Educator Grants

Mission: To advance innovation and excellence in the Wellesley Public Schools.

Program Overview

For over 40 years, WEF has underwritten grants to educators that further innovation and excellence in Wellesley Public Schools. Over $2.8 million has been awarded in the last 10 years to sponsor programs and initiatives that inspire the love of learning in the Wellesley Public Schools.

Geographic Scope

Wellesley, Massachusetts — grants are for Wellesley Public Schools (WPS) educators and administrators only.

Eligibility

• Individual Wellesley Public Schools educators (including professional development opportunities)
• Wellesley Public Schools Administration (for major initiatives)
• System-wide school grant applications by grade, department or curriculum (including professional development opportunities)
• Capital equipment or materials that enhance the curriculum and refine pedagogy

Funding Criteria & Important Considerations

Grants are evaluated on:

• Alignment with Wellesley Public Schools Strategic Plan
• Alignment with WEF Strategic Plan
• Maximum benefit to as many students as possible
• Enhancement of core and supplemental curriculum, support for new educational paradigms, and/or richer learning experiences
• Collaborative efforts between educators
• Quality of application with compelling explanation of student impact

What WEF Cannot Support

• Most field trips
• Refreshments
• Decorations

Contact Information

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 812321, Wellesley, MA 02482

Status

WEF is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) foundation.

Submission Steps

1. Go to the Online Application portal
2. Complete all required fields
3. Attach any additional information that will help inform the Grant Committee's consideration
4. Click 'Submit' to send the application to WEF
5. You will receive an acknowledgment email from WEF upon submission

Saving Your Application

• If unable to complete your application in one sitting, click 'Save' to have a link emailed to you
• You can return to your application at a later time
• Once submitted, edits are not possible without WEF authorization
• Contact WEF if edits are necessary (revisions for amounts, quantities, or service/vendor providers)

Authorization Requirements

Applicants must select applicable authorizations from a dropdown menu on the application:

• All applications must include the Principal of their school
• Single elementary school proposal: No additional administrators required
• Multiple elementary schools: Add appropriate Pre-K - Grade 5 Curriculum Coordinator(s)
• WHS or WMS proposal: Add respective Department Head (when applicable)
• All schools proposal: Add appropriate Central Administration personnel (e.g., Director of Curriculum)
• Information technology proposals: Automatically sent to Director of Technology for approval

Review and Approval Process

1. Applications automatically forwarded to Authorized Administrators (principals, department heads, administrators listed on application)
2. If Authorized Administrators have no reservations, application proceeds to WEF and WPS committee reviews
3. WEF may contact applicant for further information or clarifications
4. Applicants informed of decisions via email
5. Detailed completion of applications facilitates the review process

Available Resources

• Sample Grant Applications of previously-funded proposals available for review
• Grant History dating back to 2010-2011 school year available for review
• Overview document of changes to upgraded grant application available