REF Grants at Work

The Rockford Education Foundation funds dozens of innovative programs and projects annually that support educational excellence in Rockford Public Schools.

Geographic Scope: Rockford, Michigan (Rockford Public Schools community)

Focus Areas:

• STEAM education
• Fine arts
• Social-emotional health
• College/career readiness
• Literacy

Funding Details:

• On average, over 50 grants funded annually
• Approximately $100,000 total distributed per year
• Supports innovative projects, pilot programs, and promising educational endeavors

Examples of Funded Programs:

• Rockford Book Bus (summer reading access)
• Counseling Dog Programs (6 dogs: Chillie, Gunner, Hopper, Jovie, Ruffles, Winston)
• STEAM-based labs with 3D printers and hands-on materials
• Fine arts equipment and supplies (instruments, art supplies)
• Sensory rooms for autism spectrum disorder programs
• Early college programs
• Career readiness initiatives (e.g., Direct-to-Garment printing)

Contact:

• Phone: (616) 863-6317
• Address: PO Box 777, Rockford, Michigan 49341
• Website: rockfordedfoundation.org

Grant Application Process

Application Portal: Available at rockfordedfoundation.org (link referenced as "REF Grant Application")

Key Steps:

1. Access the grant application portal on the foundation website
2. Complete and submit application
3. Foundation reviews and awards grants

Note: Specific application requirements, deadlines, narrative questions, and submission format details were not provided on the website pages reviewed.