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. These areas include:
- Addressing anti-Black racism
- Addressing anti-Indigenous racism
- Anti-racism
- Equity/anti-oppression
- Food sovereignty
- Human rights
- Mental health and well-being
- Creating safe and inclusive spaces
- Involving parents in early literacy and numeracy.
Please note that the maximum grant amount is $750, and any unused funds will be returned to the Board.
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 are met:
- 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 amount requested by each school for their part in the collaborative project (up to a maximum of $750) is specified in the project description.
- 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
- Create a sense of belonging within the school environment by acknowledging and valuing parents/caregivers' identities and assets.
- 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.
View our Speakers List featuring expert speakers and organizations.
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.
Timeline for the 2023-2024 Application Period
- PRO Application Opens: November 10, 2023
- PRO Application Closes: January 12, 2024
- Final Report Due: June 21, 2024
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the 2023-2024 School Council Parent Reaching Out Grant Application Form by January 12, 2024.
You must be logged into your OCDSB School Council email address ([email protected]) to access the form. Access to these accounts is available to School Council Chairs; if you require assistance with access, please contact your principal. Principals also have access to the PRO Grant application form.
The form will ask for the following information: