Grants

About FIRE Foundation Partner School Grants

They cycle for applying for a Partner School or Spark School Grant opens in January of each year, with notifications occurring the first week of March. All institutions interested in applying for a Partner or Spark School Grant must be invited to apply. For information on all FIRE Partner School Programs, please contact FIRE Executive Director Molly Fisher at molly@firefoundation.org.

To apply for a Special Off Cycle Grant please see the criteria listed below, and email your request directly to Executive Director, Molly Fisher at molly@firefoundation.org

Partner School Grants

Catholic schools located within the boundaries of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph that are planning to enroll a child who has a significant intellectual / developmental disability or learning difference will be invited to apply for a FIRE grant when specific criteria are met:

  • Ability to demonstrates the commitment of the school Principal, Faculty, and Parish Pastor to inclusive education, and evidence of the commitment of the community of parents to advocate for FIRE’s mission.
  • The school has appropriate educational staff, plan, and support for the student(s) being included.
  • The school will host a page or section on their website dedicated to Inclusive Catholic Education in the school, and include a link to the FIRE Foundation website.

FIRE Grants may be used to fund:

Assistance for salaries of Para Educators;
Assistance for salaries of Special Education Teachers;
Professional Development on Inclusive Education; and
Learning Materials, Technology and Equipment

Spark School Program

Spark Schools are additional Catholic schools that receive a small monetary grant from FIRE Foundation restricted to staff professional development, and are actively preparing to welcome students with significant needs into their school. These schools will actively engage in meaningful professional development in partnership with FIRE Foundation and will engage in community building alongside our Partner Schools. To inquire about FIRE’s Spark School Program, 

Parents seeking a partner school

For parents interested in helping their Catholic school include their child with exceptionalities, please contact your school principal to request a meeting to express your desire for your child to attend your parish school. Parents are encouraged to provide any appropriate information to the principal including diagnosis, contact information of child’s current school, educational plans, etc., to assist the school in determining what resources will be needed to meet the specific needs of your child. Then reach out to FIRE to discuss becoming a SPARK School to prepare that institution to welcome your child.

Special Grants

Special Grants are off-cycle grants made outside the typical grant cycle. Applicants must be a full partner school or a spark school to be eligible.

A total of $2,500 of funding is available per quarter from FIRE Foundation for Special Grants. Requests can range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $2,500.

While applicants can apply multiple times, each school may be awarded only one special grant during each fiscal year.

Special Grants may be used to fund:

  • Technology
  • PD & Training for faculty and staff
  • Direct support services to students