The Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation is proud to offer a NEW opportunity for the 2024-25 school year through a Pinnacle Grant.

While our PEAK Classroom Grants are intended to support individual classrooms and smaller projects, this grant is intended to make a larger impact for a building, program and/or department.

LSEF will award one grant up to $12,500.

Who Can Apply: LSR7 staff with innovative ideas that address large-scale needs or opportunities, benefit multiple grade-levels or teams, and foster positive change across your school or department are eligible to apply. This includes curriculum specialists, department heads, administrators, teachers, etc.. 

How to Apply:

  • Click Here to visit our grant platform

  • Enter the access code that was provided via email

    (Contact Chrissy Symes at chrissy.symes@lsr7.net if you do not have the code)

  • Partner with your direct supervisor to develop a project idea that addresses a need or opportunity within your organization or school.

  • Complete & submit your application. You will be asked to upload a budget and provide your direct supervisor’s contact information for their endorsement.

When to Apply: Application must be submitted by February 20th.

FAQ’s for the Pinnacle Grant:

Who can apply for the Pinnacle Grant? Any LSR7 teacher, administrator, or staff member may apply.

How many Pinnacle Grants will be awarded this school year? One Pinnacle Grant up to $12,500 will be awarded.

What types of projects are eligible?
The Pinnacle Grant is designed for large-scale projects that have a broad and lasting impact. Eligible projects should extend beyond the classroom and benefit a large group such as entire schools, departments, or the broader school community. These projects should align with school or district goals and address opportunities or significant needs that affect a wide audience.

How is the Pinnacle Grant different from a PEAK Classroom grant?
The Pinnacle Grant supports large-scale initiatives with broader impact, while the PEAK Classroom Grant focuses on smaller, classroom or school specific projects.

Are there extra steps for this application compared to the PEAK Classroom grants? Yes, the Pinnacle Grant application includes additional steps due to the larger scope and funding amount. These steps include:

  • Collaborating with a Supervisor prior to submitting an application: Applicants must work closely with their direct supervisor during the project development phase.

  • Securing a Supervisor’s Endorsement: A formal endorsement from the supervisor is required to confirm their support and alignment with building or district goals. This is part of the application and instructions are within the application.

How will my application be evaluated?

Application Process

Round 1:
Step 1: Pre-application: Applicants partner with their direct supervisor to develop a project idea that addresses a need or opportunity within the organization or school. This phase ensures the project is well-thought-out, feasible, and aligned with your building or department's priorities.(The supervisor will complete a portion of the application to express their endorsement of the application.) The next step is to prepare the application for submission.

Step 2: Application

1. Complete and submit Application by Thursday, February 20, 2025 by 11:59 PM.

2. Supervisor Endorsement Deadline: Sunday, March 2, 2025 by 11:59 PM. Applications must include a Supervisor/Building Principal endorsement, as detailed on the application. After submission of the application and the endorsement, LSEF will forward them to a member of the Superintendent Leadership Team (SLT) for approval.

3. Top applicants will be notified by March 24, 2025, and invited to present in Round 2.

Round 2: 

Presentation to the LSEF Board of Directors and Advisory Board

Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 - 7:30-9:00 am at SLC

Format:

5-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A

Presentations should highlight the request and the potential impact of the project. You are welcome to use a slideshow or video during the presentation. Those will be due by April 17.

Final Selection: The LSEF Board of Directors and Advisory Board will choose the recipient based on the strength of the proposal and the presentation. The recipient of the Pinnacle Grant will be announced in May 2025.

What if I have more questions? Email Chrissy Symes at chrissy.symes@lsr7.net