Our Mission
The Red Hook Education Foundation (RHEF) works to enhance public education for students in our community by funding programs that promote equity and inspire excellence. Starting with a small group of concerned community members in 2010, RHEF has developed into a cohesive non-profit organization that is committed to building a meaningful and sustainable foundation that is mission-driven and actively supported by the community and school district.
What We Do
RHEF has raised over $400,000 to provide seed money to implement new educational programs, support teacher-led initiatives, and purchase equipment supporting new tech and arts programs. Our focus on equity has helped support the Summer Academy, the 8th Grade Field Trip, and the Student in Need Fund.
About Our Funding Programs
Student in Need Fund
Purpose: The fund helps families and students fill financial gaps that arise throughout the year. The fund has been used to cover clothing, eyeglasses, school supplies, yearbooks, college application fees, exam fees and field trip costs along with other unexpected expenses. Most recently, the fund provided prepaid cards at Hannaford’s and Walmart during the pandemic and helped cover scholarships for the 8th grade D.C. field trip.
Accessing the Fund: Each principal is provided seed funds at the start of every year, which are replenished as needed. Teachers can coordinate directly with principals, nursing staff and counselors to access funds on behalf of student needs as they arise. See your school principal for more details.
General Grant Application
Eligibility: Anyone in the district can apply for grant funding. Faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and students in the RHCSD can submit grant applications with the approval of the building principal or superintendent. Mini-grant applications for up to $1000 can be submitted to the foundation with district approval. For grants over $1000, contact the foundation via email prior to completing an application.
Application: Applications are available online or via email.
Grant Criteria: Align with RHEF’s mission. Enhance and enrich learning. Benefit the most students possible. Have clearly defined and realistic goals. Outline specific methods of implementation and evaluation. Offer a unique learning opportunity. And should not be currently funded through other sources.
What We Fund
Annually, we host fundraisers and friend raisers to support teacher and RHSD initiatives and to recruit the volunteers that help make our programs possible. Our most ambitious project to date is the auditorium construction. However, most of our funding supports innovative projects proposed by teachers, including:
- 3-D Scanner
- 8th Grade D.C. trip supplemental funds
- Summer Academy
- Mill Road Outdoor Stage
- Arts programs
- Robotics
- After School programs
- Science Fair
- Laser Cutter
- Model UN
- Debate
- Leadership Conference
- Instruments
- Mentoring Club
- Anti-Bullying programs
- Computer Programming
- Career and College Transitions
Get Involved
RHEF is run by a volunteer board as a 501c3 that is an independently operated public charity. Our work relies on the commitment of our community and the deep partnerships we have developed with RHSD administrators, teachers and community organizations. We are always looking for new volunteers, board members and community partners.
— For more detailed information on our programs, visit our PROJECTS PAGE.
— Check out our ONLINE GRANT APPLICATION.
— For questions or to get involved, email us at INFO@RedHookEducationFoundation.com.
