Fund for Excellence in Education Grant Guidelines

Deadlines: 
November 15, 2023. Awards will be announced in January 2024

Eligibility: 
Classroom Teachers of Pre-K – 12 in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties (Parochial, Private/Independent, and Public Schools)
 
Funding Focus:
Fund for Excellence in Education Grants offer Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster County classroom teachers funding opportunities to support special classroom projects or professional development for teachers. Grants awarded will have a direct benefit to classroom learning and support achievement of educational outcomes. 

**Grant funding not to be used for field trips or after-school activities.**
 
Grants Available to Public, Parochial and Private/Independent Schools:

General Grants:  Teachers may apply for grants that fulfill one or both of these criteria:

1) Support for classroom projects and initiatives which will improve learning opportunities for students
2) Support for the personal and professional enhancement of teachers (not to fulfill Masters program or certification requirements).

Writing Grant(s):  A grant will be awarded to K-12 teachers for either professional development in the field of teaching writing or for a specific program designed to enhance the writing abilities of students.

Grants Available to Public Schools Only:

Marionette/Puppet Grant(s):  A grant will be awarded to a public school teacher for projects which incorporate student and/or teacher-made marionettes and puppets in the curricula.  Preference will be given to multi-cultural or multi-disciplinary projects.
 
Dutchess County - Dennis Markle Memorial Community​ Service Grant(s):  Community Service Grants will be awarded to public school teachers for projects involving their students in community service.  These community service awards are made from the Dennis Markle Memorial Community Fund which was started by the Dutchess County United Teacher's Council.  Examples of the type of projects which would be considered for these grants are:  projects involving senior citizens, hospice, day care, disadvantaged populations, community beautification projects, etc.  

Awards:
Grants made through this program will not exceed $2,500.  Average awards range from $1,000-$1,500.
 
Applications: 
Online grant application. Click here to access the Grants Portal.

Contact Cristin McPeake, VP Programs at (845) 452-3077 or grants@communityfoundationshv.org.

Review Process:
All applications will be reviewed by the Fund for Excellence in Education Committee of the Community Foundations. All recommendations are reviewed, approved or declined by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations.