Grants What is Funded

REF is excited to award grants that support teachers as they strive to bring creativity, collaboration, communication, empathy, and innovation skills into the classroom.

REF supports whole child development and scalable initiatives and programs in Reading schools that prepare our students to become informed, independent and creative citizens in our global society.

REF accepts grant applications from teachers, principals, and members of the community working in partnership with Reading, MA public schools.

What we Fund 

  • Community-building educational activities within each school in the form of a school-wide project, program, or special speaker
  • Strategic, scalable programs or initiatives targeted to address a unique situation or need facing the school as a whole or some component of the school
  • Scalable professional development activities that will make an immediate effect on the classroom
  • Grants that extend educational opportunities for Reading students that…
    • Lead to interdisciplinary projects and initiatives
    • Encourage collaborative and creative participation
    • Serve as prototypes for larger-scale initiatives
    • Otherwise strive to meet REF’s mission of whole child education

What we do not Fund

  • Requests for salary related or substitute teacher stipends
  • Hospitality costs (entertainment, food, transportation)
  • Services that are part of the school budget (copiers, furniture, construction)
  • Building and equipment maintenance, repairs, or renovations
  • Replacement of equipment/services cut from the district’s operating budget
  • Basic supplies such as toner, paper, and pens
  • Requests more typically funded by a school’s PTO such as field trips

The Grant Process

The REF grant committee will evaluate the applications based on the grant criteria, educational merit, and funding resources available. REF may choose to fully fund, partially fund, or not fund grants.

Criteria for Grant Selection

  • Creative and innovative enrichment for students as defined in the REF Mission
  • Meets the guidelines as outlined in What is Funded
  • Aligns to RPS district’s goals and is consistent with current curriculum
  • Clearly defined goals, objectives, plan, and schedule that are worthwhile and realistic
  • Target group is well defined and outputs are measurable
  • Commitment from administration and support of colleagues
  • Realistic, fiscally responsible budget

Review Application Information and apply today!

Back to Top