118¿ª½±

Clifton Education Foundation Grants Available for 2024-2025 School Year

Introduction: The Clifton Education Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1998 as a non-profit community organization independent of the Clifton Board of Education. Our purpose is to further the educational goals of the 118¿ª½± through the funding of creative programs and special projects that cannot be supported through the regular district budget. We are announcing the availability of grants of up to $500 for the 2024-2025 school year. The number of grants awarded will depend upon the success of our upcoming fundraisers. 

Who May Apply For These Grants?: District staff (teachers, administrators and other members of the staff), student groups and parent groups (i.e., PTOs, HSAs).

Examples Of Projects Considered For Fundraising: Math and Science Projects; World Language or Multicultural Programs; Environmental Studies; Art, Theater, Music or Literature Programs; Technology Projects; and Problem-Solving/Critical Thinking Activities. Other creative and innovative types of projects not listed here will also be considered for funding.

How Will Proposals Be Evaluated?: All applications will be reviewed by a committee from our Board of Trustees, which will evaluate the proposal on its originality and creativity, as well as an explanation of how, through its goals and objectives, the project will benefit Clifton students.

How To Apply: Applications are available in the offices of all building principals and online on the district's website under 118¿ª½±-Community Menu or the . Complete the application and return it, along with two copies, by mail to:
Grant Applications Committee, Clifton Education Foundation, Inc.,
P.O. Box 2071
Clifton, NJ 07015.

Grant applications will be accepted beginning June 1, 2024 until November 1, 2024.  Grants will be awarded beginning mid-September on a rolling basis until such time as allocated funding is expended.  Each grant applicant will receive notice of the status of their application.  If there are timelines with the application, every effort will be made to notify the applicant of the status of the grant in order to meet those timelines.

Required Signatures:  Elementary, middle school and high school staff members must obtain the signature of their building principal and subject supervisor.    Clubs only need approval of the building principal.  Principals must obtain the signature of the Assistant Superintendent.  Student groups must obtain the signature of their building principal and faculty advisor.  Parent organizations need approval of their building principal.  Any staff member submitting a grant involving computer technology (not including equipment) must obtain the authorization of the Coordinator of Instructional Technology.  If these guidelines are not followed, your grant will be rejected.  

Summary Report:  Grant awardees will be required to submit a summary report on their project to the Clifton Education Foundation, Inc. by Friday, June 6, 2025. For further information about the grants program, call Loretta Ahmad at 973-919-0118 (cell).

Note:  Recipients of a Clifton Education Foundation grant have been awarded funds to carry out the goals and objectives identified in the grant.  These funds are subject to certain regulations. oversight, and audit.  Grant recipients may not profit personally.  Any personal connection to a vendor must be disclosed in the application.  Grantee shall disclose any ownership interest in any vendor that is part of the requested grant in the application.  Grant dollars must be used for their intended purpose.  Grant recipients must account for costs and provide receipts if indicated.

2024-2025 Grant Application

Daniel Listmeier Memorial Scholarship

The Clifton Education Foundation is pleased to announce they have become the administrators for the Daniel Listmeier Memorial Scholarships. The scholarships, available to two students in the Clifton High School ASPIRE program, honor Mr. Listmeier’s commitment to the students the program serves.

Danny, a former custodian in the Clifton High School Annex, was deeply invested in mentoring at-risk youth, providing guidance, friendship, and often financial support. The scholarships, established and funded by his parents, Lani and Jerry Pollastro, after Danny’s untimely death, honor his kind and generous spirit, leaving behind a legacy not soon forgotten.

Danny’s family is deeply rooted in our school community. His mother Lani and aunt, Cathy Burke were long-time teachers in the district where his cousin Erin Burke-Saba continues to serve. Danny followed in his dad Jerry’s footsteps, who was also a beloved former custodian, as well as a mason and glazier.

We thank the Pollastro family for the honor of allowing the CEF to help keep Danny’s commitment to the students he loved alive in Clifton schools. Those wishing to contribute to the scholarships may do so by sending a check payable to Clifton Education Foundation, P. O. Box 2071, Clifton, NJ 07015. Please add a note that your donation should support the scholarship. All donations are tax-deductible.

Scholarship Requirements