REF Essential Needs Fund
Funding Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Rolling — applications accepted year-round
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Eligible organizations
- RPS (Rockford Public Schools) staff members only
Other requirements
- Clothing for employment (e.g., dress slacks for a job)
- Personal care items (razors, deodorant, feminine products)
- Transportation assistance (vehicle repairs/tires)
- Other unmet basic needs
Overview
A rapid-response fund established to support Rockford Public Schools students and families facing unmet basic needs through requests submitted by RPS staff members.
Mission: Partner with Rockford Public Schools to address immediate, pressing issues facing children and families in the community when school staff identify needs.
Geographic Scope: Rockford Public Schools, Michigan
Who Can Request:
- Rockford Public Schools staff members only
- Requests are made on behalf of students/families they serve
Eligible Uses (Real-Life Examples):
- Clothing for employment (e.g., dress slacks for a job)
- Personal care items (razors, deodorant, feminine products)
- Transportation assistance (vehicle repairs/tires)
- Other unmet basic needs
Process Features:
- Quick response time: RPS representative responds within 24 hours
- Designed to address immediate situations
- School staff no longer need to use personal funds
Contact:
- Primary Contact: Larinda Fase at lfase@rockfordschools.org
- Phone: (616) 863-6317
- Address: PO Box 777, Rockford, Michigan 49341
- Website: rockfordedfoundation.org
How to Apply
Requesting Funds from Essential Needs Fund
Eligible Applicants: RPS (Rockford Public Schools) staff members only
Application Process:
- RPS staff submit essential needs requests online (link provided on Essential Needs Fund page)
- Submit request form for RPS students/families
- Foundation representative responds within 24 hours
Timeline: Rapid response - 24-hour turnaround
For Questions: Contact Larinda Fase at lfase@rockfordschools.org
What Rockford Education Foundation actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 1
- Total given
- $49K
- Median grant
- $49K
- By dollars: Michigan 100%. Top recipient cities: Rockford, MI.
Example grants
Rockford Public Schools · Rockford, MI
See part iv
$49K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- K-12 schools
- Hardship
- Human services
Categories
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