Hamilton Wenham Education Fund - Project Grants

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

South Hamilton, MA 01982

Grants Committee Chair: Dana Alara

Background

• 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

Application Process

Based on the website content, specific application procedures and forms are not detailed. However, the Edfund indicates:

• Grant Types Offered:
  • Project-specific grants (larger grants)
  • Mini-grant program (smaller grants available on rolling basis)
• Application Method: Contact the Edfund directly
• Submission Address:

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

Note: Detailed application requirements, narrative questions, LOI requirements, and submission formats are not provided on the available website pages. Applicants should contact the organization directly for complete application instructions.