Teacher Grants

Hi New Paltz teachers! Have an idea for your classroom or school?

Foundation grants help teachers turn great ideas into reality. Funding can support everything from new classroom materials and creative projects to field trips, visiting artists, special programs, and new ways to engage students. Big idea or small, if it could make learning richer for New Paltz students, we want to hear about it.

Here’s how it works:

  • Complete the funding application through MyLearningPlan.

    Your principal will review your application and forward approved requests to the district office, who will send it to the Foundation for review.

    Need help? Reach out to your building’s teacher liaison or send an email to the Foundation [link].

  • The Foundation will review your proposal to make sure it aligns with our mission. We may contact you with questions or suggested revisions.

    If your application is approved, we’ll notify you, process the grant, and let you know what comes next.

    If we’re unable to approve your application, we’ll let you know and share the reason for our decision.

  • A Foundation liaison will help guide you through purchasing and other next steps. Once your project is complete, you’ll share documentation with the Foundation for our records.

APPLY

Before you apply, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Grants are for projects and initiatives that go beyond the normal scope of classroom activities and budgets

  • Before applying, please make sure you’ve explored other available funding sources, including your school or department budget and district resources

  • Grants are awarded to teachers and other instructional staff, not administrators; administrators interested in proposing a project should partner with a teacher to apply

Student Microgrants

Hi NPHS students! Have an idea for a project you’d like to make happen?

Student microgrants provide funding to help you build on something you’ve learned at school, explore an interest, and turn your ideas into action. Start a club project, do a research question, create something, solve a problem, or explore an idea that could help shape what you do next. You don’t need to have every detail figured out—we’re looking for thoughtful ideas that could make a difference for you or your school community.

Here’s how it works:

  • Think about what you want to explore, create, research, or make happen. Microgrants can support supplies, travel, workshops, equipment, and more.

    Ask an NPHS teacher to support your project and serve as your supervisor. You’ll need their involvement to complete your application.

  • Tell us about your idea, what you hope to accomplish, and how you’ll use the funding. You can request up to $200. The Foundation will review your application and let you know if your project is selected. Apply here!

  • Put your grant to work and bring your project to life. When you’re finished, share a few photos and a short description of what you accomplished with the Foundation.

APPLY

Before you apply, here are a few things to know:

  • Microgrants are open to New Paltz High School students in grades 9–12

  • Students may receive one (1) microgrant per school year, for up to $200

  • Students are required to have a faculty advisor

  • When your project is finished, you’ll share a few high-resolution photos and a short description of what you accomplished

Funded Projects (’25–’26)

Hydroponics in the Classroom
Michael Esposito (New Paltz High School)
A year-round indoor growing system to introduce students to sustainability and controlled-environment agriculture.

Gaga Ball Pit Mat & Spikes
Jim Longbotham (Lenape Elementary School)
A new rubber mat and spikes will make the Gaga Ball Pit (also a funded by the Foundation) safer, more secure, and accessible for all students.

New Paltz to Niimi Japanese Student Exchange Program Melissa Gruver-LaPolt, Isabella DeFalco & Joanne Metzger (New Paltz Middle School)
Thirteen students traveled to Niimi, Japan, to live with host families, attend school, and experience Japanese culture firsthand.

Author Visit & Workshop
Joanna Wilcox (Lenape Elementary School)
Author and illustrator Kayla Miller will lead students in an author presentation and hands-on comic-making workshop.

Pawsitive Praise Fund
Renee Reynolds (Duzine Elementary School)
A school-wide program will use visual supports and other tools to reinforce positive behavior and help students regulate emotions and socialize.

Monthly Cultural Awareness Theme Celebrations
Olga Choedron (Duzine Elementary School)
Monthly displays will celebratING culturally, socially, and historically significant themes while fostering diversity and inclusion.

Sphero Indi Challenge
Joanne Sawicki (Lenape Elementary School)
Students will design, build, and program mazes for Sphero Indi robots, developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

The Anti-Fragile Podcast (Student Microgrant)
Lila Ackerman, New Paltz High School

The Female Athlete Triad in Tennis Players (Student Microgrant)
Stella Ettinger, New Paltz High School

Carbon-Plated Footwear and Running Efficiency (Student Microgrant)
Jude Herman, New Paltz High School

View full list of funded project here.