Hamilton Wenham Education Fund - Project Grants

Hamilton Wenham Education Fund - Project Grants

Overview: The Hamilton Wenham Education Fund (Edfund) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to advancing educational excellence in the Hamilton Wenham regional schools through competitive grants.

Mission: "We grant advantage" - The Edfund exists to provide competitive advantages to schools through carefully vetted grants and to build a sustainable endowment that generates funds for annual grants.

Geographic Scope

• Hamilton/Wenham Regional School District (MA, US)
• Serves Hamilton Wenham Regional High School (HWRHS), Miles River Middle School (MRMS), and three elementary schools (Buker, Cutler, and Winthrop)

Grant Focus Areas

Technology Initiatives: Computer labs, computer stations, laptops, Smart Boards, LCD projectors, digital cameras, iPads, wireless networks, DNA machines, virtual classroom technology, 3D printer labs, animation software, digital SLR cameras

Educational Programs & Infrastructure:

Learning Commons (21st century library/media centers)

Flexible, mobile, collaborative classroom furniture

Hydroponic growing systems

Animation and photography suites

Professional development programs

Remote learning support

Example Grants Awarded:

$53,000 grant for iPads to all three elementary schools (2014)

$15,000 for flexible classroom furniture to high school (2015)

Animation/Photography suite to high school ("Frame by Frame: Connecting Art and Technology in the Classroom")

Learning Commons transformations at Cutler, Buker, and Winthrop elementary schools

Hydroponic Vertical Grow Wall for middle school

3D Printer Lab for high school

Eligibility

• Applicants: Teachers and administrators in the Hamilton Wenham Regional School District
• Grants are "principally teacher and administrator driven"
• Mini-grant program available for faculty on rolling basis for smaller grants

What They Fund

• Projects that provide "potent, often unexpected competitive advantages" to public schools
• Initiatives over and above annual school district budgets
• Unique or special programs and supplementary technology
• Programs that improve learning opportunities

What They Don't Fund

• Ongoing school budget items
• Teacher salaries
• Budget shortfalls
• School overrides

Contact Information

Email: hwedfund@gmail.com, kevin.s.dyer@gmail.com

Mailing Address:
Hamilton Wenham EdFund
P.O. Box 2433
South Hamilton, MA 01982

Website: hwedfund.org

Grants Committee Chair: Dana Alara

Background

• Established in 1990
• Received 501(c)(3) non-profit status from IRS in February 1991
• Has funded more than $1 million in grants since inception
• Governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 20 residents of Hamilton and Wenham
• Totally independent, volunteer-driven organization
• Supported by hundreds of contributors, volunteers, local businesses, and family foundations