Again this year for the 2016-17 school year the Williamsville Education Foundation will invest directly in the creativity and commitment of our teachers as 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

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

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.

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.

Examples of mini-grants:

  • A sewing machine to accommodate special needs students
  • Career Center materials
  • Story telling puppets
  • NASA's "Teaching From Space" Astronaut visit