What are Gripp Grants?
The District 39 Educational Foundation grants funds for innovative educational programs, experiences, and technologies that expand, enrich, and complement the schools’ curricula. Grant applications are welcomed from anyone – teachers, staff, parents and students in District 39 – or any organization that makes a proposal consistent with the mission of the Foundation.
Our grant program is named in memory of D39 teacher and founding Foundation Board Trustee Phyllis Gripp.
Why does the Foundation offer these Grants?
Recognizing the District 39 planning and budgeting schedule, the Gripp Grant program provides funding opportunities for innovative programs. Teachers, staff, parents, and community members may apply for grants to support these programs that are not included in D39 Budgets that would enhance, enrich, and inspire curriculum and classroom experiences. The Gripp Grant program provides our D39 community the opportunity to take risks through piloting “out of the box” education practices that exceed our tax-dollars alone.
What types of Grants are Available?
- Seedling Grants – Awarded to applicants in amounts up to $500. Applicants can download the Grant Application – SEEDLING .
- Master Grants – Awarded to applicants in amounts over $500. Applicants can download the Grant Application – MASTER .
- Encore Grants – Awarded to enhance or replicate Foundation-funded projects that have been successful elsewhere in District 39. Applicants can download the Grant Application – ENCORE .
Please note that the D39 Foundation will consider Professional Development opportunities that occur “in house” or within D39. Please reach out to the Gripp Grant Chair at grippgrant@d39foundation.org to discuss these opportunities further.
What are the Application Deadlines?
Grant applications are reviewed two times a year by the Recommendations Gripp Grant Committee (RGGC), which includes District 39 teachers (representing each school building as well as various grade levels and areas of curriculum), Foundation trustees, and community members. Grant deadlines for the upcoming school year will be October 23, 2023 and March 4, 2024. Please reach out to the Gripp Grant Chair at grippgrant@d39foundation.org prior to submitting an application to get more information and to discuss your Gripp Grant idea. The Gripp Grant Chair is available to help support teachers as they go through the Gripp Grant process.
Recent Gripp Grant Awards
Read more details about how our Gripp Grants are inspiring teachers and students in our schools.