REF Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Rumson School District (Deane-Porter and Forrestdale Schools)

The REF provides funding in the form of grants for innovative projects, initiatives and equipment that enrich the curriculum and learning environment within the Rumson School District when State, local or other funds are not available. Since 1996, the REF has awarded nearly 300 grants totaling $3.8M.

Eligibility:

• Teachers, administrators, staff members, and individual members of the community are eligible to apply

Focus Areas & Criteria - Grants Meeting Some or All of the Following:

• Enhance the existing academic program, curriculum, guidance or counseling functions, and District staff development
• Enrich, not duplicate or replace, the current curriculum and educational structure of the District
• Reflect the strategic vision and goals of the District
• Impact a broad number of students and have lasting or sustainable educational value
• Innovative and creative in teaching and/or learning tied to curriculum
• Results can be evaluated by some measure of quality and can be expanded and replicated if successful

Recent Grant Categories (Examples from 2024-2025 and 2023-2024):

• Educational technology (Smart Boards, interactive technology, VR/AR, coding robots)
• STEM programs and equipment
• Science lab equipment and outdoor classrooms
• Literacy and reading initiatives
• Special education and student support programs
• Physical education equipment
• Art and digital programs
• School furniture and classroom improvements
• Assistive technology and accessibility devices

What REF Does NOT Fund:

• Grants that replace or relieve existing responsibility for public funding of school programs
• Grants that fund teacher stipends or substitute teacher fees
• Grants that require costs associated with District capital expenditures and instructional materials typically funded by state budgets
• Grants that fund food or standard consumable classroom supplies
• Grants that fund transportation
• Grants that fund one-time speakers, assemblies, performances or presentations
• Grants that fund non-specific expenses
• Grants that require ongoing costs or maintenance

Important Notes:

• The amount of the grant cannot be changed once it has been approved
• Not all applications can be approved; REF strives to grant as many quality applications as possible each year but operates on the financial generosity of the community and a limited funding budget
• The REF welcomes enquiries prior to completing a grant application form to discuss viability of projects

Contact Information:

• Board Members: Casey Kegelman and Julia Swayne
• For Technology Projects: Louis Pelissier, District IT Manager (lpelissier@rumsonschool.org)

Application Status:

• The 2025-2026 grant cycle is now closed
• The next grant cycle opens October 13, 2026

Grant Application Process

Application Period:

• Opens: October 13, 2026
• Deadline: December 5, 2025 (Applications received after this date will be returned and may be resubmitted in the next grant cycle)

Pre-Application:

1. Review the Grant Information page prior to submitting a Grant Application Form

Technology Component Special Requirements:

• Applications containing a technology component should be discussed with the District IT Manager, Louis Pelissier (lpelissier@rumsonschool.org), in order to obtain budget numbers
• Some equipment may be required to be purchased through the District Technology Department

Required Materials:

• Completed Grant Application Form (include budget worksheet with clearly defined and listed budget items)
• Required signatures on all applications
• Accompanying documentation, which may include:
  • Catalog pages/webpages of materials to be purchased
  • Current educational research relating to the project

Submission:

1. Complete the Grant Application Form
2. Attach all required documentation
3. Ensure all required signatures are completed

Review & Approval Process:

1. Completed applications will be acknowledged through email and assigned a unique Grant Number
2. Each grant will be reviewed by the Board of Directors with input from the Schools' Superintendent
3. Applicants may be contacted if the Board of Directors need clarification or additional details about any aspect of the proposed project
4. Applicants will be notified by email from the Board of Directors if their grant application was approved or denied by January 30, 2026
5. Communication after submission will be limited to acknowledgement and requests for clarification if applicable

Post-Grant Requirement:

• All grant recipients must complete a One Year Grant Progress Report within one year of approval of REF funds