WEDF Grant Opportunities

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation (WEDF) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that was established in 2005 for the sole purpose of supporting the Worcester Public Schools, raising millions of dollars since then.

There are two major initiatives of WEDF that directly support classroom learning: Culture LEAPS and Mini-Grants for Teachers.

Worcester educational foundation development logo

Culture LEAPS

During the 2023-2024 academic year, two local foundations will continue to support grade-level cultural engagement experiences for Worcester Public Schools students. For the twelfth year, these experiences will impact students in grades 1-12 in nearly all WPS schools.

LEAP experiences include the following local institutions and organizations:

  • EcoTarium

  • New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

  • Worcester Art Museum

  • Worcester Historical Museum

  • Old Sturbridge Village

  • Mechanics Hall

  • Broad Meadow Brook

  • Guardians of Tradition

  • Crocodile River Music

  • Hanover Theatre.

All activities are closely aligned with curricula and include pre-visit preparation, planned investigations at the sites, and post-review back in the classroom.

Mini Grants for Teachers

Funds for Mini-Grants for Teachers are raised through the Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the Worcester Public Schools event held annually.

A spring round of Mini-Grants totaling $ 10,000 went to 40 elementary and middle schools.  Much of the money will support mathematics education through the purchase of materials.  Funds were provided by the Worcester Principals Association and money raised by WEDF through the Distinguished Alumni and Friends event and payroll deduction.

Who is eligible? Any instructional staff member, PTO, school site council, or school-based administrator in the district may apply for a grant of up to $400.

How are the funds used? Funds may be used for instructional and non-instructional materials, speakers, buses, and consultants. Funds may not be used for stipends or salary for Worcester Public Schools personnel.

Application Process:

A cover page and two-page application are required and must be signed or approved via email by the building principal or immediate supervisor.

The application must clearly state a learning need, describe how that need will be met, aligned to curriculum, and evaluated. A line item budget must be included. Attachments are not allowed.

Two copies of the proposal may be delivered to/mailed to:

WEDF
210 Park Avenue, Suite 224
Worcester, MA  01609

For assistance, contact WEDF by email.