All grant paperwork for 2016-17 is now available. There are minor changes to the MERA request paperwork, and to the approval process of grants this year.
Your failure to comply with these changes will result in your inability to receive grant funding.
Some of the significant changes are listed below, but it is your responsibility to read the entire grant request and grant preparation guide.
Grant requests will be denied if incomplete or instructions are not followed.
All grant requests must be submitted via email for review within 10 calendar days of your designation date (or from this release date if you have already renewed or moved). Failure to do so will result in delay of your grant approval and/or will affect your ability to receive grant funding.
Your request will be reviewed in the order in which it is received by your specialist, as long as your STAR level has already been renewed for 2016-17. The initial review may take up to a week due to their visits, meetings, and other grant reviews, so you may not hear back from them immediately.
Please take special note of the following changes:
- All grant requests must be submitted electronically, using pages A, B, & E of the MERA request document, and the Budget request workbook.
- Item requests are now broken out by age group and category.You will list the 5 highest dollar items per category per age group.
- Bonuses & ERA requests should be listed on the appropriate tabs of the Budget request workbook. They will carry over to the Budget request tab. Pages C & D on the request do not need completed
- Bonus and Benefit polices must be included in your Personnel Policy manual. We will request a copy if you are requesting these items.
- Merit amounts have changed and are noted in the Award Structure. Tiered reimbursement & ERA amounts remain the same.
Also included in this email is a Sample version of the the MERA request document. There are important reminders highlighted, as well as sample items included to show you how to fill out the request. Let us know if you have any questions, or need additional support.
Grant Preparation Guide
Best Practices in STARS Financial Award Spending
Pro-rated Award Scenarios
Award Structure Overview
Sample MERA - Do not use this sample to request funds
MERA Request Centers & Groups
MERA Request Family Providers
Budget Request workbook - Attachment #1
MERA Receipt Tracking Chart
If you do not have Microsoft Office (Word & Excel), you can request this software on your Merit, as you will need that to complete your request.
Upcoming Grant Meetings
These are informational meetings held by Specialists to answer your grant questions and assist you with completing your grant request.
Lancaster – October 13th 1-3pm – – Penn State Cooperative Ext Office, 1383 Arcadia Rd. Lancaster (Specialists: Jenn W & Alyssa H)
Carlisle - October 19th 10-12 - Panera Bread Carlisle (Specialist: Christina)
Harrisburg – October 19th 1-3pm – CAECTI, 2001 N Front St. Harrisburg (Specialists: Corrie & Alyssa)
York - November 2nd 9:30-11:30 - Panera on Carlisle Rd. York (Carrie & Jen)
RSVP to Stephanie at [email protected].
