Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

last updated 9/4/07

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 in a limited way. Who should I contact?  We welcome new board members and people who can help out at events or in small projects. Please contact any of the AFE Board members or the AFE Secretary.

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 commense 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 having a clear project described in the proposal. Not including everything that is asked for.

Contributing to AFE

• How can I make a financial contribution to AFE? Use the downloadable form which you will find at Join Us/Support Us.
• Are contributions to AFE tax deductible? Yes, we are a 501c3 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, the teacher is sent a special letter from us saying that a gift to AFE has been given in the teacher's name. For all the details and information about other ways to support AFE, please see Join Us/Support Us.

Spelling Bee

• When is the Andover Spelling Bee? The11th Annual Andover Spelling Bee will be held at Wood Hill Middle School at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2008
• Is the Spelling Bee a student or adult event? The Spelling Bee in made up of adult teams of four who write 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 in support of their 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, to previous teams, and are also available by downloading this 2007 Spelling Bee Registration, Ad, and Sponsor Form
• How can I sponsor or support the tournament? All the information on sponsoring the tournament and advertising in the program book is on the
  2007 Spelling Bee Registration, Ad, and Sponsor Form

Page Last Modified Wed 09-05-2007 10:55