The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) is proud to announce the inclusion of its Impact and Rapid Grants in the latest episode of GrantTalk, a podcast presented by GrantWatch, the leading grant funding search engine for nonprofits, businesses, and individuals. 

This informative episode, hosted by Libby Hikind, the Queen of Grants and Founder/CEO of GrantWatch.com, shines a spotlight on the foundation's innovative grant programs that support teachers, students, and educational staff within the Cherokee County School District (CCSD).

In Episode 30 of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind sits down with Lisa-Marie Haygood, Director of CCEF, to discuss how the foundation emerged during the 2010 recession to support educators and students in the face of funding gaps. Since its inception in 2012, CCEF has awarded close to $1 million to teachers, schools, and students, fueling projects that enhance learning, creativity, and engagement across the district.

About CCEF's Impact and Rapid Grants

CCEF offers two distinct grant programs aimed at empowering CCSD faculty to bring innovative ideas to life in the classroom:

Impact Grants provide up to $2,500 for larger, transformative projects that enrich student experiences. These grants have helped fund everything from digital telescopes to musical instruments and inclusive learning initiatives. Applications for Impact Grants are currently open through November 31, 2024, with funds distributed before the end of December. The last application period for the 2024-2025 school year will open January 1, 2025.

Rapid Grants offer up to $500 for smaller-scale needs that enhance the learning environment. From hosting guest authors to hands-on science lab activities, Rapid Grants bring more immediate educational experiences to CCSD students. Rapid Grant applications are also open through November 31, 2024, with the last application period for the 2024-2025 school year opening on January 1, 2025. 

Episode Highlights 

During the episode, Hikind and Haygood dive into the mission and vision of CCEF, exploring the ways the foundation builds connections between the community and local schools. By engaging local businesses like Northside Hospital Cherokee and Chick-fil-A, CCEF fosters a robust support network that benefits the district and its students. The episode also provides valuable grant-writing insights from Hikind, who brings over 29 years of experience in education and grant writing, having raised $11 million as a grant writer for a New York City Department of Education school district.  

Watch the Episode

CCEF invites the community to watch this inspiring episode of GrantTalk to learn more about its efforts to strengthen the Cherokee County School District. With ongoing grant cycles and opportunities for community support, CCEF is committed to ensuring that students and staff have the resources they need to succeed.

For more information on CCEF's grant opportunities or to support these impactful programs, visit CCEF's website and follow on social media.