Books, technology, professional development, robotics, flexible seating, mental health, and more, the grants approved by the East Grand Rapids Foundation Board this spring will provide opportunities for all our students at all our schools.

Twice each year, in the fall and spring, the Foundation Board considers requests for grants and mini-grants (less than $1,500) that are made by teachers and students. All grants are also reviewed by district administrators and then reviewed again by the Foundation’s grants committee before reaching the full board. Grant requests are evaluated by how they fit with, enhance, or complement the curriculum, how many students will be affected, whether other funding is available, and other factors. 

This spring’s grants will fund classroom enhancements at all three elementary schools, the middle school, and the high school. “These grants cover a wide variety of subjects from STEAM to fine arts to performing arts to English classes,” says EGRSF Executive Director Amy Stuursma. “They also will help everyone from kindergarteners to seniors in high school. Truly, every student in our schools will have the opportunity to benefit from these grants.” 

In all, the grants and mini grants approved during the spring grants cycle total more than $100,000. “Those funds are generated from the investment returns on our endowment, which our incredible donors enabled us to grow during our Now&Forever campaign,” says Stuursma. “It’s wonderful to use those funds to do exactly what our supporters entrusted us to do: provide opportunities that will help all our students reach their full potential. Thank you, Foundation donors, for making this possible!”