Sept. 16, 2008 – The St. Croix Foundation has announced the opening of two educational grant cycles. First, the St. Croix Foundation will now be accepting applications for the Ludington Literacy Fund's 12th grant cycle. Administered by the St. Croix Foundation since 2002, the fund issues grants of up to $2,500 to organizations seeking to implement or expand literacy initiatives. A 501(c)3 (non-profit) status is not a requirement.
Established by longtime foundation trustee, the late Martin Ludington, upon the passing of his wife, Lee, the goal of the fund is to promote reading ability and skills in the English language among the residents of St. Croix. To date, the Literacy Fund has awarded over $75,000 in grants to worthwhile reading programs like the Multi-Media Learning Resource Center at the Women's Coalition and Resources for Reading Success at St. Croix Central High School.
The foundation is also launching a grant cycle for Teacher Grant Awards. Funded by Valance Company Inc., a local EDC beneficiary, this program is geared towards enhancing the educational experience of public elementary school teachers and their students. Grants in the amount of $200 will be awarded to successful applicants. Through this fund, over $7,500 dollars have funded 28 creative and interactive programs for many elementary school students.
All applications will be judged on the project's ability to enliven the creativity of students and provide them with a broad, interactive learning experience of the world around them. Elementary school teachers from all public schools on St. Croix are encouraged to apply.
The grant application deadline for both the Ludington Literacy Grant and Teacher Grant Award is Oct. 15. The foundation's education committee will review all applications. They can now be picked up at the foundation's office or e-mail requests can be sent to staff@stxfoundation.org.
For more information, call the St. Croix Foundation at 773-9898.
