 
The Rotary of Sebastopol requests that any teacher who receives a MSRTG submit evidence that their project was successfully completed and how it impacted the students’ learning.  Photos, newspaper articles, social medica submitted by teachers acknowledging the Mark Sell Rotary Teacher Grants Program would be greatly appreciated.
 
 
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