Mini Grant Education Program






MUSIC EDUCATION MINI-GRANTS 

Guidelines and Application

Spring 



About

The San Diego County Alumnae Chapter (SDCAC) of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is offering mini-grants of up to $250 for TK-12 educators in San Diego County to support high-quality in-school music education.


Eligibility

We accept applications from educators who teach grades TK-12 in a public or charter school in San Diego County. The benefitting program must be a music class or in-school musical ensemble. We do not sponsor extra-curricular ensembles, non-academic music experiences (such as private lessons or community ensembles), or field trips. All purchased materials will belong to the school.


Qualifying Grant Requests

  • instruments, accessories (shoulder pads, mutes, etc.), and instrument storage
  • sheet music, octavos, and music books
  • consumable materials, e.g. reeds, strings, rosin, etc.
  • technology, e.g. tuners, metronomes, or a one-time software or computer application purchase
  • performance attire
  • personnel, e.g. a guest clinician


Non-Qualifying Grant Requests

  • membership fees, registration fees, conference fees
  • field trip costs, e.g. tickets, buses
  • repair or rental of instruments


Application

Please write a narrative (such as a letter) that explains the item/service desired and the need for such materials. Attach a quote, weblink, receipt, or other documentation related to the request (up to $250 including taxes and shipping). Email your narrative along with all pertinent school and teacher contact information to sdcacpresident@gmail.com. A committee will judge applications anonymously (your name/school will not be attached) using a rubric to evaluate the narrative’s thoroughness, rationale or need for items, educational impact, cost-effectiveness, and adequate purchasing information provided.


By applying, applicants agree that, if selected for funding, their name, school, and project information will appear in publicity by the SAI San Diego County Alumnae Chapter. They also agree to provide an update and pictures on the receipt of their proposal items.


How This Works
The SDCAC chapter may purchase the physical item(s) directly, send a check to a school or business, or provide a reimbursement check with a receipt.


Timeline

Application Deadline: April 27, 2025

Notification: May 11, 2025


Spring 2024 Recipients:

Roosevelt Middle School, Vista - Amanda Maldonado, teacher - two flutes and one clarinet

Valhalla High School, El Cajon - Abel Maldonado, teacher - orchestra and band materials

Spring 2023 Recipients:

Grossmont High School, El Cajon - James Villegas, teacher - string sets for violin, viola, and cello

San Marcos Middle School, San Marcos - Juan Aguilar, teacher - 23 clip­-on tuners 

 Spring 2022 Recipients:

Valley Middle School, Carlsbad - Amanda Boer, teacher: electric bass and cable

Valhalla High School, El Cajon - Adam Pezdek, teacher: string sets for violin, viola, and cello

Grossmont High School, El Cajon - James Villegas, teacher: brass mutes and mute corks

Hillsdale Middle School, El Cajon - Monica Disselkoen, teacher: tuners and bow-hold buddies

Spring 2021 Recipients:

Carlsbad High School, Carlsbad - Jessica Allen, teacher: two cajons

San Elijo Middle School, San Marcos - Anastasia Kossler and Shannon McInnis, teachers: eight marimba mallets

Grossmont High School, El Cajon - James Villegas, teacher: a class set of orchestra folios

Serra High School, San Diego - Michael Fiedler, teacher: clarinet and saxophone reeds
Spring 2020 Recipients: not offered due to pandemic

Spring 2019 Recipients:

Hilltop Drive Elementary School, Chula Vista - Ondrya Levitt, teacher: 10 ukulele bags, one band musical arrangement, and trumpet/trombone slide grease
Spring 2018 Recipients: 

Hilltop Drive Elementary School, Chula Vista - Ondrya Levitt, teacher: trumpet stands and clarinet/saxophone reeds

Whitman Elementary School, San Diego - Michael Meza, teacher: 38 recorders

San Pasqual Union School District, San Pasqual - Kim Read-Smith, teacher: 10 keyboard cords for class piano 

Dingeman Elementary School, SanDiego - Garner Saguil, teacher: three two-octave keyboards