Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant Applications Are Open
School Councils may apply for a grant of up to $750 to support innovative projects and activities to engage parents, caregivers, and guardians while enhancing their capabilities in various areas.
Please note that the maximum grant amount is $750, and any unused funds will be returned to the Board.
These areas include:
- Initiatives to address oppression and anti-Black or anti-Indigenous racism;
- Parent/caregiver engagement supports (e.g. evening conferences);
- Enhanced multi-lingual and technology support (e.g. virtual presentations, online networking);
- Food sovereignty and environment (e.g. hiking, community gardens);
- Mental health and well-being (e.g. workshops on student and family mental health);
- Physical health and wellness;
- Providing targeted resources to meet specific parent needs;
- STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) (e.g. in-person learning nights);
- Online learning software and safety (e.g., cyber-literacy); and
- Literacy or numeracy support for parents to help their children.
Collaborative Projects
Collaborative projects are welcome, but each School Council's allocation remains at a maximum of $750. When submitting collaborative projects, please ensure the following criteria:
- The contact information provided in the application is for the individual representing the School Council.
- The roles and responsibilities of each School Council in the collaborative project are detailed in the project description.
- The project description specifies the amount each school will request for their part in the collaborative project (up to a maximum of $750).
- Funds awarded will be deposited in the School Council's account.
Eligibility Criteria
Projects/initiatives must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Demonstrate commitment to addressing anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, centering the voices of racialized parents/caregivers and elders.
- Provide spaces for the voices of racialized parents/caregivers to address equity, anti-oppression, and human rights.
- Acknowledge and value parents' and caregivers' identities and assets to create a sense of belonging within the school environment.
- Respect parents/caregivers as co-collaborators with teachers by embedding their identities in the curriculum.
- Contribute to raising awareness around local food production and building sustainable skills.
- Enhance affordable local food system control and access to fresh, healthy food.
- Demonstrate a clear and measurable impact on improving mental health outcomes.
- Engage parents and caregivers in early literacy and numeracy.
- Establish safe and inclusive environments that prevent and address bullying and violence.
Eligible initiatives may include activities such as:
- Workshops
- Training sessions
- Information sessions
- Artistic expressions
Ineligible initiatives include:
- Student initiatives
- Staffing initiatives
- Equipment purchases
- Previous year's expenditures
The expected outcomes of these initiatives include:
- Fostering a sense of belonging.
- Raising awareness.
- Enhancing knowledge.
- Improving mental well-being.
- Fostering a supportive home environment for early learning.
PRO Grant Thematic Resources:
We have curated a list of organizations, speakers, and resources that School Councils can connect with to support their PRO Grant events. View the list of resources.
If your School Council is looking for inspiration for a PRO Grant initiative, view some examples of successful projects funded through the PRO Grant during the 2023-2024 school year.
Timeline for the 2024-2025 Application Period:
- PRO Application Opens: November 11, 2024
- PRO Application Closes: January 20, 2025 (deadline extended)
- Final Report Due: June 20, 2025
Application Process:
To apply for the Parents Reaching Out Grant, kindly complete the PRO Grant application. You must be logged into your OCDSB School Council Google Account to access the form. Successful applicants will be notified via email by the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department.
Once selected, councils will receive a link to the reporting form, which must be submitted by June 20, 2025.
Questions
For any questions, please speak with your principal or contact the Family and Community Engagement department at face@ocdsb.ca.