Read Conmigo School Impact Grant

Usage Guidelines

Eligible Uses

The following are eligible uses of Read Conmigo School Impact Grant funds:

School Resource and Technology Improvement

Examples of eligible uses:

• Bilingual library enhancements
• Software and device upgrades for dual-language education
• Bilingual STEM educational tools

Eligible expenses may include books, library shelving and storage, software, educational resource subscriptions/purchases, tablets, computers, interactive smart boards, STEM-related materials, educational games, manipulatives, sensory tools, flexible seating, and resources for project-based learning initiatives.

Instructional Support and Professional Development

Examples of eligible uses:

• Dual-language curriculum and instructional material development/acquisition
• Expansion of existing dual-language programs
• Bilingual educator training, workshops, and conferences

Eligible expenses may include curriculum, instructional materials, workshops, training, speaker fees, conference registration, and conference travel and lodging.

Community and Cultural Engagement

Examples of eligible uses:

• School-wide bilingual events (e.g., assemblies, literacy fairs, and cultural celebrations)
• Family engagement initiatives supporting dual-language education
• Dual-language art, dance, music, and theatre programs
• Cultural or educational field trips enhancing bilingual understanding

Eligible expenses may include family take-home resource kits, instruments, assembly expenses, speaker honorariums, art supplies, performance costumes, field trip transportation costs, and entrance fees to local museums and cultural centers.

Ineligible Uses

The following are not eligible uses of the grant funds:

• General operations
• Capital projects or facility maintenance
• Endowments
• Fundraising events or similar activities
• Religious or political projects
• Salaries, staff stipends, and/or substitute teacher costs
• Gift cards
• Personal use
• Education research
• Field trips to amusement parks
• General, non-project-based classroom supplies (e.g., pencils, pens, paper, etc.)
• Communication materials (e.g., school promotional materials, newsletters, etc.)
• School uniforms or school spirit attire
• Summer projects
• Non-bilingual program club activities

Grant Conditions

Principals of schools awarded the Read Conmigo School Impact Grant agree to the following:

1. Use of Funds: Grant funds must be used in alignment with the approved application and budget.

Note: Using funds in a way that does not align with the approved application and budget, or without prior written approval from The Kemper Foundation, is considered misuse of funds. Such actions may require principals to immediately return the misused funds and could result in disqualification from future grant opportunities.

2. Budget Revisions: Any budget changes require prior approval from The Kemper Foundation, which can be requested by contacting readconmigo@thekemperfoundation.org. Revision requests are subject to the discretion of The Kemper Foundation. Grant funds may not be spent on revisions without written approval.
3. Fund Expenditure Deadline: All grant funds must be expended by December 31 of the awarded year, unless designated for a time-specific event (e.g., field trips, school events, or professional development).
4. Grant Impact Report: Principals must submit a Grant Impact Report by June 1 following the end of the school year in which the grant was awarded. For example, if the grant is awarded for the 2026-2027 school year, the report will be due by June 1, 2027. The Kemper Foundation will send a reminder 30 days before the due date.
5. Documentation of Expenditures: Principals must retain and submit all itemized receipts and vendor invoices related to grant expenditures with the Grant Impact Report. Submitted receipts must total $10,000.
6. School Allocation: Funds are allocated to the school and remain with the school regardless of changes in leadership.