Our Mission
Established in 1991, the Northampton Education Foundation (NEF) is a non-profit organization created to fund projects and programs that expand educational opportunities, foster creativity, and enhance academic experiences in Northampton’s public schools. The NEF also works to broaden community support for our public schools. We support our mission, in large part, by awarding grants for teacher-initiated projects.
NEF Endowment Fund
The NEF Endowment Fund, begun in June 2002, is a permanent, self-sustaining, multi-million dollar fund that will ensure future excellence and innovation in our city schools. To learn more, view the Endowment Video, Voices for Our Future.
The first annual distribution from the Endowment Fund was made in 2007. To learn more about the program and how to submit a preliminary proposal, please see the Distribution Guidelines & Request for Proposals.
Our Programs
Our grants programs are made possible through annual donations from the community. Your tax-deductible contributions are invested in programs that provide enhanced skills, enrichment and cultural opportunities for both teachers and students in our schools. Our activities, including community partnerships and the sharing of community resources, foster a spirit of innovation in Northampton schools and support teachers’ initiatives. Since its inception in 1991, the Northampton Education Foundation has invested more than $1,000,000 in contributions back into activities benefiting the Northampton Public Schools. NEF-funded projects incorporate the sciences, language and literacy, diversity, history, technology, and the arts, including artists-in residence, many musical and theatrical performances and workshops, plus after-school art and drama clubs.
Small Grants
Through our small grants program, we make semi-annual competitive grants up to $3,000 to teachers, administrators, parents and community members for innovative programs and research that enhance the educational experience for students. Since 1991, we have awarded more than 100 grants to teachers in every public school in the city for programs in virtually every program area offered in our schools.
SOS Book Fund
As part of our mission, NEF recognizes the significance of reading skills to students’ overall academic achievement. In the spring of 2005, NEF assumed responsibility for the operations formerly run by Support Our Schools (SOS), with the goal of having a single comprehensive organization to support public education in Northampton. Under the merger, NEF has established the “SOS Book Fund,” which is designated for classroom texts, library texts, instructional materials, and their digital equivalents.
The Daniel Stephen Goldstein Fund for Arts in Northampton High School
The Foundation is the recipient of an endowment fund established in memory of Daniel Stephen Goldstein, a 1988 graduate of Northampton High School who had a special love for the arts. Each year, income from this endowment provides for a school-wide outstanding arts event at the high school to expose students to the rich world of the arts.
Time Sensitive Grants
The Northampton Education Foundation board of directors may, at its discretion, award grants outside the regular grant cycle in order to allow educators to take advantage of opportunities that arise unexpectedly. The maximum grant under this program is $1,500.
Northampton Alumni Database
The Northampton Alumni Database is maintained by the NEF for the purpose of supporting the activities of and communicating with Northampton alumni. Please click here to register.
We need and welcome your support! With your financial contribution, we can continue
to provide resources for innovation and enrichment in every school.
Please make a tax-deductible donation today!
Thank you!
