Deadline Oct. 1

By Jalen Maki

Tomahawk Leader Editor

TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk STAR Foundation is encouraging local educators to apply for its Beyond Crayons and Chromebooks grants.

The STAR (Support Tomahawk Area Resources) Foundation, which acts as a community chest for businesses and individuals by making charitable grants to community groups, clubs and non-profit organizations that contribute to the health and vitality of the Tomahawk area, said the grants are designed to “enhance and reward innovative teaching, learning and special motivational activities” in public and private Tomahawk-area schools.

Earlier this year, more than $4,500.00 in grants were used to help School District of Tomahawk students learn how to sew and play cribbage, purchase new books to supplement the selections in middle school classrooms, update equipment used to help students learn first aid and CPR skills, create vision boards to help students plan their futures and reopen the school store.

Students through pre-K through 12th grade are impacted by the grants.

Up to $1,000.00 is available for each grant.

The Foundation said it is looking for “innovative and creative” projects that enrich the educational experience; motivate and inspire students, educators and/or the community; fill a specific need; are educational and fun for students; demonstrate a sense of community; and are cost effective.

Proposals should identify the impact the STAR Foundation has on the project. The Foundation said integration of curriculums, joint proposals from teams of teachers in one or more schools and participation from parents, volunteers and other members of the community are encouraged.

“Funding is not generally awarded for items the committee feels should be provided for within the school district’s budget, including core curriculum items, staff or transportation,” the Foundation stated. “The committee also tends not to fund refreshments, rewards or incentive programs.”

Materials and equipment associated with project funding become property of the school, the Foundation added.

The deadline to submit a grant application is Oct. 1. Paper applications will not be accepted. Educators are encouraged to apply through the Foundation’s website at www.tomahawkstarfoundation.org.  

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by the end of October, and the grants will be awarded to recipients in a presentation in November.

Grant recipients will submit a funding voucher when the funding is needed. The Foundation said the funding in generally forwarded to the district administration office.

The Foundation said project funds must be used, and a follow-up grant report must be filed electronically by the end of the school year in which the funds were awarded.

For more information on the Beyond Crayons and Chromebooks grants, contact STAR Foundation member Jesse Bolder at [email protected].

To learn more about the Tomahawk STAR Foundation, visit the Foundation’s website or www.facebook.com/Tomhawkstarfoundation/.