Teacher Resource Grant Programs Now Accepting Applications

August 2024

Progress Newsletter

Back to School

PVF is excited to announce that the following Teacher Resource Grant Programs are now open for the 2024-2025 school year!

These small, but critically needed grants for teachers help to address inequalities in public education and build future generations of strong leaders.

For over 20 years, PVF has supported public school teachers in the Bay Area with our immediate response grants for the Arts, Sciences, Mathematics and Field Trips.

This school year we are thrilled to announce that three of our programs have been expanded to support our teachers!

The Excursion Grant Program now offers five $1,000 grants per school to allow teachers to take their students on class field trips.

The Visiting Artist in the Classroom Program now offers five $500 grants per school to bring an artist or art historian to the classroom.

The Technology, Engineering, and Design Thinking Resource Grant Program has been increased to $1,000 grants to fund STEAM-related curriculum needs.

Learn about each of our available teacher grants below! All programs are restricted to low-income public schools as determined by Title 1 Status and/or 60%+ students eligible for Free or Reduced Price Lunch; Specific grade and school district eligibility varies from program to program. Click on each program link or view our website for more information.

Arts Resource Grants of up to $500 are available for grades TK-8 in specific peninsula school districts to enhance your classroom and after-school arts programs.

Examples: art supplies, instruments, sound equipment, stipends for afterschool arts teaching, costumes and props, professional development.

This program is made possible with funding from the Westly Foundation.

Environmental Science Resource Grants of up to $1,000 are available for grades TK-12 in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Santa Clara, SF and San Mateo County to enhance environmental science curriculum through projects, supplies, field trips and professional development.

Examples: gardening supplies, water testing kits, compost unit materials, wetland restoration field trip.

This program is made possible with funding from the Lampert Byrd Foundation and the Maxwell | Hanrahan Foundation.

Excursion Grants of up to $1,000 are available for grades TK-12 in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and San Francisco County to fund 1-day classroom excursions; funds can cover the cost of transportation, admission fees and food.

Examples: go to a museum, take a bay ferry, go hiking and take a picnic. The purpose of this program is to open new vistas to children.

This program is made possible with funding from The Geballe Family and the Maxwell | Hanrahan Foundation.

Mathematics Resource Grants of up to $500 are available to grades TK-3 in San Mateo and Santa Clara County to fund books, materials, software, manipulatives and professional development related to mathematics. We encourage requests which show curriculum resources are articulated between grade levels. (ex. Preschool with Kindergarten, 1st with 2nd grade, etc.)

This program is made possible with funding from the Heising-Simons Foundation.

Science Resource Grants of up to $500 are available for grades TK-12 in Alameda, SF, San Mateo, and Santa Clara County for hands-on materials to enhance classroom science instruction, with a focus on life sciences and chemistry.

Examples: chemistry lab sets, water testing materials to send home, classroom microscopes and slides, safety goggles and lab coats.

This program is made possible with funding from the John & Marcia Goldman Foundation.

Visiting Artist Resource Grants of up to $500 are available for grades TK-12 in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and San Mateo County to bring an artist or art historian to their classroom. These are visual and material artists who would complement the lesson plan. Grants can pay for the artists time and classroom materials to support.

Examples: painter, sculptor, wood carver, weaver.

This program is made possible with funding from The Geballe Family and the Maxwell | Hanrahan Foundation.

Technology, Engineering and Design Resource Grants of up to $1,000 are available for grades TK-12 in Alameda and San Mateo County to fund hands-on projects, classroom resources, guest subject experts and professional development to enhance your classroom STEAM curriculum.

Examples: a classroom 3D printer, reusable design thinking resource kits, supporting an afterschool STEAM Club.

This program is made possible with funding from the Maxwell | Hanrahan Foundation.

We thank our donors for making such a valuable contribution to enhance public education in our communities. We are excited about the endless grant opportunities available from your support!

Empowering Future Innovators:

A Day with The Circuit EPA

Recently, we visited The Circuit EPA at Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School in East Palo Alto, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth from underserved communities with the skills necessary to pursue careers in technology, esports, gaming, and media.

The Circuit’s approach to education is both practical and inspiring. They emphasize real-world skills and hands-on projects, allowing students to apply what they learn in tangible ways. This method not only enhances their technical abilities, but also builds confidence and problem-solving skills. We were able to observe newcomer students working on various projects, from learning English via virtual reality programming, coding and robotics to multimedia production. The enthusiasm and dedication they showed were remarkable, and it was evident that they were not just learning but thriving.