Education Foundation Announces Deadlines for Grant Applications

The Needham Education Foundation (NEF) is accepting applications for its fall 2010 grants program. The NEF is a non-profit community foundation chartered to fund innovative educational programs that are outside normal public funding. Each year, NEF awards dozens of grants that bring learning to life for hundreds of public school students.

Large grant concept papers are due at 4:00 pm on Friday, October 15, 2010. Following a review of all papers, a select group of applicants are invited to prepare a full application. The full large grant applications are due Friday, December 10, 2010.

Fall small grant applications are due at 4:00 pm on Friday, October 22, 2010. The NEF runs a second small grant cycle in the spring.

Applications for NEF grants may be made by teachers, staff and administrators in the Needham Public Schools. The NEF also encourages and accepts grants from any organization or individual, including students, parents and other members of the community. 

NEF small grant applications are now conveniently located online at http://nef.mkmwebs.com. Large grant applications are available on the NEF website at www.nefneedham.org, along with a list of prior grants.

The completed paper applications are due in Superintendent Dan Gutekanst's office by the dates listed above. Questions regarding small grants can be directed to Brooke Baker at 781-449-8112 or b.baker@mac.com; or Steve Guerriero at Stephen_Guerriero@needham.k12.ma.us.  Large grant application questions can be directed to Erica Supple at 781-444-3735 or desupple@rcn.com; or Allison Dick at 617-416-9295 or Allison_Dick@needham.k12.ma.us.

Needham Public Schools Director of Community Education and Planning, Susan Bonaiuto, is available to help brainstorm or shape an application idea. To contact Sue, email Susan_Bonaiuto@needham.k12.ma.us.

The NEF is an independent, community-based, not-for-profit organization that raises funds for the enrichment of public school children in Needham, Massachusetts. Among its most popular fundraising programs are the annual Spelling Bee, teacher recognition cards and the year-end appeal. 

The NEF mission is to encourage innovation and excellence by supporting educational programs that are outside normal public funding. It achieves its mission by managing a permanent fund to implement the programs it supports. For more information about the NEF,  visit www.nefneedham.org.