REF Awards Over $30,000 to the Riverview School District for 2008
The Riverview Education Foundation enjoyed another successful year, working with the community to raise money for the Riverview School District. REF held three fundraising events in 2007: The REF "On Par for Education" Golf Classic, the "Evening for Education" Dinner/Auction, and the "REF Runs for Riverview" (aka Turkey Trot) Fun Run. In addition, many donations were received directly or through United Way and corporate matching programs. As a result, this January the Foundation was able to award 33 grants to teachers and schools of the Riverview School District, for a total of $32,988.37.
REF grants are typically used to buy books, equipment, technology, musical instruments, or special projects that enhance the curriculum or provide innovative educational opportunities for students. This year the grants included:
- math software
- theater scripts and stage equipment
- listening stations for developing readers
- library enhancements
- health education videos
- equipment for a new Lacrosse program
- support for early learning and special education classes, and
- dissection supplies for biology classes
All schools and programs were well represented in the Grants distribution, as the following table shows:
| School | Number of Grants | Total Amount Awarded |
| Cedarcrest | 6 | $7,759.95 |
| Cherry Valley | 5 | $4,189.38 |
| District (Multiple Schools or Programs | 3 | $5,447.46 |
| ERMA | 1 | $363.91 |
| Stillwater | 5 | $5,265.33 |
| Tolt | 8 | $4,875.10 |
| Grand Total | 33 | $32,988.37 |
In addition, $4,000 was raised at the REF Auction Dinner specifically to fund scholarships for Riverview graduating seniors.
The Riverview Educational Foundation extends its warmest thanks to all the businesses, community members, students, parents, school district staff and School Board members whose generous donations of time and money made these grant awards and scholarships possible!
For a full list of awarded grants, click here.
For a copy of the grant guidelines used for the 2007-2008 grant season please see the following:
What is the Grant Program?
Grants are awards that fund innovative projects which enhance the educational opportunities of Riverview students. Additional funding may be provided for programs that demonstrate worthwhile benefits to a significant number of students in two or more classrooms or schools.
Who can submit a Grant Proposal?
A Grant Proposal may be submitted by Riverview teachers, other district personnel, parents or students and must be sponsored by a certificated Riverview staff member.
When are Grants due and awards available?
- Applications were accepted between November 19th, 2007 and January 5th for the 2008 grant year
- Awards were announced at the Riverview District board meeting, January 22nd.
- Grant money will be disbursed through December 2008. Any unused balance will be forfeited and returned to REF funds.
Where are Grant Applications available?
Grant applications are available to download on our website, at the District Office, and at each school. For additional information, please contactJeremy Robkin, grants@refweb.org.
How are Grants awarded?
The REF Board evaluates and selects proposals based on how well the project meets grant criteria.
Grant Criteria
The REF grants are based strictly on merit, with priority given to projects that demonstrate:
- An opportunity to stimulate learning and enhance or expand the school curriculum
- A high degree of active student/leader involvement
- A consistency with the educational goals of the Riverview School District
- An introduction of useful supplies/resources to the school
- A potential for repetition of a project that can be adapted to other classes/groups
- NOTE: Preference will be given to projects implemented during school hours, but exceptional extracurricular proposals will be considered.
Grant Restrictions
The REF Grant Program does not fund
- Staff salaries, substitute or release time
- Transportation
- Annual projects already in place
- Projects that are confined to a comparatively limited number of students
- Funds which might otherwise be provided by the school
Questions - EmailJeremy Robkin, grants@refweb.org.