The Foundation for Enhancing Communities is accepting proposals for grants through the Whitaker Foundation Regional Math and Science Program’s annual competitive grantmaking process. The Whitaker Fund for Math & Science Education, a fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, is most interested in programs which address math and science proficiency including the following:
- Educational needs of all students and adults in math and science
- Math and science skills for all students and adults seeking a career in math-and science-based professions
- Culturally and gender sensitive math and science instruction
- Math and science curriculum development
- Interactive teaching instruction
In 2014, the Whitaker Foundation Regional Program funded 16 programs for a total of $173,190.41. Some of the nonprofit organizations included:
- J Herman Bosler Memorial Library ($11,000.00 for Science Camps)
- Harrisburg Academy ($6,700.00 for Enhancing Early Childhood and Lower School Lab Science Instruction with Technology)
- National Audubon Society Inc. ($10,000.00 for the Learn, Explore and Restore Along the Susquehanna Program)
- Messiah College ($5,000.00 for science education camps for students K-8 from partnering schools in the Harrisburg area)
- Perry County Literacy Council ($17,326.00 for the PCLC Math Center)
- Retired Senior Volunteer Program of the Capital Region, Inc. ($15,000.00 for a Lower Dauphin Summer and Afterschool program)
There is no maximum request amount; however, approximately $175,000 is available in 2015 for granting. The maximum award in 2014 was just under $25,000, with an average grant award of $10,800. Applicants must be either a registered 501(c)(3) organization, or have a registered nonprofit organization act as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project. An applying organization may be physically located in another county; however, services must be provided to those residents in Cumberland, Dauphin, or Perry Counties.
Applications must be submitted through TFEC’s online application system by May 1, 2015. Notification of grant awards will be made in July 2015. Organizations interested in applying should visit www.tfec.org to learn how to apply and review the grant guidelines.
