Frequently Asked Questions
If a grant was approved, is there any way that the money could be directed to the school instead of me individually?
Which grant funds can be administered through a school or institution?
Why give grants only to NCTM members or member schools?
What are the odds of getting a grant? How many applications are received per category?
What is your strongest advice for a teacher who has never applied for or written a grant before?
Is there a grant focused towards developmental mathematics students in community colleges?
What are some examples of projects/proposals that are funded?
If I apply for the Future Leader's Annual meeting award, does this mean I cannot apply for teacher development grants?
Is it possible to apply for and be awarded a grant in the Summer cycle and again in the Winter cycle?
If I apply for more than one funding opportunity, is there a way to list a preference on which grant I want the most?
How long after application are awardees notified? When is funding disbursed?
If a grant was approved, is there any way that the money could be directed to the school instead of me individually?
See the Application Information document to determine if the
grant you are interested in is designated as an Individual Award or an
Organizational Award. Individual Awards such as scholarships are paid directly to
individuals. For organizational awards, the primary applicant may indicate an
organization to receive and administer the finances of the grant when applying
for the grant. If the primary applicant chooses to accept the funds directly,
they are responsible for reporting this award to the IRS on their personal tax
return. A form 1099 will be sent to these grant recipients paid directly at the
end of the calendar year. If you have any questions about your own income tax
liability, you should contact the Internal Revenue Service or your tax counsel.
These sources can advise a recipient on the proper way to report project or
program expenses.
Which grant funds can be administered through a school or institution?
In general, the grants which are not scholarships can be administered
through a school or institution. See the Application Information document to determine
if the grant you are interested in is designated as an Individual Award or an
Organizational Award.
Why give grants only to NCTM members or member schools?
MET is a part of the NCTM and encourages NCTM membership for all mathematics educators. MET policies and donor requirements dictate who may receive funds. All funding opportunities except The Designing Innovative Lessons and Activities for Mathematics Teaching Grant require NCTM membership.
What are the odds of getting a grant? How many applications are received per category?
The odds vary based on the quality and number of applications submitted. The number of applications received vary by grant category and year. What we tell all applicants is that your chances are greatest if you follow the guidelines and communicate clearly and with passion. Have a well thought out plan. Detail activities (what, who, how and why) and anticipated outcomes (on you as a teachers, your students, your school, your district….) Tell us, in a compelling way, why it's important that your project, plan, or program be funded at this time. Have someone review your proposal. Edit and revise for clarity. Note: we do not fund grants that do not meet the quality and completion requirements of the MET Board.
What is your strongest advice for a teacher who has never applied for or written a grant before?
Read the grant descriptions and requirements carefully and thoughtfully, have a good reviewer look over your proposal, and don't let the fact that you've never applied or written a grant proposal before deter you from applying.
Is there a grant focused towards developmental mathematics students in community colleges?
At this time there are no grants specific to the community college classroom.
What are some examples of projects/proposals that are funded?
We post abstracts online of funded projects and this is the best way to get a sense of what has been funded in the past. These abstracts are published as examples of what was funded and are NOT meant to limit applicants from submitting other ideas or plans.
If I apply for the Future Leader's Annual meeting award, does this mean I cannot apply for teacher development grants?
In general, a person can apply for more than one grant, but a person can only receive one grant, scholarship, or award in any given cycle.
Is it possible to apply for and be awarded a grant in the Summer cycle and again in the Winter cycle?
Yes, it would be possible to win a grant in both cycles, but not the same grant more than once.
If I apply for more than one funding opportunity, is there a way to list a preference on which grant I want the most?
No. It is best to choose and focus your attention on the one you really want.
How long after application are awardees notified? When is funding disbursed?
Winter Cycle (November deadline): Applicants receive an acknowledgement on receipt of application. In February, applicants receive notification as to whether or not their proposals were selected to be funded. Early May, grant recipients receive first installment of grant funds. On completion of recipients program or project and submission of final report and expenses, recipient receives final installment of grant funds.
Summer Cycle (May deadline): Applicants receive an acknowledgement on receipt of application. In July, applicants receive notification as to whether or not their proposals were selected to be funded. Early August, grant recipients receive first installment of grant funds. On completion of recipients program or project and submission of final report and expenses, recipient receives final installment of grant funds.