The REF provides funding in the form of grants for innovative projects, initiatives and equipment that enrich the curriculum and learning environment within the Rumson School District when State, local or other funds are not available.
Teachers, administrators, staff members and individual members of the community are eligible to apply for grants from the REF. The REF welcomes enquiries prior to completing a grant application form to discuss viability of projects. Please contact Board Members Kristi Neller and Ciara Dagostino with any questions: rumsonedfoundationgrants@gmail.com.
Criteria & Considerations
The REF has proudly funded grants that have met some or all of the following criteria:
- Enhance the existing academic program, curriculum, guidance or counseling functions, and District staff development.
- Enrich, not duplicate or replace, the current curriculum and educational structure of the District.
- Reflect the strategic vision and goals of the District.
- Impact a broad number of students and have lasting or sustainable educational value.
- Innovative and creative in teaching and/or learning tied to curriculum.
- Results can be evaluated by some measure of quality and can be expanded and replicated if successful.
- Note: The amount of the grant cannot be changed once it has been approved.
- Note: Not all applications can be approved. REF strives to grant as many quality applications as possible each year but operates on the financial generosity of the community and a limited funding budget.
The REF has traditionally not funded the following types of grants:
- Grants that replace or relieve existing responsibility for public funding of school programs.
- Grants that fund teacher stipends or substitute teacher fees.
- Grants that require costs associated with District capital expenditures and instructional materials typically funded by state budgets.
- Grants that fund food or standard consumable classroom supplies.
- Grants that fund transportation.
- Grants that fund one-time speakers, assemblies, performances or presentations.
- Grants that fund non-specific expenses. Please use the budget worksheet within the application to clearly define and list budget items.
- Grants that require ongoing costs or maintenance.
- The above funding guidelines, procedures and requirements represent the guiding principles of the REF. Under various circumstances, the Board of Directors may choose to provide or not provide funding which may differ from the terms of these guidelines.
Application Process
- Grant application forms received after December 15, 2024 will be returned to the applicant and they may be resubmitted in the next grant cycle.
- Accompanying documentation must be attached to the application. This may include, but is not limited to, catalog/webpages of materials to be purchased and current educational research relating to the project.
- Required signatures must be completed on all applications.
- Technology: Grant applicants should obtain technology related budgetary numbers from Louis Pelissier, District IT Manager (lpelissier@rumsonschool.org). Some equipment may be required to be purchased through the District Technology Department.
- Completed application forms can be submitted via email to Kristi Neller and Ciara Dagostino at rumsonedfoundationgrants@gmail.com.
Review & Approval Process
- Completed applications will be acknowledged through email and will be assigned a unique Grant Number.
- Each grant will be reviewed by the Board of Directors with input from the Schools' Superintendent. Only the REF can grant or deny an application.
- Applicants will be notified if the Board of Directors need clarification or additional details about any aspect of the proposed project. Once an application has been submitted, communication will be limited to the acknowledgement and this request, if applicable.
- Applicants will be notified by email from the Board of Directors if their grant application was approved or denied by January 31, 2025.
One Year Grant Progress Report
The completion of a grant progress report is required for all grant recipients within one year of approval of REF funds.