Student Impact We Make School Creative!
Our Mission
Established in 1991, the Northampton Education Foundation (NEF) is a nonprofit organization created to fund projects and programs that expand educational opportunities, foster creativity, and enhance academic experiences in Northampton’s public schools. 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.
Endowment
Do you have a great idea for the Northampton schools?
The NEF Endowment funds large-scale, multi-school, innovative projects that have a lasting impact on our schools. Most recently, these have included: the development of a Plant Science and Food Justice Course at NHS; exploring the effects of climate change in partnership with the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary; hands on robotics; and collaborations between the Northampton schools and the Hitchcock Center, Grow Food Northampton, and All Out Adventures. We encourage new and continuing applicants. Grant proposals are due on March 1 each year.
Small Grants
Encouraging creative and innovative teaching and learning initiatives
The Northampton Education Foundation awards Small Grants twice a year to encourage the development of creative and innovative teaching and learning initiatives for the Northampton Public Schools, consistent with the district’s goals. Through the grant program, we support the preparation of new instructional materials, methods, and innovative teaching programs. We also fund extracurricular initiatives that are intended to enhance student learning. Since the grant program began in 1991, we have provided funding for dozens of projects developed by teachers and administrators, often in collaboration with parents, community members, and local organizations. Grant proposals are due in mid-April and mid-October each year.
Book Fund
Funding a broad selection of books and materials for the Northampton schools
The NEF Book Fund, formerly knowns as the SOS (Save Our Schools) Book Fund, is designated for classroom texts, library texts, instructional materials, and their digital equivalents. The principal sources of the fund are an annual appeal to Northampton residents and the annual Plant and Garden Market, held in May. Funds are distributed annually on a per-capita basis per school, after each school has submitted spending plans.
Testimonials
The NEF Endowment provides a permanent source of educational funding to support learning and educational enrichment across our district. It is an invaluable resource for Northampton’s public schools, and I am proud to count myself among both its founders and investors.
Mayor David J. Narkewicz
NEF has contributed more than $100,000 this school year to projects happening in classrooms throughout the district. With their support, we have been able to provide students with learning experiences that enhance their understanding of the environment, the arts, and technology, and that strengthen their connections to the local community.
Dr. John Provost, Superintendent, Northampton Public Schools
The NEF Endowment is critical to the Northampton Public Schools in our efforts to bring profound innovation, enrichment, and change in our mission to educate all our students.
Gwen Agna, Principal, Jackson Street School
As a teacher and advisor to a variety of clubs, teams, and organizations, I am profoundly grateful for the role the NEF Endowment has played in offering my students ways to further improve their education beyond the walls of the classroom. From 3D modeling boot camps to media production workshops, NEF provides my students the opportunity to learn and grow in meaningful and creative ways.
Jeromie Whalen, Technology Teacher, Northampton High School