TO: Teachers, Area Directors, and Administrators
DATE: Monday, August 24, 2026
FROM: James E. Yapias, Senior Director of Development and Salt Lake Education Foundation
RE: Update: Internal and External Grant Pre-Application Approval Process
Dear Colleagues,
This memo serves as an important reminder that all faculty and staff must use the district’s Grant Pre-Application Approval process before submitting any grant request. This applies to all external grants as well as internal funding opportunities through the Salt Lake Education Foundation. This procedure has been required since April 2018. Note: This does not apply to grants submitted on the Utah Grant portal or federal grants, which continue to require approval from the Business Administrator.
The purpose of this process is to strengthen site and department support, encourage collaboration of resources, and enhance student achievement through a streamlined and coordinated approach. Please submit all proposed grants using the Grant Pre-Application Approval Link: https://apex.slcschools.org/apex/f?p=321.
Utilizing this required process ensures that the district and foundation operate from a clear, shared plan aligned with school improvement goals and community needs. It also allows us to communicate effectively with stakeholders, track reporting requirements, and prevent multiple funding requests that may fatigue our donor base.
Process Overview:
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School administrators will be notified of any grant submission for their department/school and will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide pre-approval.
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The foundation will be notified to ensure compliance with the district’s C-6 Fundraising Policy and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt requirements.
Required Pre-Submission Timeline:
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Approval by impacted schools/departments: 15 business days before the grant application deadline
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Approval by the Foundation Director: 10 business days before the grant application deadline
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All local, state, business/corporate, and foundation grants under $100,000
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Approval by the Business Administrator: 10 business days before the grant application deadline
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All local, state, business/corporate, and foundation grants of $100,000 or more
If you have questions regarding the Grant Pre-Application Approval process, please contact me at James.Yapias@slcschools.org or 801-578-8268.
Thank you for your cooperation and for your continued commitment to supporting our students.
Sincerely,
James E. Yapias
Grant Memorandum Salt Lake Education Foundation
August 24, 2026 Page 2 of 2
406 East 100 South | Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 | Phone: 801.578.8268 | saltlakeeducationfoundation.org
GRANT PRE-APPLICATION APPROVAL GUIDE
Requester: Will auto populate with your name and employee number.
Requester Title/Worksite: Will auto populate with your title and worksite info.
Requester Department: Will auto populate with your department info.
Implementation Site: Where will the program take place?
Name of Grant Opportunity: What is the name of the external funder (external grant) or name of the program for SLEF funding request.
Funding Type: Select local, state, federal, business/corporate, foundation (for SLEF funding requests).
Program Focus: Special Event, Enhancement, After-School, Other
Program Title: What is the name of the program/activity?
Amount Requesting: What is the total dollar amount you are requesting?
Matching Funds: If yes, please list the amount your school or department is contributing in the Program Summary.
Is student data required? If yes, you need to complete a student request form on the information technology website. https://apex.slcschools.org/apex/f?p=151.
Date Grant Application is Due: Enter the date the grant application is due.
Proposed Implementation Date: Enter the date your program/activity starts.
Departments you need support from: Select the department you need support from (e.g., IT, Facility Services, etc.).
Required Support: If you require support from other departments, please detail it here.
Program Summary/detailed budget: Include a brief summary of the program or project for which you are requesting funding. Be sure to include a detailed breakdown of the budget and number of people this request serves.
Contact Information of Funder: For external funding applications, provide the organization’s name, address, phone number, and contact person’s name and email. You will also need to upload a complete copy of your application to the portal.
Salt Lake City School District
