Instructions​​

​​

• In addition to completing this application, elementary schools must submit a letter signed by both the pastor and principal discussing the school’s intentions with regard to supporting and growing an inclusive school environment. (See instructions at the end of the application.)

• On the high school level, the letter must be signed by both the director of the school’s resource/special education department and the school’s Head of School.

• All applications must be signed with original signatures (print the signature page, sign, scan and include as an attachment)

• Submit completed application, letter, and signature page to grants@portocharities.org. Be sure to save the application using your school’s name.

• After your application is submitted, you will be contacted to schedule your interview time. 

 

Grant Eligibility Criteria

 

The following criteria must be satisfied prior to application for a school to be eligible for a grant:

 ​

• The School is a Catholic school within the boundaries of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.

• The School is fully accredited and recognized by the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.

• The School is accepting student(s) with moderate to severe disabilities who would not be able to attend without additional educational support.

• The School has appropriate educational support for the student(s), has a degreed Special Education teacher on staff or a plan to train, credential, and/or license personnel in that position, or is applying for grant funding of such training/credential/license or positions.

• The School can demonstrate the commitment of its Pastor and Principal (Director and Head of School on the high school level) to inclusive education.

• The School will designate liaisons who will be a point of contact for communication with the school community about events, fundraisers, and general information about Porto Charities and its mission.

• The School will distribute information to the school and parish community about Porto Charities Awareness Day in October 2026.

• The School/Parish will provide the opportunity for a representative of Porto Charities to speak annually to its parishioners and/or school community.

• Designated staff from all grantee schools will be expected to attend training specific to inclusive educational practices. Based on your school’s needs and grant requests, some Partner Schools will designate personnel to attend training on the role of paraprofessionals.

 

Areas Funded

​​

Porto Charities will consider grant requests for the following areas:

​

• Assistance for faculty/staff salaries such as Para-Educators, Special Education Teachers, Inclusion Coordinators, etc.

• Professional Development related to Inclusive Education

Application Review Process

​

A Grant Application must satisfy the Grant Eligibility Criteria to be considered. Eligible Applicants will be invited to discuss their application with the Granting Committee at a predetermined date and time. This meeting is mandatory. Each grant meeting will last approximately 20 minutes and will focus on questions from the Granting Committee about the Grant Application. Appointments will be scheduled with preference given in the order in which applications were received. Grant awards will be determined based on compliance with the Eligibility Criteria, need for assistance, and the availability of Porto Charities funds.  All grant monies awarded must be used as specified in the grant award letter or returned to Porto Charities.

 

Grantees will receive a letter of notification regarding their grant by March 31, 2026.

 

Please note that all grant recipients must submit a mid-year and an end-of-year report documenting the use of grant funds. Any changes in the way grant funds are used that deviate from descriptions outlined in the grant award letter must be immediately reported to the Chief Operating Officer of Porto Charities prior to the funds being spent (kdoherty@portocharities.org). Mid-year report forms will be sent to grant recipients via email by December 1, 2026, and are due by December 31, 2026, via email to grants@portocharities.org. End-of-year report forms will be sent to recipients via e-mail by May 1, 2026, and are due via e-mail to grants@portocharities.org by June 1, 2026.