Appleton Education Foundation Grants

Geographic Scope: Appleton Area School District (AASD), Wisconsin

The Appleton Education Foundation provides accessible, flexible funding for creative and innovative education programs not covered by school budgets. The foundation has awarded more than $3 million in grants since its founding in 1997.

Eligibility

• Applicants: AASD educators (teachers, speech pathologists, paraprofessionals, principals, and other school staff)
• Schools Served: All Appleton Area School District schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools
• Grade Levels: K-12 and early childhood programs

Focus Areas

Grants support a wide range of educational initiatives including but not limited to:

• STEM/STEAM projects
• Technology and assistive technology
• Literacy and reading programs
• Arts and music education
• Special education and sensory integration
• Student wellness and health initiatives
• Professional development for educators
• Co-curricular activities and enrichment
• Social-emotional learning
• Diversity and inclusion programs

Award Amounts

Grant awards vary significantly:

• Facebook Grant Competition: $250
• Typical grants: $250 - $2,000+
• Large project grants: Up to $95,000 (largest to date for sensory regulation toolkits)
• Grant cycles: Awards ranging from $10,000+ to $33,000+ per cycle

What They Fund

• Classroom materials and equipment
• Technology (iPads, tablets, laptops, 3D printers, etc.)
• Guest speakers and artist residencies
• Field trips and educational experiences
• Professional development and training
• Curriculum materials and programs
• Sensory and special education tools
• Student clubs and co-curricular activities
• Infrastructure improvements for learning spaces

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated in provided materials, but inferred from focus: programs outside AASD schools

Contact Information

• Phone: (920) 832-1517
• Website: appletoneducationfoundation.org
• Email: Available through website contact

Background

• Founded: 1997
• Status: Supporting organization of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
• Total Grants Awarded: Over $3 million since founding
• Board: Includes volunteer board members who deliver grants and engage with schools
• Funding Sources: Donor contributions, endowment funds (including named funds like Alan and Vira Stoner Education Fund, Betsy Melzer Endowment Fund, Heffron Family Endowment Fund, etc.), and external partnerships (e.g., Bemis Company Foundation)

Application Process

General Competitive Grant Process:

1. Submission Method: Online application through AEF website or email submission
2. Application Content:
   • Brief description of the project
   • Amount requested
   • How funds will enhance education
   • Target grade levels/students
   • Connection to school/district goals
3. Deadlines: Biannual cycle (typically fall and spring)
   • Example deadlines: April 10 at 4 p.m., November 10 at 4 p.m.
4. Review Process: AEF board of directors reviews and approves grants
5. Award Notification: Grant checks hand-delivered by board members to recipients
6. Reporting: Recipients expected to share outcomes and impact

Facebook Grant Competition (periodic):

1. Application Format: Short description (30 words or less)
2. Submission: Email to designated contact (e.g., Lori Kaufman)
3. Deadline: Announced competition period (e.g., by 4 p.m. on specified date)
4. Selection Process: Top 10 applications posted on AEF Facebook page
5. Voting: Public voting via Facebook likes (one like = one vote)
6. Winner Selection: Idea with most likes wins $250 grant
7. Timeline: Voting closes on specified date, winner announced shortly after

Requirements:

• Applicant must be AASD educator
• Project must benefit AASD students
• Clear description of educational impact
• Appropriate use of funds

Contact for Applications:

• Submit to AEF through website or designated contact
• Phone: (920) 832-1517
• Website: appletoneducationfoundation.org