GDEF Kicks Off New Year of School Grants
If you're interested in bringing exciting new programs and enrichment materials to our district schools, Groton Dunstable Education Foundation invites you to its first meeting of the new school year, Wed., Sept. 18, 10-11:30 a.m. at Middle School North conference room.
In June, GDEF's volunteer Board of Directors voted to streamline operations while it seeks much-needed new volunteers, focusing efforts on its successful Annual Giving Campaign and Teaching Stars donation programs, while putting the annual Octoberfest 5K and other fundraising events on hiatus. GDEF also updated its grants disbursement schedule based on feedback received from staff. Mini-grants for up to $500 will now be available on a rolling basis through April 30, 2014, rather than in a single shorter fall cycle. The former spring cycle for grants in any amount will be moved to mid-year, with applications due by Jan. 31, 2014, and grants awarded in early March.
In explaining the organization's restructuring, GDEF president Kerri Figueroa said, "While we truly appreciate the tremendous support we've received from event donors and attendees, our current board, many of whom have served several terms, feels it can't continue to provide a full schedule of high-quality events given our current resources. Instead we'll focus our efforts on continuing to grow the Annual Giving Campaign after its most successful year ever, which raised $26,000 and increased donor participation. GDEF has become an integral partner for the school district, providing over $360,000 in grants over the past 10 years to enrich the quality of education for our students. Although we hope to see some events return in the future, we're confident this move creates a more sustainable, manageable organization that will attract new leadership to carry its mission forward."
Mini-grant applications have already begun rolling in, and GDEF invites teachers and staff, as well as parents and community organizations to apply by visiting www.gdefinc.org and printing an application. Decisions on mini-grants will be made within 30 days of receipt. GDEF's next Annual Giving Campaign will launch this Nov., and the board hopes individuals and businesses will continue to support it with their donations. For info on volunteer positions, visit GDEF's email info@gdefinc.org.
