Grants Supporting Inclusive Learning Communities

On this page:

• Purpose of the Grants
• Eligibility Criteria
• How the Grants Are Administered
• How to Apply
• For Further Information

Purpose of the Grants

The Alberta Teachers' Association offers grants of up to $2,000 to help fund innovative projects designed to build inclusive learning communities. An inclusive learning community is a community based on the principles of respect for diversity, equity and human rights. Such communities foster and support the intellectual, social, physical, emotional and spiritual development of each child. Inclusive learning communities are characterized by cooperation, caring and respect. In addition, they are committed to promoting racial harmony; gender equity; First Nations, Métis, and Inuit education; the alleviation of poverty; peace and global education; the prevention of violence; and respect for all people.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants must be active or associate members of the ATA.
2. Projects must meet the following criteria:
   1. Focus on education or communication and advance knowledge, develop skills and foster inclusive behaviour among students, school staffs and the community. Projects might centre on such themes as these:
      • Intercultural education
      • Gender equity
      • Sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics, mental ability, ancestry
      • First Nations, Métis and Inuit education
      • Poverty issues
      • Peace and global education
      • Violence prevention
      • Anti-racism education
   2. Advance the mission of public education by helping students to
      • develop a foundation of learning,
      • become citizens of a democratic society and
      • reach their full potential.
   3. Reflect the principles of diversity, equity and human rights.
   4. Be sustainable and of continuing value to students and/or teachers.
3. Preference will be given to projects in which stakeholders are involved in the planning.
4. Grants will not be awarded for the purpose of (a) sponsoring one-time events that are not linked to a broader action plan and (b) purchasing materials (such as textbooks and capital equipment) or services that can ordinarily be obtained using school funds.

How the Grants Are Administered

1. Projects will be approved for funding by the Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Committee based on how well they meet the criteria outlined above.
2. One-half of the grant will be paid when the grant application is approved.
3. The balance of the grant will be paid after the project has been completed and the recipient has submitted an accounting and evaluation report explaining how well the project achieved its intended outcomes, how effective the implementation process was and how the project might be improved in the future.
4. The ATA retains the copyright and ownership of any materials produced as a result of a grant.

How to Apply

1. Download and fill out an application form.
2. Attach to the application form the following materials:
   1. An overview of the project (maximum 40 words).
   2. A description of the issue being addressed and how it was identified (maximum 100 words).
   3. A list of the goals to be achieved.
   4. A description of the activities that will be undertaken to realize the goals (maximum 200 words).
   5. A detailed time line.
   6. The name of the community groups, schools and/or locals involved in the project.
   7. A budget detailing how the money will be spent.
   8. An explanation of how the project will be assessed (100 words maximum).
3. Mail or deliver the application form and supporting materials to the Alberta Teachers' Association. 

A list of grant recipients is available.

For Further Information