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PHM Education Foundation boosts grant pool to $75,000, raises classroom grant cap and previews events
Summary
The Penn Harris Madison Educational Foundation told the school board that its 2025–26 grant budget increases to $75,000, classroom grant limits will rise to $2,000, and applications will open Sept. 15 and close Oct. 30; the foundation also announced community events and a March 27, 2026 gala.
Jen McClain, executive director of the Penn Harris Madison Educational Foundation, told the board Sept. 8 the foundation’s grant cycle budget for 2025–26 will increase to $75,000 and classroom grant limits will be raised to $2,000. "So this year, the grant budget is $75,000," McClain said, adding that the foundation removed school grant caps so schools may apply for larger projects.
McClain said the application will be posted on the foundation’s website on Sept. 15 and will close Oct. 30; committee reviews will follow and board approval is planned in November before staff deliver surprise classroom awards. She outlined other foundation initiatives, including a Bus Driver of the Month program (sponsored by Culver’s), the district college and career fair on Oct. 16, a short‑circuits outreach program supported by Gary and Tammy Fox, and a 30th‑anniversary gala scheduled for March 27.
McClain noted flexible payment and donation options for families who participate in travel programs and emphasized the foundation’s desire to increase funding so more strong classroom proposals can be supported. Board members publicly thanked foundation leaders and donors; the board president also noted the foundation’s role in expanding programs offered to students.
The foundation’s presentation concluded the public presentations portion of the meeting before the board moved into regular business.
