Sonoma Valley Education Foundation doubles Classroom Grants

The Red and White Ball is the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, helping to fund Classroom Grants.
​(Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

The following press release was published in the Sonoma Index Tribune December 3, 2021:

​The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation is well known for helping teachers out with grants to cover field trips, special projects and other classroom needs. This month, they decided to double the amount that school staff can apply for, from $500 to $1,000. The nonprofit also will expand the funding guidelines to allow teachers to apply for continuing education opportunities.

This longstanding grant program enables teachers a one-time grant to accommodate a creative learning opportunity or project that benefits students but falls outside schools’ standard operating budgets.

“It’s no secret that teachers have carried an enormous workload over the past two years, both navigating distance learning during the pandemic and now working tirelessly to help students catch up,” said Angela Ryan, executive director of the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. “Which is why we are expanding this year’s grant process to include not only increased funding per teacher but also continuing education opportunities for educators. We hope our generous community in Sonoma Valley will join us in supporting this initiative to ensure that we can award every application we receive from our hardworking teachers.”

Past Classroom Grant recipients have used funds for innovative projects, including a Sassarini teacher who invited a children’s book author to visit the school and give copies of her book to all students, El Verano painting its blacktop with bright and colorful games and labyrinths, Sassarini students who received trumpets to take home and use for online lessons during COVID, and a Prestwood teacher creating a calming nook in her classroom for kids with big feelings called a Peace Corner.

This year’s expansion to include continuing education for teachers is a unique addition, with positive long-term impacts on both the teachers expanding their professional expertise, along with the students that benefit from the most up-to-date teaching and learning strategies and applications.
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In addition, the amount awarded to the recipient will double, making this the first time in Classroom Grants history that teachers will receive up to $1,000. Increasing the funds awarded creates a significant opportunity for teachers to dream big and secure funding for projects, resources and experiences that local youth would otherwise not receive.

The donation period is officially open and through the generosity of two SVEF board members, all donations made during December will be matched, up to $20,000.
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For more information about Classroom Grants or to donate, visit svgreatschools.org or contact Gail Chadwin at [email protected].