ABOUT YEF

What Does YEF Fund?

The Yarmouth Education Foundation provides grants for projects, programs, and educational opportunities that expand learning for Yarmouth students.

We support ideas that:

• Fall outside the regular school budget

• Enhance or extend the curriculum

• Create meaningful opportunities for students

Whether it's a classroom project, professional development opportunity, guest speaker, cultural program, hands-on learning experience, or community partnership, YEF is here to help bring great ideas to life.

Is My Idea a Good Fit?

If you're wondering whether your project qualifies, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Will it benefit students?

• Does it provide an opportunity that isn't available through the regular school budget?

• Does it support teaching and learning in a meaningful way?

If the answer is yes, we'd encourage you to apply.

What About Innovation?

One of the things we've learned over the years is that great ideas take many forms.

Some YEF grants introduce new technology or creative teaching approaches. Others expand successful programs, support professional learning, bring artists or guest speakers into classrooms, strengthen community partnerships, or provide new opportunities for students.

Your idea doesn't have to be revolutionary. If it will make a meaningful difference for students, we'd love to hear about it.

TYPES OF GRANTS

What types of grants does YEF fund?

YEF offers three types of grants:EXPEDITED GRANTS (up to $500)STANDARD GRANTS (over $500)PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS (for educators)

What’s the difference between Expedited and Standard Grants?EXPEDITED GRANTS support smaller or pilot projects and are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. No presentation is required for expedited grants, but Principal approval is needed. (Up to $500)

STANDARD GRANTS fund larger projects and require a committee presentation. (Over $500)

Funding Guidelines (new text)What Can YEF Grants Support?YEF grants support projects, programs, and educational opportunities that fall outside the regular school budget and enrich learning for Yarmouth students.

Examples include:

• Equipment and instructional materials

• Hands-on learning experiences

• Guest speakers, artists, and community partners

• Professional development for educators

• Cultural programming

• Software, art, or music licensing fees

Don't see your idea listed? We'd be happy to talk with you about whether it might be a good fit.

What Isn't Eligible?YEF grants generally do not fund:

• Programs or purchases already supported through the regular school budget

• Budget shortfalls

• Salaries or stipends

• Travel, lodging, or meals

• Building maintenance or facility improvements

• Certification or degree programs

If you're unsure whether your project is eligible, please reach out before applying. We're happy to answer questions.

What Makes a Strong Application?

There's no single formula for a successful proposal, but the strongest applications typically:

• Present a clear idea with a well-defined purpose

• Demonstrate a meaningful benefit for students

• Include a realistic, well-developed budget

• Show thoughtful planning and implementation

• Encourage collaboration when appropriate

• Have the potential to grow, be shared, or inspire future work

Questions to Consider

As you develop your proposal, it may be helpful to think about questions like these:

• What opportunity will this create for students?

• How does this project enhance teaching and learning?

• Has a similar program been successful elsewhere? If so, how will you adapt it for Yarmouth?

• Could this project be expanded or shared with other classrooms or grade levels?

• If only partial funding is available, how could the project still move forward?

Relocated lower in the list of FAQs.

APPLYING FOR A GRANT

How do I apply for an Expedited Grant?

Expedited Grant applications are available on the Yarmouth Staff Intranet  

• Download the Google Doc application form

• Collaborate as needed

• When your application is complete, “share” it with your principal for approval. 

• If approved, your principal will notify you directly. 

• You will then email the approved application to the YEF administrator at yefsecretary@gmail.com 

• The YEF Board will review your request, and successful applicants will be notified shortly after. 

How do I apply for a Standard Grant?

Grant applications are available on the Yarmouth Staff Intranet  

• Download the Google Doc application form

• Collaborate as needed

• When your application is complete, “share” the document with your principal 

• Once approved, your principal will upload it for YEF’s review

How do I apply for a Professional Development Grant?

• Prepare a proposal and work with your school leadership as needed to align your proposal with school and district priorities.

• If approved by school leadership, the district office manages the granting and implementation of funds.

Note: YEF funds Professional Development Grants through the district office, which manages distribution. Professional Development Grants are not accepted directly from individual teachers. 

What happens after I submit my application?

Once your Principal approves your application, it is forwarded to the Superintendent for review. The Superintendent then sends the selected applications to YEF. Finalists will be invited to present their proposals to the YEF Grants Committee. Approved applications are then reviewed by the YEF Board. Applicants will be notified of the final decision shortly after. 

ELIGIBILITY

Who can apply for a grant?

The following individual(s) and group(s) in the Yarmouth School Department are eligible to apply for YEF grants:

• Current teachers and administrators

• Teacher-student teams

• Student organizations

NOTE: Yarmouth High School Students should use the application form available on the YHS Student Intranet

I live in Yarmouth but teach elsewhere. Can I apply?

No. YEF grants are only available to current educators and students in the Yarmouth School Department.

Still Not Sure? If you're wondering whether your idea is a good fit, don't decide for yourself that it isn't.

Some of YEF's most successful grants have started with a simple conversation. We'd much rather answer questions or help you think through an idea before you apply than have you decide not to submit a proposal.

Questions? Contact us at yefsecretary@gmail.com.