Foundation offers mini-grants, scholarships

The Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation has a $28,000 endowment and continues to search for revenue sources to benefit district classrooms.

"Our focus is our kids," said Rick Grier-Reynolds, president of the education fund. "We're beholden to the school to let us know what you need."

The fundraising group began in 2006 with the goal of raising funds to enhance teaching and learning in Cape schools. To date, Grier-Reynolds said, the group has awarded $19,486 in mini-grants to teachers, who use the money to put together special classroom projects.

"It's given teachers a wonderful opportunity to get things in their classroom that they would not normally get," said Kathy Miller, a teacher who received a $500 grant.

The group does not compete with PTO or booster organizations for fundraising but instead tries to partner with private companies.

Teachers interested in a mini-grant must submit an application to the fund outlining what they intend to do.

In addition to mini-grants, CHEF administers scholarships and grants. These include:

• Maureen Schab Memorial Scholarship – a four-year renewable $1,000 for a Cape graduate majoring in education

• Cape Performing Arts Scholarship - $1,000 for a Cape graduate majoring in performing arts

• Denny Anderson Volleyball Scholarships – to girls volleyball graduates continuing their education.

There also are grants available to current students attending volleyball clinics. More information on CHEF grants are available at the Cape guidance office.