It’s a tradition in teaching to reach into your own pocket to cover classroom supplies and those fun ‘extras’ that make learning memorable. Educational grants can help. From pencils to white boards to field trips, these grants can offset your expenses and, in some cases, boost your school’s budget.
Unlike other types of funding, grants do not have to be repaid. Most grants require an application, and a report on how the money was spent. Some can be competitive. If you meet the criteria and the deadline, however, you’re on your way to earning free money.
We did a deep dive to discover some of the best and most innovative grants for educators, both on the national and state levels. Here’s what we found.
National
Colibri Special Project Grant
Up to $5,000
These grants fund projects that significantly advance student learning and create engaging student experiences. Grants are for grades K-12 in public schools. Please note however: these grants do not fund textbooks for schoolwide use, technology or A/V equipment, travel, admission fees, or field trips.
Dollar General offers youth literacy grants to help students below grade level. The grants can be used to implement new or expand existing literacy programs, purchase new technology to support literacy initiatives, or to buy books, materials, or software.
The Supply a Teacher program seeks to provide necessary resources for teachers in underserved schools. These grants are open to teachers at schools where 50% or more of students qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Applications are accepted year-round.
NEA Student Success Grants are meant to elevate and improve student development through project-based learning in public schools. Funds may be used for materials, equipment, transportation, or technology. To be eligible for this grant, you must be a member of the NEA.
Grants are available for PreK through 9th grade teachers to purchase and maintain small animals in the classroom. There is also a Dogs in the Classroom program that supports animal-assisted therapy.
These grants are for project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and math. Note however that the Foundation does not fund computers, laptops, or tablets.
Voya funds innovative projects for K-12 classrooms, both public and private. Project areas span the curriculum, and include history, social sciences, psychology, economics, political science, career technical education, English, music, art, physical education, nutrition, and wellness.
Each quarter, the ASBA awards grants to enhance PreK-12 classroom learning. Teachers must describe how the project will impact student achievement and how it reflects the priorities of their district. Grant winners must attend a board meeting where they will be recognized.
This organization provides funds for teachers to use in their classrooms however they like. There also are local CalRTA divisions that offer direct support for local schools.
PACE Classroom Grants may be used for a variety of projects and materials, including but not limited to books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials. Awards are competitive and PACE members are given preference.
These grants are for PreK-12 teachers in Idaho. The funding is to be used for specific and innovative educational classroom projects and school programs. Projects should enhance the state or district curriculum for the grade level.
These grants cover physical improvements, material needs, professional development, and community engagement. Applicants must be a K-12 public or nonprofit private school in Casey’s 16-state footprint, which includes Kansas. Submissions are due in the fall and awarded in the spring.
These grants may be used for a variety of projects and materials, including but not limited to books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials. Awards are competitive, and preference is given to members of the Kansas Association of American Educators.
These grants are designed to help students meet basic, urgent, and immediate needs so they can succeed in school. Importantly, these needs must be unmet by any other source. California Casualty has proudly worked with the Oregon Education Association (OEA) as their exclusive auto & home provider since 1974, and regularly donates to the Foundation.
This funding is available for Wyoming educator professional development, and can include attending workshops or seminars, hosting events or activities, purchasing materials for use in the classroom or out-of-school educational settings, continuing education, and other related activities.
The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant was established to provide support for K-12 public schools negatively impacted by reduced budgets. To apply for this grant, you must be a member of an education association that partners with California Casualty. Learn more at the link below.
This namesake program was established 2010 based on California Casualty Chairman, Emeritus Tom Brown’s belief that lessons learned through athletics – teamwork, trust, communication, and confidence – translate in the classroom and beyond. The program is open to middle and high school employees who are members of participating education association. Learn more and apply using the link below.
Do you have a grant that’s not mentioned here? Share it with your colleagues in the comments.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
You may have your eye on that new PlayStation for your nephew. But the holidays are also a great time to buy other big-ticket items from washing machines to kitchen appliances and even cars. That’s when many will go on sale.
If you’re looking to save this season, follow these tips for how to score bigger purchases for less, and how to save for everyone on your list.
The Best Times to Buy
You can usually find the best deals on Black Friday and on Cyber Monday—the Friday and Monday, respectively, following Thanksgiving. These are the times that many items go on sale. (See the next section for specific items.) Similar sales will be found on other major holidays, including New Year’s Day, President’s Day/Weekend, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. Small Business Saturday, a relatively new celebration, occurs the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Super Saturday, the Saturday before Christmas, often is a good time for last-minute deals. Finally, Amazon Prime Day and similar days from other retailers can offer substantial savings. That’s good for your budget.
In addition to holiday sales, off-season purchases can save you plenty. Buying an air conditioner at the end of summer, or a snow blower after winter is done, can be cost-effective. You’ll just have to wait until the next season to use it.
Holiday Sales
Some items take center stage during the fall and winter holiday season. These are often popular gift items, but not always. Bankrate reports that December is the best time to make these purchases:
Household appliances: New appliance models typically come out in November. That means sales start on last year’s models to make way for the new ones. This includes washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, blenders, toasters, vacuums, humidifiers, carpet cleaners, and more.
Technology: November and December are great times to buy smart devices, tablets, smart watches, and computers, which often go on sale this time of year. Save even more by buying the previous version after the new one comes out.
Exercise equipment: December is a popular time to buy exercise equipment, with January coming in at a close second. Companies often have sales on home workout equipment, from treadmills and ellipticals to rowing machines and exercise bikes, starting Black Friday.
Security cameras: Prices are known to drop on these essential devices just around the time that thieves become active—during holidays. That’s when companies try to get rid of older models to make way for new ones, and often offer discounts.
Toys and games: Retailers start discounting toys and games close to the holidays so that they won’t be stuck with too much stock. However, popular toys sell out fast, so you may need to pay full price to get one.
New vehicles: Car prices drop at the end of the year as salespeople push to make their quotas. The best time to buy a new car is October through January 1. If you miss that window, May is when the new models start coming and dealers look to get rid of older stock.
More Ways to Save
Whether you’re buying a big-ticket item or a meaningful, smaller gift, use these tips to save even more.
Compare prices of an item at various retailers before you buy it. Use apps like Honey and PriceGrabber.
If shopping online, look for free shipping. There’s a free shipping day in mid-December, and many retailers participate.
Many stores offer discount codes during the holiday season and additional discounts for teachers, students, veterans, military families, seniors, nurses, and first responders. Look for or ask about discounts that apply to you.
Don’t wait until the last minute. You will tend to overspend due to the stress of getting something.
Looking for extra cash for holiday gifts?
Some insurance companies allow you to skip payments around the holidays. At California Casualty, you have the option to skip your auto insurance payment for two whole months. (You also have this option to skip in the summer.) Ask your agent for details.
Happy holidays from all of us at California Casualty!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Insurance policies may seem like they’re written in another language. Yet it’s important to understand the terms so you can get the most out of your coverage. Here’s a quick tutorial on deductibles and what they mean for your auto and home insurance.
What is a deductible?
Simply put, a deductible is the amount of money that you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Generally, your insurer deducts the deductible amount from the payment that they make on your claim. You can find the deductible listed on the declarations page, which is the front page of your policy.
Example: If the cost of a repair is $1,500 and your deductible is $500, insurance will cover $1,000.
Unlike health insurance deductibles, you do not have to reach an annual amount in an auto or home policy before insurance will pay. Each time you file a claim, there is a deductible (if it applies). One exception is the state of Florida where hurricane deductibles are once per season.
High vs. Low Deductibles
You select your deductible from a range of choices provided by your insurer. If you choose a lower deductible, that means your insurer will need to cover more in the event of a claim, which will raise the cost of your policy. If you choose a higher deductible, you’re willing to cover more of the cost in a claim, and that will lower your premium.
Lower deductible = Higher insurance premium
Higher deductible = Lower insurance premium
It’s important to note that you will have to pay the deductible if a loss occurs in a car accident, even if you think the other driver is at fault.
You may think twice about filing a claim for a damage amount that is close to your deductible. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and repairs are $1,250, it may not be worth it. You’d be responsible for the bulk of the repairs, and by filing a claim, your rates may go up when you renew. See our blog about when you need to file a claim and when you don’t.
There are different types of coverage available to you for your vehicle. Some may be mandated by your state or your lender, and others are optional. Not all coverages carry a deductible.
The following coverages include a deductible, and you may choose a different deductible amount for each one:
Collision: This coverage kicks in when you collide with another car or object.
Comprehensive: This coverage is for damage from other causes such as hitting a deer or having a tree fall on your car.
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): This coverage is for property damage from accidents with another driver who is uninsured and at fault. UMPD may or may not have a deductible; it depends on the state and the type of loss. (Uninsured motorist coverage, which is different than UMPD, does not have a deductible.)
Personal injury protection (PIP): This coverage pays for medical expenses regardless of who is at fault.
Pro Tip: Being able to set a deductible for each type of coverage allows you to assess the likelihood of your needing that coverage. For example, if you live in the country and might be more likely to encounter a deer than another car, you can lower the deductible for comprehensive and raise the deductible for collision.
There is auto coverage that does not carry a deductible, and that’s liability coverage. With liability coverage:
If you are at fault: You hit another car and cause property damage and/or driver injuries. Your liability covers the damage to the other driver and his/her car without requiring a deductible. However, your own collision policy pays for damage to your car, which would come with a deductible.
If someone else is at fault: Another driver hits your car and/or injures you. Their insurance will pay for damages and medical expenses. There are no deductibles.
Your insurer can provide quotes for different levels of deductibles and work with you to determine the best coverage for your budget.
Homeowner’s Policies and Deductibles
Whether you’re buying a new home, or you’ve owned yours for years, your homeowner’s policy protects your investment. Costs vary by location, age of home, construction type, number of bathrooms, and many other factors.
With homeowner’s insurance, there are generally three choices for deductibles:
Flat deductibles: You would choose a fixed dollar amount, such as $1,000. That is the amount you would pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.
Percentage deductibles: You would choose percentage of your Coverage A limit. If your policy covers your home at $300,000, and you choose a 2% deductible, you would be responsible for 2% of $300,000 or $6,000.
Peril-specific deductible option: You could have a flat deductible amount and then carry a different one specifically for wind/hail losses.
There are coverages under your home insurance that do not carry a deductible. These include Scheduled Personal Property (SPP) Coverage, Coverage E: Personal Liability, and Coverage F: Medical Payments to Others.
Scheduled personal property (SPP) Coverage is for items that have higher values above your personal property coverage limits. This includes heirlooms, watches, jewelry, instruments, furs, or anything about which you are especially concerned such as a special guitar. (Musical instruments for example do not have a contractual limit but you will want to schedule an instrument that is special to you.) SPP offers much broader coverage for your precious items – if you lose a set of earrings, they are covered; if a diamond falls out of a ring, or if a guitar falls off a shelf and gets stepped on, they’re covered. There is no deductible if the covered items are stolen, lost, or damaged. Insurance pays the lowest of the four options: repair, replace, actual cash value or the amount of insurance.
Personal Liability protects you if a claim is made or a suit brought against you for bodily injury or property damage caused by an occurrence to which coverage applies. These are expenses paid to third parties for their injuries and damages. Liability covers you at your place or anywhere in the world. If you are found liable, the policy will pay up to its limit of liability for damages for which an insured is legally liable. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring. The policy also provides a defense in court, if needed, for the policyholder. This is at the insurance company’s own expense.
Insurance may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Your agent can answer any questions you may have. Contact your insurer to find out more about protecting your most valuable possessions.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Maybe you got married—or divorced. Perhaps a nanny moved in, or your son or daughter moved out. When major life changes like this happen, it’s time to look at your insurance policy. If you need to add or remove someone, here’s what you need to know.
Who must be listed on your policy?
Car Insurance
For car insurance, you must list all people in your household. Your list will include family members but also a roommate, relative or nanny who lives with you. They are added because they live with you, not because they drive your car. It varies from state to state but you may be able to exclude those individuals who won’t drive your car.
Excluded from rating: If a person meets underwriting guidelines and has coverage elsewhere, they will be listed on the policy but excluded from a rating. That means no premium will be charged for them.
Excluded from coverage: If the person has an unacceptable driving record, they will not meet underwriting guidelines and will be excluded from coverage. A signed document is usually required.
Some states do not allow you to exclude any drivers, and others will not allow exclusions of drivers who are acceptable. Still other states will not allow the exclusion of a family member or spouse. For details on excluding someone from your policy, see the section on removing someone from your policy.
Homeowner’s Insurance
For homeowner’s insurance, the policy must be in the name of the person who owns the home. That person’s name is listed on the title. If another person, spouse or not, has their name on the deed/title and they live in the home, they will be added as a named insured.
Adding someone to a car insurance policy
You can either call your insurance company or log into your account online to add a person to your policy. You will need their:
Name and date of birth
Driver’s license or permit
VIN for the vehicle(s) that they are driving
Number of years that they have been driving
Driving record, including any accidents or violations
Your insurer will then give you a cost quote for the additional driver. Ask your insurer for ways to save money while bundling or with other discounts.
Removing someone from a car insurance policy
If someone on your policy no longer lives with you and/or no longer drives your car, that’s a good time to remove them.
You will need to provide proof that the individual no longer lives with you.
If your loved one has passed away, you will need to provide the death certificate.
If the person still lives with you, your insurer may require you to keep them on the policy or show proof of their own insurance.
Special situation: child away at school
If your child is away at school, and you are expecting that child to return for breaks, this is not the time to remove him/her. If your child has a car that will be kept at home and not driven while he/she is at school, ask your insurance company whether you qualify for a discounted rate. If your child is over 100 miles away without a car, you may receive a discount.
Children away at school are automatically covered by your policy, so you are not able to remove them. However, as your children age and move out, that will change. When should you remove your child from your policy? It really depends upon your unique situation and needs. While there is technically no age limit for children on a policy, many insurance companies require children get their own policy once they are no longer a dependent, even if they are still living with the insured.
Excluding a driver vs. removing a driver:
Some insurance carriers allow you to exclude a driver, even if they live with you. Excluding a driver means that they will not be covered while driving any vehicles. You may be able to exclude a driver for an unacceptable driving record, and therefore reduce your premium. Note that there will be no coverage of that person driving your car even in an emergency, and if that person is discovered to be driving your car, your insurer may decide to increase your premiums or decline to renew your policy. It’s important to note that if the excluded driver does drive and has an accident, you, the insured, will be responsible for paying for all the damages/injuries out-of-pocket. That includes any damages/injuries that occur if they are driving someone else’s car too.
Adding someone to a homeowner’s policy
The homeowner’s policy is held by the person or people whose names are on the title/deed of the home.
You may add your spouse as a named insured on your policy if they are on the title/deed. Depending upon your spouse’s claim history, note that this could raise your rate.
If you’re not married but living together, and the non-married partner’s name is on the deed/title, you may add them as a named insured.
You may want to adjust personal property coverage if your new spouse has items that increase the value above what is currently on your policy.
If you are the primary homeowner listed on the policy, you may remove someone from your policy. Traditionally, this happens during a separation or divorce. A homeowner’s policy can be maintained during a separation, but should be changed as soon as the divorce is finalized. At California Casualty, we typically wait until the divorce is final and/or the policy renewal date to move property policies from one account to another.
Only a named insured on the policy is authorized to make changes. Ideally, the changes should follow the separation agreement.
The effective date the change takes place depends upon your policy.
The spouse who moves out, but is still on the deed, should be named as an additional insured.
Your homeowner’s policy should be listed under whomever keeps the house.
You’re often able to add coverage for a partner or roommate to your renter’s policy if they move in. There are three main ways to do this.
You can add coverage for a roommate for an additional cost. You can do this on a homeowner’s and renter’s endorsement called “Other Member of Your Household.” Some states do not charge a premium for this. You can remove this person at any time, with no notice given to them.
Unless you are married, you cannot add a significant other as a named insured.
You can ask the person to get their own policy. Separate policies mean each of you has the full amount of liability coverage if you cause a loss.
Having the right coverage gives you peace of mind. Make sure you are protecting your greatest investments.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Your cell phone is your trusted companion, your admin assistant, social director, banker, compass, and connection to the world. If it ends up in the wrong hands, you could be in deep trouble.
At best, a hacked phone could make life difficult. At worst, it could result in thousands of dollars in identity theft. Here’s what you need to know to protect your cell phone from hackers.
Update to the latest version.
Many hackers take advantage of out-of-date operating systems. Whether you have iOS or Android, make sure to update your phone to the newest version. This will give you the latest security fixes.
Avoid fingerprint and facial recognition.
Hackers can take your fingerprints from a drinking glass to open your phone. They also can use photos of you to get past facial recognition settings. Use a pin instead and make sure you’re the only one that knows it. Change it regularly, at least once a year.
Pro Tip: Don’t set your phone to automatically unlock, even at home. If you’re an iOS user, disable Siri access from the lock screen.
Avoid unsecured connections.
Public WiFi is available nearly everywhere. While it makes our lives easier, it comes with security risks. Use caution if you’re on an unsecured network. Never access your bank account or shop online unless you’re on a secure network with a lock icon.
Pro Tip: Use a VPN, a virtual private network that protects your identity while working on a public network. VPNs usually have an associated fee.
Use strong passwords for your apps.
Avoid pet names, birthdays, and other personal information that may readily be available on social media. It makes it easy for hackers to guess your password. The best passwords are complex and unique. Password managers make it easy to set distinct passwords without having to memorize them.
Pro Tip: For an added layer of security, use different email addresses: one for financials and one for social media.
Don’t just download any apps.
Anyone can create an app, including hackers. If you download the wrong app, you could be adding malware that can steal from your phone. Make sure the apps you’re using are from reputable companies. Take a few minutes to review your apps and delete any that aren’t verified.
Don’t save your information.
It may be convenient to save your credit card information on online shopping sites. Check out as a guest instead. Be selective when you give out your personal information.
Freeze your credit.
Cell phone providers use the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange. Freeze your credit with them and with the big 3 credit unions: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. This will ensure that no one can open new accounts in your name.
Disable WiFi, Bluetooth and Cellular Data if not using your phone.
A hacker can’t hack you if you’re not connected. When in a public place, you can disable access to the internet. One easy way is to turn on Airplane Mode. You also can use your user’s manual to find out how to disable connectivity.
Consider anti-virus software.
There are two schools of thought on whether security software is necessary for smartphones. Some say it’s unnecessary and others recommend it. You may consider it as an additional layer of protection.
Know how to control your phone remotely.
Settings and apps allow you to remotely lock and erase your phone if it’s stolen. Make sure you know how to use them. There is the “Find My Phone” option in iCloud and the Android Device Manager in Google.
Back up your data.
Make sure you regularly back up your data to the cloud or your computer. If you’re hacked, you’ll still have access to that information.
How to Know if Your Phone Has Been Hacked
You may not realize the moment your phone is hacked. Initially, it may present as a technical issue. Malware can cause this with its malicious code. Watch for these telltale signs:
Your phone loses charge quickly.
Your phone runs very slowly, freezes and crashes.
You notice unusual activity on your online accounts.
If you believe your phone was hacked, install and run anti-virus protection. Delete any risky apps, texts, and files. If the damage is extensive, you can always wipe and restore your phone to factory settings. Then you’ll be able to address the damage done by hackers to your accounts, both financial and social.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Getting into a hot car is the last thing you want to do on a scorching summer day. You want to cool that car down fast. We researched the tried-and-true methods to maximize the cool in your car’s air conditioning system. Read on to find out more.
How air conditioning works in your vehicle
Your car’s air conditioning pulls air in from the cabin or outdoors. It takes out the heat and moisture, and then pushes it through the vents so you feel cool air. Importantly, the air conditioner draws energy from the engine. When you put on the air, your engine must work harder, and you burn more fuel. So, you want to cool down, but you don’t necessarily want to do it by burning more than you need to.
Follow these 6 tips to cool your car quickly and efficiently.
#1: Park in a shady spot.
Give your air conditioner some help by parking in a shady spot. While your car will still be hot, it will be cooler than in the direct sun. That way your air conditioning will start with the air at a relatively lower temperature and have less work to do to bring the temperature down.
Pro Tip: If there is no shady spot, create one with a sunshade. Not only does it help with heat, a sunshade protects the inside of your car from damaging UV rays.
#2: Wait to run the AC.
Roll down the windows and let the warm air escape before you get into the car. Open your door and move it back and forth like a fan, to force some cooler air in and hot air out. Then, wait until the car is in motion to turn on the air conditioning. Precooling without driving can reduce the battery life of an electric or hybrid car. Plus, as you’re moving, the air flow will naturally help the AC run more efficiently. The faster you go, the faster the engine turns, and the faster the compressor runs, resulting in cooler air.
Pro Tip: So that the steering wheel and other components aren’t too hot to touch, try wiping them down with a damp cloth prior to driving. In a pinch, wet wipes can work.
#3: Don’t switch to max right away.
When you first get into the car, it’s usually hotter inside than the air outside. You don’t want to pull in that hot air. Instead, turn on the fan to maximum speed and make sure it’s set to outside mode (not recirculate). Leave the AC button off at first. Once you’ve had a chance to force out some of the humid and hot air, then turn on the AC mode and set it to recirculate. Keep it on the coldest setting until it’s the temperature you want.
Pro Tip: Before you shut off your car, turn the air off. That way it won’t go on automatically when you turn it on again.
#4: Install an AC curtain.
It’s faster to cool a smaller space than a larger one. That’s the idea behind an AC curtain. This fan-powered device creates an invisible barrier that keeps cold air in one section. In a larger SUV or minivan, this could reduce the space that needs to be cooled, and it works well if there are just a couple of occupants.
Pro Tip: Amp up the cool with a cooling seat cover with its own temperature control.
#5: Change your air filters.
Your car’s air filters remove dirt, pollen, and dust from the air. When your cabin filters are clogged, they struggle to get the air through. That’s why it’s important to clean them according to the schedule in your owner’s manual. This is usually every year or two, or every 15,000-20,000 miles.
#6: Keep your car well maintained.
A dirty air condenser impacts the performance of your air conditioning system. Have your condenser cleaned with regular maintenance. If your AC is not working well, check the system. It could be a worn-out part, or too little refrigerant in in the system. Note that adding refrigerant is not a normal task. The system is sealed, and so if refrigerant is low, you could have a leak.
Finally, protect your car with the right insurance for added peace of mind this summer.
Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
