Through the Foundation’s grant program, funds are available to teachers, clubs, students, and parents for use in educational endeavors that benefit students in Ankeny and reach beyond the regular budget limitations of the school system.

Beginning with the 2005-2006 school year, a second granting period was added to the annual program! Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has awarded educational grants to 150 recipients totaling over $44,000.

Projects supported by the grant program to date include; the high school debate team, Business Professionals of America, Art Club, Students Against Drunk Driving, Spanish Club and the Learning Center. The AHS Academic Boosters Club, formed with a mission to raise academic achievements and attitudes, received initial funding from the Foundation.

The Northview and Parkview Middle Schools’ Students of Service and Service Learning Clubs have received operational funding as well as dollars to host special events like the enormously popular “Prom Night” for retired citizens of Ankeny. A Veteran’s Day video project, underwritten by the Foundation and created by 9th grade students, won a blue ribbon at the Heartland Technology Fair!

Each elementary school building in the district has also received funding from Foundation grants. Key Skills and Read Naturally are software programs that have numerous applications supporting skill development in both the math and language arts programs. Various modules are being used to enhance the curriculum for both struggling and advanced students in the primary grades thanks to Foundation grants.

The elementary music classes share rhythm cubes, purchased with Foundation funds, to define steady beat and divide that beat into rhythm. All Ankeny fifth graders are encouraged to participate in the Reading Relays, a reading incentive program designed to promote the reading of quality literature – underwritten by the Foundation.

According to one thankful recipient, the benefits of the Foundation Grant Program to the students of Ankeny are “priceless!”

The Foundation accepts applications twice a year. The 2008-2009 Spring Foundation Grant Application deadline is January 23, 2009. All applications must be postmarked by January 23, 2009.