Frequently Asked Questions

Through fundraising and an annual grant process, the REF provides funding for innovative projects, initiatives and equipment that enrich the curriculum and the learning environment within the Rumson School District.

With Rumson’s loss of State funding in recent years coupled with State-imposed school budget caps, our mission is more critical than ever. 

Currently there are 363 students at Deane-Porter and 549 students at Forrestdale; a total of 912. Every student at Deane-Porter and Forrestdale directly benefits from the positive impact of the Rumson Education Foundation’s grants.

The REF and Rumson PTO are two independent fundraising organizations with the common goal of maximizing the potential of the Rumson School District. 

The PTO run several fundraisers all year round in order to provide in-school programming, assemblies, events and class trips. 

The REF grants can fund a variety of improvements and material needs that fall outside the capabilities of the district’s budget. The REF can take on larger, more costly projects, such as our 1:1 Chromebook initiative, Smart Boards, and Flexible Furnishings, or more granular needs of teachers and students. REF funding has provided books for classrooms, technology for theater and music programs, and kickstarted our mindfulness and STEM agricultural programs. 

Both organizations depend on the generosity of our community and are worthy of your support!

Since its inception in 1995, the REF has funded more than $3.6M in grants.

Teachers, administrators, staff members and individual members of the community are eligible to apply for grants from the Rumson Education Foundation. See here for more information on applying for a grant and guidelines.

We currently hold an annual grant cycle with grants accepted in November to January. The REF board then reviews the grants and awards them in the time frame of January and February. If you missed the current review, please feel free to submit your grant at any time and we will hold it until the next grant review.

To apply for a grant, fill-in and email the Grant Application Form to us. Be sure to read the guidelines and checklist documents before submitting your application.