Shallow Ford-linked foundation to award first Stokes County grants after competitive application round

Dr. Todd Martin, community engagement officer with the Shallow Ford Foundation, told the Stokes County Schools board on March 23 that the newly established Stokes County Education Foundation will distribute its first teacher grants on April 27.

The grants, awarded under the foundation’s competitive rubric, will total at least $20,000 in this initial round, Martin said. "Our plan is to fund up to $20,000 in grants," he told the board, adding that figure could be higher if additional funds are secured. He asked board members and community members to help spread the word and consider contributions.

Martin said the foundation opened applications January 5 and closed the window the prior week. As of Friday at 5:00 p.m., 18 applications had been submitted — five elementary, seven middle and six high school — requesting a combined total of more than $45,000. He described two grant types: individual awards up to $2,000 and collaborative grants up to $4,000.

Dr. Jones, who introduced the presentation, thanked Martin and said the foundation’s work will allow the district to support “out of the box innovative” classroom projects. Martin said advisory-board members and program officers (including Greg Keener) will score applications using a rubric and take recommendations to the advisory board in early April.

Martin also noted the foundation’s relationship with the Shallow Ford Foundation, said Emmy Korn serves as president and CEO, and named other staff involved in the effort. He said the foundation has already secured a $5,000 gift and is pursuing additional grants to increase the funding pool.

The foundation plans to visit recipient classrooms on April 27 to present awards in person. Martin said the timing allows teachers and schools to order materials during spring/summer so projects are ready for the next school year.