Innovative Idea Grants

2002 to 2009: 142 Grants totaling $437,650

On April 28, 2009, the Public Education Foundation of Little Rock provided its seventh year of Innovative Grants to teachers and principals in the Little Rock School District. The Little Rock School District continues to benefit from the leadership and generosity of the Public Education Foundation's board and donors as they gave $20,743 to fund the 2009 Innovative Education projects in the Little Rock School District. This represents a total of 142 student achievement projects, and $438,650 given by the Foundation specifically for Innovative Grants over the last seven years. It is a significant component of the 2.5 million-dollar total spent by the Foundation for all its projects in the Little Rock School District which support improving student achievement. Grant amounts ranged from $200 to $5,000, and all projects target student achievement or parent and community involvement initiatives.

Two teams of Public Education Foundation board members, donors, school board members, city board members, district personnel, and community volunteers traveled by school bus to the schools receiving grants. The teams SURPRISED the recipients in their classrooms with balloons and "checks." The Public Education Foundation's Innovative Idea Grant Program is made possible through strong public school support and the generosity of its donors. Joe Hilliard, PEF Board President noted, "Our donors represent all walks of life - individuals, families, corporations, and foundations - who recognize the impact public education makes on our community and economy. We should be very proud of our teachers who work so hard for our children every day. This is just one way we, as a Foundation, show our support and appreciation. "