Classroom Grant Newsletter
Apply Online August 1 - October 1, 2022
At both the PPS Foundation and Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI), we support PPS teachers and staff in their efforts to involve and engage students in the classroom. We understand that this year might still look a little different compared to other years, but please know that we want to help you fund your project ideas to enrich the classroom experience for your students.

With that in mind, this year we are offering two types of grants: a traditional Classroom Grant and a STEM Grant. Unfortunately due to the ongoing pandemic, we will not be offering our Field Experience or Classroom Innovation grants. We are hopeful we will be able to bring those back next school year though.

While most classroom grant programs award initiatives submitted by just teachers, our selection committee also considers requests from other personnel (such as counselors, home school facilitators, etc). Read on to find out more about the PPS Foundation and CFCI's combined Classroom Grant program and which grant opportunity best fits your project idea.
What types of grant opportunities does our program offer?
Traditional Classroom Grant
This grant is available to any Pre-K through 12th grade teacher or staff member interested in a project to enrich the classroom experience for their students. Award amounts will be up to $1,000.

This grant is only available for 5th-12th grade teachers or staff for the purpose of STEM projects (science, technology, engineering, or math) to enhance the learning experiences of students. Grants will be awarded up to $1,500.

For more detailed eligibility requirements, please see the online application page for each grant and also check out this guideline.
A Brief History of the Classroom Grant Program...
The Peoria Public Schools Foundation and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois joined together in 2013 to offer classroom grants to Peoria Public Schools teachers through one application process. The funding for these grants is provided by two funds held at the Community Foundation and is partially matched by the PPS Foundation.

The funding for our Traditional Classroom Grants is provided by the Yeomans Fund that is held at the Community Foundation and also from funds raised by the PPS Foundation. The Yeomans Fund was created in 1998 by Murray and Rena Yeomans. This is an endowed fund with an emphasis on assisting the Peoria Public Schools system. Each year, a portion of the Yeomans Fund's distributions are used to fund Peoria Public Schools Classroom grants.

Also held at the Community Foundation is the Peoria NEXT Foster Fund. This fund, through the Glen A. Barton Science and Technology Education Grants, provides the funding for the Peoria Public Schools STEM grants. In 2016, the Peoria NEXT Foster Fund was created with the purpose of awarding grants to STEM teachers who serve students in the city of Peoria to help enhance the learning experiences of these students.

Since 1998, the PPS Foundation has provided over $300,000 to classrooms and teachers throughout Peoria Public Schools. This classroom grant program is designed to benefit students by supporting teachers and allowing professional educators to implement their most innovative ideas.
Need some inspiration for your grant application before you apply?
CLICK HERE to see a description of the projects from previous grant recipients, and check out pictures of those grant projects below.

Looking for some more tips before you get started on your application?
Ready to Apply for the 2022-23 School Year?
Be sure to visit our website between August 1 and October 1, 2022!