2, SEPTEMBER 2020

$25,000 in Beyond Pencils & Crayons Grants Available for Local Teachers

[WAUSAU, WI, September 2020] —  As local schools are resuming class in various forms – from in-class to virtual – many teachers have returned this fall with energy, excitement, and innovative ideas to make learning fun and exciting for their students.  However, they may have one thing that stands in their way – the necessary funding to bring their ideas to fruition.

Beyond Pencils and Crayons Grants, awarded through the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, are designed to recognize teachers for their creative ideas. The Foundation’s board of directors has allocated up to $25,000 to be awarded for projects to be completed in the 2020-21 school year. Applications are being accepted through September 30.

Ann Werth, Foundation board member and chair of the Distributions Committee states, “We know that our schools are filled with inspired teachers who have great ideas that will get their students excited about learning. We hope that they will look to the Community Foundation as a potential funding source to allow them to dream big and implement projects that will enhance the learning experience for their students.”

Applications are welcome from K–12^th grade public or private school teachers from throughout Marathon County. Requests can be submitted for up to $5,000 per project and there is no limit on how many applications will be accepted from any one school.

We are looking for innovative and creative projects that:

• Enrich the educational experience
• Motivate and inspire students and educators
• Demonstrate a sense of community
• Are cost-effective
• Fill a specific need

Teachers are encouraged to apply through the Community Foundation’s online grant application portal. They can access it through the website at www.cfoncw.org. Completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on September 30 to be considered by the Selection Committee.

Meeting the educational needs of the community is an important element of the Community Foundation’s mission. Since 1997, when the grant program was initiated, $564,412 has been invested back into area schools for creative educational experiences. Individual teachers and teams of educators have implemented 422 different projects benefiting thousands of area students.