Mini-Grants

The Williamsville Education Foundation, Inc. believes that investing directly in the creativity and commitment of our teachers is one of the best ways to improve student learning and achievement. The Foundation's mini-grant program was introduced in 2001 to help foster and support innovative approaches by teachers that enrich learning opportunities for children. The awards, generally about $500 each, fund worthwhile classroom projects, programs or activities that might otherwise not be possible because of limited school budgets.

Since the mini-grant program began, the Foundation has provided over $20,000 to help support a broad, diverse spectrum of educational enrichment activities for Williamsville students (for a complete list of grants awarded, click here).

All grant applications are reviewed and considered by a selection committee of the Education Foundation Board, which then presents its recommendations to the full Board for deliberation and approval. Grants are announced and awarded in January.

North Social Studies Teacher Noelle Abdallah used a mini-grant to secure sketchnoting materials for students.   Sketchnoting allows students to showcase learning and understanding in a variety of ways, helping improve their understanding and retention of material.

Inspired by a workshop at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, North Art Teach Kim Kirisits used a mini-grant to purchase plier staples for students to use to create elaborate cardboard sculptures from recycled materials.

North Health Teacher Lisa Seifert used a mini-grant to purchase yoga mats for her health class.  Mindfulness activities, such as yoga, help promote emotional regulation, enhance focus and attention, and foster physical health.

Team Casey review plans to compete in the Rocketry

Challenge thanks to our Mini-Grant.

A Mini-Grant donation helped restore the Casey Middle School greenhouse for expanded teaching opportunities. Mr. Moote and Mrs. Holyoke work with students on their class project.

Through its mini-grant program, the Foundation helped buy twelve guitars for use in the music program at Transit Middle School in 2006.