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.