The DEF is proud to support three grant options throughout the school year. Enrichment and Nancy Bradley grant applications occur in the fall, and Innovation grants take place in the early spring. Each is described below:
Enrichment Grants
As for the past 28 years, DEF continues to fund activities designed to supplement or enrich the course of study consistent with the curriculum and for which budget funds are not available. Examples of possibilities include:
* Virtual or live visits from speakers,
* Virtual or live museum tours, and
* Live music and/or dance performances
We encourage collaboration among staff. Please complete the online application found here.
Innovation Grants
Innovation grant funding is intended to encourage new, engaging ways to involve your students with meaningful curriculum. The intention of DEF and the Dedham Public Schools (DPS) is to pilot programs which have the potential to be adopted by the district and reach even more students. Projects may address any grade taught in DPS. Eligible projects related to teaching practice should enhance, but not duplicate, the standard public school curriculum and programs. As with all DEF grants, proposals must align to the district’s strategic plan, the 2024 - 2025 School Committee Goals, and DPS’ ongoing efforts to improve teaching and learning.
Priority will be given to STEM projects that include:
Integration of subject matter across content areas
Hands-on, experiential learning, and increase student voice and choice
Opportunities to demonstrate learning in multiple ways
Priority will be given to social-emotional learning projects that:
Foster and increase connections between students
Increase resiliency, mindfulness, and growth mindset
Build social awareness or community
Increase knowledge of and access to pedagogical and behavioral practices which improve teaching and learning for students who are part of marginalized populations
Please make a copy of the application by clicking here.
Nancy Bradley Memorial Fund Grants
Established in honor of Nancy Bradley for programs in support of languages and world cultures.
The Foundation is pleased to be making grants for the first time from the Nancy Bradley Memorial Fund, established within DEF by friends and family of Nancy Bradley. Mrs. Bradley taught French, Spanish, and Latin, and served as head of the World Language Department during her 40 year career at Dedham High School. Nancy was noted for her devotion to her students and her staff and her passion for teaching. She brought enthusiasm and energy to her classroom and her role as a mentor and manager. She touched the lives of thousands of students as a teacher and role model, inspiring them to give their best.
Named in her honor, the Memorial Fund will offer grants to teachers in the Dedham Public Schools for innovative projects or programs in world languages or world cultures , and welcomes applications from throughout the school system. Especially welcome would be projects that encourage interest in world languages and tolerance and understanding of cultures beyond the United States.
Click here to make a copy of the application.
* Email the completed application to DEFgrantapplication@gmail.com
* Include “Bradley Fund” and your Project Title in the subject line.