CHEER Grant

Request for Assistance

Caring Help for Education Endeavors by Retirees was formed by Missouri NEA-Retired to be a public service by enhancing the learning conditions of Missouri's children. CHEER provides opportunities for MNEA-Retired members to reach out to public school district employees and provide financial and material resources.

Application Process

  1. Complete the Missouri NEA-Retired CHEER Grant Application form ONLINE using the form below or complete and email it to Olivia.Compton@mnea.org.
  2. Applications must be received by Feb. 1 each year to be considered. Applications received after Feb. 1 will be considered for the following year.
  3. Applications will be reviewed in February each year. Include any specific items to be purchased or expenses to incur, source of purchase and the cost of each item. Applications without adequate descriptions will not be considered. 
  4. Approved applicants and their sponsors will be notified around March 15 of the funds awarded.
  5. The applicant will be expected to make the purchase(s) and provide receipt(s) by May 1 to receive the grant funds.
  6. Sponsors will be expected to deliver the grant check and submit a picture(s) of the presentation to the Missouri NEA-Retired Communications Chair for publicity.
  7. Sponsors and applicants are strongly encouraged to submit photos of students enjoying the project to the Missouri NEA-Retired Communications Chair.

Application Criteria

  1. Applicant must be a current Missouri NEA Active member.
  2. Sponsor must be a current Missouri NEA-Retired member.
  3. Grant application must be complete.
  4. Project description should include specific items to be purchased, costs to be incurred, source of purchase, and the cost of each item to complete the project. Applications without adequate descriptions will not be considered. 
  5. Applicants may be contacted by Missouri NEA-Retired CHEER Chair if the application is unclear or if more information is required. 

Examples of Worthy Projects

  • Workroom renovations.
  • Educator classroom setup needs, school supplies, and teaching tools.
  • Buddy pack supplies such as food, snacks, school supplies, etc.
  • Adopt a library.
  • Field trips.
  • Books, games, and furniture.
  • Support staff needs.

CHEER Grant Application Online Form

Deadline: Feb. 1

CHEER Grants — maximum $400

If a CHEER grant is awarded, funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement to the grant applicant after the item(s) have been purchased or the project has been completed. The applicant will be expected to provide receipts and photos documenting the project. These photos may be used to help publicize the CHEER program. The check will be mailed to the sponsor for delivery to the applicant. 

The project may be celebrated or publicized by MNEA-Retired. (Ex. newspaper, Facebook, Focus, Twitter, Instagram) Please submit pictures of the presentation of the grant funds and the completed project. We also appreciate receiving quotes for our newsletter, including the students’ reactions to the completed project.

We encourage our grant recipients to show their appreciation by sharing their experience with fellow members who may also benefit from a little CHEER! Thank you notes are also appreciated!!

Retiree/Sponsor Contact Information 

(Must be an MNEA-Retired member) 

Sponsor/Retiree Name
Sponsor Address
If the applicant receives a grant, the check will be mailed to this address.

Grant Applicant Contact Information

(Must be an MNEA active member)

Address
School District/Local Association
Grade Level
Previously received a CHEER grant?

 

Project Details

Applications without adequate descriptions may not be considered.

Describe the proposed project you are seeking funds to support. Include these elements: proposed project, rationale for project, items to be purchased OR expenses to incur, source of purchase (vendor or merchant), and the cost of each item. Please use additional paper or attachments if needed. 

(Not to exceed $400)
What items or expenses do you plan on purchasing/incurring for project completion? Please list all items/expenses with the cost of each.
Please list the vendor or merchant that you will purchase the above items from. 

PLEASE NOTE: If a CHEER grant is awarded, funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement to the applicant after the item(s) have been purchased or project has been completed. 

The applicant will be expected to provide receipts and photos documenting the project. These photos may be used to help publicize the CHEER program.