Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Organization

• When was AFE started? 1991
• How is AFE different from other organizations that help schools? AFE provides funding to teachers for projects at all 10 of Andover’s public schools.

• Does AFE have any paid staff? No.  We are made up of volunteers.
• I might be interested in joining the AFE Board or helping out in a limited way. How do I contact AFE?  We welcome new board members and people who can help out at events or on small projects. Please contact us at: inforequest@andoverfundforeducation.org

Grants

• Who can apply for an AFE grant? Teachers in the Andover Public Schools
• When are the deadlines? October 15 and February 15
• What is the largest grant AFE has awarded? $1,000
• How many grants does AFE award?    We are prepared to award up to $10,000 (or about 20 grants) during the current school year.
• Will AFE award a grant for a project already completed?  No.  The project should commence or be in progress at least a month after the proposal deadline.
• What tips can you give for writing a successful grant? Read and follow the guidelines. Make sure your proposal supports a project. Make sure that your project is in a core academic area. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the grant proposal readers, who will be checking your proposal against the the key elements of the guidelines.  Keep your proposal to two or three pages, but include everything that is asked for.
• What are some of the common mistakes made in writing an AFE grant proposal? Not reading and following the guidelines. Not including a clear project description. Not including everything that is asked for.

Contributions to AFE

• How can I make a financial contribution to AFE?  We accept donations via PayPal as well as by mail.  Please see Join Us/Support Us.
• Are contributions to AFE tax-deductible? Yes; we are a 501(c)(3) organization.
• Is it possible to leave money to AFE in one’s will or to give AFE stock or donations? Yes -- many people have. Just designate the funds or stock for Andover Fund for Education, 36 Bartlet Street, Andover, MA 01810.
• Is it possible to honor a teacher through a gift to AFE? Yes.  AFE invites you to recognize that outstanding Andover Public School educator through its unique "Honor a Teacher" initiative.  Thank a teacher by making a personalized donation to AFE in that teacher's honor.  The teacher receives a congratulatory card or e-mail message from AFE indicating your name and, if you choose, a short message.  (The amount of the donation remains private.)  You can also contribute to AFE in memory of a teacher or in appreciation of any administrator, staff person, school, or organization. For all the details and information about other ways to support AFE, please see Join Us/Support Us.

Andover Spelling Bee

• When is the next Andover Spelling Bee? The 15th Annual Andover Spelling Bee will take place on Friday, March 30, 2012 at Wood Hill Middle School.  Please join us for a fun-filled evening! 
• Is the Spelling Bee a student or an adult event? The Spelling Bee is made up of adult teams of four.  Team members work together and provide their answer on a white board. The best teams in each round meet in the championship round. The Bee attracts lots of kids and adults who cheer on their favorite team.  Most of the teams wear costumes, as do the students supporting their school team. The Spirit Parade just before the final round allows all to show their team pride and enthusiasm. See a listing of the winning teams since 1998.
• How does a team register? Forms are sent to the schools as well as to previous teams; they are also available by downloading this Registration Form.    

Page Last Modified Fri 12-02-2011 08:41