Ed Foundation expands Classroom Grants program
The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) has upgraded its Classroom Grants program, including increasing the amount teachers and staff can apply for from $500 to $1,000 per grant.
Additionally, the SVEF has also expanded funding guidelines to allow teachers to apply for continuing education opportunities. This longstanding grant program enables teachers a one-time grant to accommodate a creative learning opportunity that benefits students but falls outside schools’ standard operating budgets.
“It’s no secret that teachers have carried an enormous workload over the past two years, both navigating distance learning during the pandemic and now working tirelessly to help students catch up,” said Angela Ryan, SVEF executive director. “Which is why we are expanding this year’s grant process to include not only increased funding per teacher but also continuing education opportunities for educators.”
Past Classroom Grant recipients have used funds for innovative projects, including a Sassarini teacher inviting a children’s book author to visit the school and give copies of her book to all students, El Verano painting their blacktop with bright and colorful games and labyrinths, Sassarini students receiving trumpets that they were able to take home and use for online lessons during COVID, and a Prestwood teacher creating a calming nook in her classroom for kids with big feelings called a Peace Corner.
This year’s expansion to include continuing education for teachers is a unique addition, with positive long-term impacts on both the teacher expanding their professional expertise, along with the students that benefit from the most up-to-date teaching and learning strategies and applications.
In addition, the amount awarded to the recipient will double, making this the first time in Classroom Grants history that teachers will receive up to $1,000. Increasing the funds awarded creates a significant opportunity for teachers to dream big and secure funding for projects, resources, and experiences that local youth would otherwise not receive.
The donation period is officially open and through the generosity of two SVEF board members, all donations made during December will be matched, up to $20,000.
“We hope our generous community in Sonoma Valley will join us in supporting this initiative to ensure that we can award every application we receive from our hardworking teachers, ” Ryan said.
For more information about Classroom Grants or to donate, please visit https://www.svgreatschools.org or contact Gail Chadwin at [email protected]
About Sonoma Valley Education Foundation
The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) was established in 1993 and has since provided over 20 million dollars to Sonoma Valley public schools through grants to teachers and administration, sponsored community initiatives, and meaningful programming such as Summer Literacy Academy, Preschool For All, and more. As the primary fundraising and volunteer resource for Sonoma Valley Unified School District, SVEF strives to enrich the student experience and help Valley youth succeed in the classroom and beyond. For more information, please visit https://www.svgreatschools.org.
