REF Grants 2022/23
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Rockford Education Foundation (REF) School Year & Student Grants

The Rockford Education Foundation's mission is to provide funding for educational opportunities, both basic and innovative, in the Rockford community. REF does this by supporting educational programs and services within the geographic boundaries of the Rockford Public Schools. 

Grant Deadlines:

Student Grants (up to $500)

  • May be submitted any time before April 15, 2023 (up to $500)

Student Grant requests must be initiated by the student(s). Requests clearly conceived by or written by a parent, teacher, or administrator will generally not be considered.

Small Grants (up to $1,000) 

  • Monday, September 26, 2022, 5pm
  • Monday, November 7, 2022, 5pm
  • Monday, January 30, 2023, 5pm

Large Grants ($1,001 - $15,000) 

  • Monday, November 7, 2022, 5pm
    • Video Submission Due: Monday, November 14, 2022
    • REF Large Grant Review Meeting:  Monday, November 21, 2022
  • Monday, January 30, 2023, 5pm
    • Video Submission Due: Monday, February 6, 2023
    • REF Large Grant Review Meeting: Monday, February 13, 2023

In addition to the online application, Large Grant applications require a 5-10 minute video submission. Attendance at the REF Large Grant Review Meeting to answer questions about the grant application is encouraged. Additional information about video submission and Large Grant Review meeting timeline will be provided after application is reviewed.

» REF grants are intended to impact as many learners as possible over a multi-year horizon.

» REF grants are one-time in nature. All grant items must be ordered by April 15th of the same academic year.

» An individual may apply for one (1) Small School Year Grant and one (1) Large School Year Grant for the 2022/2023 academic year. A student may apply for one (1) Student Grant per school year. However, an individual may be listed on another grant application as part of a group.

» Grants pertaining to Rockford Public Schools that are technology-related must be submitted to the RPS Technology Department prior to the application due date (one week is recommended).

» Applications that have the following characteristics generally will not be approved: Requests for Consumable items; Gift cards or other cash-like instruments; Items to be included in upcoming bond issues; Reimbursement of purchases already made; and, Items that will be used to profit personally or used in a for-profit manner.

» Rockford Education Foundation grants are funded by community donations. To help us spread the word about how REF grants enhance education in our community, successful grant applicants will be asked to provide an impact report including photographs, recipient narrative regarding the outcomes, quotes from impacted students, etc. These photographs and impact stories will be utilized by REF in our various media releases.