FAQs

GREF is an independent, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that attracts private financial and other resources to pilot and implement programs that elevate student learning opportunities in Glen Ridge schools.

Led by corporate and community leaders, GREF identifies, incubates, and funds programs that are initially outside the scope of school budgets. Many initiatives—such as the Learning Gardens, One to One Chromebooks, and the Robotics Lab—were initially funded by GREF during its 30-plus-year history and have since become core to the District.

The Foundation funds programs and supports schools in several ways:

Innovation Mini-Grants – Awards up to $750

Expanded Innovation Grants – Awards up to $3,000

Major Projects – One-time investments beyond the scope of Innovation Grants

Signature Projects – On-going, multi-year programs (such as Orton-Gillingham Training and Virtual High School)

Twice a year (October and March), requests for proposals are issued for Innovation Mini-Grants and Expanded Innovation Grants. Any Glen Ridge Public School staff member or group of staff is encouraged to submit proposals for funding a project within the program's guidelines.

To ensure projects align with school and district objectives, Mini-Grant proposals require approval from a Principal or Supervisor, while the Superintendent also vets Expanded Innovation Grant proposals. Submissions are evaluated by a peer review panel comprised of educators and, upon approval, are forwarded to the GREF Board of Trustees for funding approval.

All staff members of the Glen Ridge Public Schools may submit a proposal.

Any staff member may propose an Innovation Mini-Grant or Expanded Innovation Grant and, with the approval of their school principal or supervisor, submit it for consideration by a Peer Review Panel. The foundation’s Board of Trustees then reviews approved proposals for funding.  Proposed larger-scale initiatives that have passed a rigorous internal review process are presented by the Superintendent of Schools to the Foundation. GREF trustees review every project thoroughly, conduct due diligence, and subsequently vote to determine whether to fund the project.

That's easy. Please support our fundraising efforts!

Participate in the Teacher Recognition Program

Become a Family Sponsor for our largest annual fundraiser, the Ashenfelter 8K Classic and Tom Fleming 2K races

Encourage your company to become a Corporate Sponsor of the races

Sign up to run/walk the A8K/F2K on Thanksgiving Day with friends & family

Consider GREF for your annual giving or estate planning; appreciated stock is always welcome

Donate here or mail a check to GREF at PO Box 8063, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028

GREF offers a unique way to acknowledge the school community's important role in students' lives in December and June. The Teacher Recognition Program invites families or classes to donate in honor of any staff member(s) by name. Honorees receive notes of recognition and gratitude from GREF along with the donors' names. All funds raised through the program are directed to professional development programs for the teaching staff.

Corporate sponsors may underwrite Major and Signature Projects. The Foundation always seeks Corporate Sponsors for the Ashenfelter 8K Classic and Tom Fleming 2K races. Several sponsorship tiers are available, and sponsors are recognized on t-shirts, signage, and at the event. Annual and one-time donations are also welcome. For more information, please email us here.