For information on MDE-LIO's scholarships, visit the Scholarships page.
Mini-Grant Criteria
Mini-grants are available for eligible district programs, up to $2,000 per fiscal year. Programs must include students who:
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Meet the definition of having a visual impairment, including DeafBlindness, as defined in the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education.
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R 340.1708 Visual impairment explained; determination
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R 340.1717 DeafBlindness defined; determination
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Are eligible for financial need as demonstrated by a Bridge Card or proof of eligibility for free/reduced school lunch. No exceptions will be made.
Maximum Funding Amount
The maximum funding per district is $2,000 per fiscal year. For each district, MDE-LIO allows one mini-grant per fiscal year (October 1-September 30). The number of available grants varies each year and are awarded first come, first served. If more than one teacher from a district would like to apply, the maximum amount of funds must remain within the $2,000 limit per district. No exceptions will be made.
Application Process
The MDE-LIO mini-grant coordinator works with you at every step to ensure proper reimbursement upon the completion of your program.
Submit an Application
- Fax or mail in a Mini-Grant Application [PDF]. Please include ALL of the following:
- An implementation plan, including expected outcomes of the program.
- The name and Unique Identification Code (UIC) for each student who will be served.
- Proof of financial need (copy of current Bridge Card or qualification materials for free/reduced meals).
- Verification of each student’s eligibility in the area of visual impairment (upon request only).
- A complete budget, indicating the activities that will be paid for by the grant.
Receive Notification
- MDE-LIO reviews and scores applications as they are received.
- Applicants are notified of a decision within six weeks of receiving the application.
Implement the Program
- Provide the program as specified in your grant application.
- Pay all expenses up-front and keep all itemized receipts for reimbursement.
Submit a Final Report
Write and submit a written report, including the outcomes of the program, when the program is over. MDE-LIO must receive this report before we can complete your reimbursement.
Reimbursement Procedure
- Submit itemized receipt(s) to MDE-LIO.
- Provide a short article highlighting your event (picture(s) optional; a photo release is required).
- The photo release form is located on the last page of the Mini-Grant Application Packet.
- MDE-LIO will reimburse the district for the full amount awarded, up to $2,000. For each district, MDE-LIO allows one mini-grant per fiscal year (October 1-September 30).
Effective Practices
A clear implementation plan must be included with the application. Proposals should include:
- Established best practices or innovative ideas.
- Research and data to support the effectiveness of the implementation plan and practices.
Expected Outcomes
Applications must include the expected outcomes of the program. Outcomes must:
- Positively impact the students and families.
- Meet a documented need for students.
- Help students access the general education curriculum or achieve goals in the expanded core curriculum.
For questions regarding MDE-LIO mini-grants, please contact Melissa Salyer at 517-241-9844.