RCEF Educator Grants
Investing in Educational Excellence
Empower Learning
The Rush City Education Foundation is proud to invest in the creativity and dedication of our PreK–12 professional staff. Our Educator Grants are designed to spark innovative, student-centered projects that go beyond the regular school budget and make a lasting impact in our classrooms and community.
Grants That Make a Difference
It truly pays to apply! Since 2013, the Rush City Education Foundation has supported dozens of exciting, innovative projects that enrich student learning in unique and meaningful ways.
Some past grant-funded initiatives include:
- Science of Reading decodable readers
- Maker-Space STEM carts
- ‘Ready-Bodies, Learning-Minds’ motor lab
- 3-D design printer
- Nature-based learning programs
- School pottery kiln to fire ceramic and pottery projects
- Peddle power machines
- Instruments for elementary music classes
- Wireless headsets microphones for the high school theater
- iPads for high school reading initiative
Firing Up Art: RCEF Grant Makes It Possible
Rush City High School New Kiln
After 25 years of service, the Rush City High School kiln needed to be replaced—a costly but critical upgrade for our ceramics program. Thanks to a grant from the RCEF, students now have a brand-new kiln up and running. Thousands of future projects, gifts, and memories will be created in this kiln.
“Knowing we have a reliable kiln has taken so much stress off my shoulders and made teaching ceramics genuinely more fun. Now I can focus on helping students explore and create.”
Grants Empowering Students for Lifelong Success
Through ceramics, students learn creativity, patience, and problem-solving while developing fine motor skills—skills they’ll use in any career or life path, from problem-solving at work to expressing themselves confidently.
It Pays to Apply!
Over the past 10+ years, the RCEF has supported dozens of exciting, innovative projects that enrich student learning in unique and meaningful ways. The application process is quick and straightforward, and the impact on students can be lasting and profound.
Download the Grant Application below. You can mail your completed application to Rush City Education Foundation, P.O. Box 153, Rush City, MN 55069; email it to rushcityeducationfoundation@gmail.com; or drop it off at the Rush City High School office.
Since 2013, RCEF has awarded more than 50 grants–and your idea could be next! The application process is quick and straightforward, and the impact on students can be lasting and profound.
What We Fund
We support projects that bring energy, imagination, and lasting value to the Rush City learning experience. We look for applications with the following:
- Are unique, creative, or innovative
- Introduce new ideas or pilot programs
- Enhance learning for a wide group of students
- Include clear goals, measurable outcomes, and a thoughtful timeline
- Show collaboration with students, families, or volunteers
- Provide a reasonable budget, including any in-kind contributions
- Grants that have the support of the Principal or Superintendent
What We Don’t Fund
To ensure funds directly support classroom innovation, we do not provide grants for:
- Building or grounds renovations
- Tuition for academic programs
- Paid positions or salaries
- Items typically covered by the school budget
Have a bold idea that can spark meaningful change for your students? We’d love to see it. Apply today and help us shape the future of education in Rush City!
FAQ’s
Who can apply for a grant?
Any professional staff member of the Rush City School District is eligible to submit a grant application. While students, parents, and volunteers may be involved in the project, the application must come from a professional staff member. Grants should benefit groups of students, not individuals.
How much funding is available?
Grants typically range from $100 to $2,000, depending on the scope and impact of the project.
What can grant funds be used for?
Grant dollars can be used for any costs related to your project, including materials, supplies, or equipment. If equipment is purchased, it must support a new or creative instructional approach. All capital items purchased with grant funds become the property of the Rush City School District.
What is the grant application process?
Start with a great idea! Then, complete the simple grant application form. Before submitting, be sure it’s co-signed by your supervisor, principal, or a school board member.
Applications are reviewed by the Rush City Education Foundation grant committee. You’ll be notified if your grant is approved, declined, or if more information is needed. If your grant is not selected, don’t be discouraged—funding is limited, and great ideas may simply be deferred to a future round.
If your grant is selected, congratulations! We love surprising educators with the good news and supporting you as your project takes off. If anything changes during implementation, just reach out—we’ll work with you to stay true to your original goals.
Can I submit a grant similar to one previously funded?
Yes! If your proposal is similar to a project funded in a past year (by you or someone at your site), it’s still eligible. Just be sure to note the connection and include outcomes or learnings from the original project.
Who do I contact with questions?
We’re happy to help! Email us at RushCityEducationFoundation@gmail.com, and someone from the Foundation will get back to you promptly.
Foundation Impact
Scholarships
Over $70,000 Awarded
Educator Grants
Over $109,000 Awarded
Be a Part of the Team
Your donation can make a huge impact on students in the Rush City School District. If you would like to give online, please click on the Donate Now button.
Scholarships Ignite Opportunity
Starting my neuroscience journey at the University of Minnesota is exciting — but figuring out how to pay for it is a challenge. Getting the scholarship from the Rush City Education Foundation means so much to me. I’m incredibly thankful to be chosen out of so many amazing students.
College is expensive, and I want to avoid accumulating significant debt while pursuing my nursing degree. The Rush City Education Foundation scholarship represents meaningful community support by helping ease the financial burden.
Becoming an anesthesiologist isn’t a quick trip—it’s a 15-year marathon of schooling and serious commitment. That also means a serious price tag. The Biese Scholarship from the Rush City Education Foundation is helping me take that first step without tripping over the cost.