For Educators
Grants & Funding
The Kent Schools Foundation provides grants that directly benefit students in the Kent School District. Our Classroom Enrichment Grant initiative funds projects in art, music, STEM, reading, field trips, social/emotional programs, and unique experiences that enrich student learning.
Applications are open now · Submissions due November 6, 2026 by 5:00 PM · Apply online
Classroom Enrichment
Art · Music · STEM · SEL · Field Trips · Reading
Our Flagship Grant Program
Classroom Enrichment Grants
These grants help educators amplify and support their daily curriculum with innovative projects that reach students at their level. From STEM explorations to music programs, field trips to social-emotional learning — KSF helps bring big ideas to life inside Kent classrooms.
Every grant is an investment in a student's future. When teachers have the resources to go beyond the basics, students discover new passions, develop new skills, and reach new heights.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
KSF grants are open to all Kent School District employees who have a project idea that directly benefits students.
All KSD Employees
Any Kent School District employee is eligible to apply — teachers, specialists, administrators, and support staff.
Annual Applications
Applicants may submit a new grant application each year. Priority is given to applicants who did not receive a grant in the prior year, and to those who completed all grant commitments on a previous grant.
Principal Approval Required
Each application requires approval from your principal or direct supervisor. When you submit your application, they will automatically receive an email asking for their approval. Be sure to submit your application with sufficient time for your supervisor to respond to that email before the closing of the application period (11/06/2026 at 5 pm).
Grant Details
How Much Can You Apply For?
Our grant awards are designed to make a meaningful difference without creating barriers for educators to apply. Most awards are $500, but collaborative and exceptional projects may qualify for more.
Typical Award
$500 per applicant
Most individual awards are $500.
Collaborative Grants
Up to $3,000 for a team of six
Teams of six educators collaborating on a single project may apply for up to $3,000 ($500 per person).
Priority
$500 or less prioritized
Applications requesting $500 or less are given priority. Additionally, priority will be given to applicants who did not receive a grant the previous year.
Supplemental Only
Cannot replace existing funding
Grants should supplement — not replace — district- or PTA/ASB-funded programs.
What We Don't Fund
Ineligible Items
To ensure grants reach students most effectively, the following items are not eligible for KSF Classroom Enrichment Grants:
Salary, stipends, release time, or guest teachers
School materials or supplies available through the general school budget
Snacks, meals, and/or student spending money
Incentives or rewards
Computer-related items and software not supported by KSD technology
Have questions about eligibility?
Reach out before applying: grants@kentschoolsfoundation.org
Important Dates
Grant Cycle & Deadlines
Don't miss the window. Applications are reviewed once per cycle — late submissions cannot be considered.
Applications Open
October 5, 2026
Grant cycle 2026–2027
Application Deadline
November 6, 2026
5:00 PM — No late submissions accepted
Questions? Email
grants@kentschoolsfoundation.org
The Review Process
How We Evaluate Applications
Our grants committee reviews every application against a consistent set of criteria. Here's exactly what we're looking for — use this as your checklist before you submit.
Innovative & Educational
The project is creative, engaging, and clearly educational in nature — including demonstrated support for students.
Realistic & Achievable
Goals are concrete, measurable, and achievable within the scope of the proposed timeline and budget.
Student Benefit
Both initial and ongoing benefit to students is clearly defined. How will this impact student learning long-term?
Reasonable Budget
Budget is justified and reasonable. For field trips, include KSD transportation cost estimates.
Clarity of Application
Applications are submitted through the online form — what matters is clear, complete, and thoughtful responses to each question.
Other Resources Available
Does your project have other funding available? Partial funding is also possible — note whether your project can still achieve goals if partially funded.
Pro Tip from Previous Applicants
Projects that connect multiple subjects (e.g., STEM + literacy, or arts + SEL) tend to score higher. Be specific about how student outcomes will be measured — even anecdotal evidence matters.
Before You Apply
Application Instructions
Review the following instructions carefully before completing your application. A complete, well-prepared application has the best chance of being funded.
Review Requirements
- Review all grant instructions and confirm your grant meets the eligibility requirements.
- Consider: How will your project complement current curriculum?
- Can materials or equipment be reused in future years?
- How will the project benefit student learning, and what are the short- and long-term results?
- Can this project be repeated or sustained in future school years?
Signature Page
- Review the Grant Recipient Commitments — your signature is an agreement to these commitments. Applicants who do not follow through on them may not be eligible to receive a grant for up to two years.
- All applicants must sign. A grant can have up to 6 applicants: you sign in the form, and each co-applicant you list gets an email link to sign.
Project Proposal
- Clearly and thoughtfully respond to each question in the proposal section.
- Describe how students will be directly involved in the project.
- Provide specific, measurable student outcomes and a realistic timeline.
- List at least two concrete ways you will acknowledge KSF funding.
Budget
- Enter all budget items and their individual costs.
- Note all other funding sources (PTSA, ASB, district funds, etc.) — be specific.
- Attach cost documentation if available — email to grants@kentschoolsfoundation.org.
Principal Review
- Talk with your principal or direct supervisor before you submit.
- After you submit, your principal or supervisor gets an email with a link to review and sign your application.
- The Foundation may contact your principal to confirm approval.
Submission
- Submit your completed application by email to grants@kentschoolsfoundation.org.
- Note: Microsoft Office365 and Adobe Acrobat online submissions are not accepted.
- You may also use the online form below to submit all sections at once.
Late Applications Will Not Be Considered
The application deadline is November 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM. No exceptions are made for late submissions, regardless of circumstances. Submit early to avoid missing your window.
Applications Now Open
Submit Your Grant Application
Complete the 3-step form below to submit your 2026–2027 Classroom Enrichment Grant application online by November 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM. You may also email your completed application directly to grants@kentschoolsfoundation.org.
Before You Submit
- Confirm you are a current KSD employee
- Get approval from your principal or supervisor
- Review the ineligible items list above
- Prepare a clear, detailed project proposal
- Calculate a realistic, itemized budget
- Note whether partial funding would still work
Application Deadline
November 6, 2026
5:00 PM — No late submissions accepted
Recipient Commitments
- Submit a Project Report by end of school year
- Publicly acknowledge KSF in at least 2 ways
- Return unspent funds to the Foundation
- Retain all materials within KSD
Questions?
Contact our grants team at grants@kentschoolsfoundation.org — we're happy to help you put together the strongest possible application.
Grant Application
2026–2027 Cycle · Deadline Nov 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Briefly describe your project and how grant funds will be used.
Applications for $500 or less are prioritized. Must match your budget total.
Co-Applicants (optional)
0/5A grant can have up to 6 applicants: you plus up to 5 co-applicants. Each co-applicant gets an email with a link to review the application and sign.
After you submit, your principal or supervisor gets an email with a link to review and sign your application.
Grant Recipient Commitments
- I/We reviewed the grant information and instructions and confirm this application meets the intentions of the Classroom Enrichment Grant and does not include ineligible items.
- Materials and equipment acquired benefit KSD students and shall be retained within the District.
- If changes to funded items are needed, email the Foundation for approval.
- Grant funds not spent during the current school year will be returned to the Foundation.
- Publicly acknowledge KSF and collect and submit photos which may be used in Kent Schools Foundation social media.
- Submit a Project Report by the end of the school year.
Failure to complete these commitments may result in denial of future grant applications for up to two years.
Curious who we've funded before?
Browse all past grant recipients by school and educator.