PEF Grants and Other Services

School Matching Grant

Polk Education Foundation awarded $52,700 in School Matching Grants to 4 schools!

2024-2025 School Matching Grant funding received through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations as part of the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program, is open to all public and charter schools in Polk County and requires schools to solicit and acquire new funds from private or community donors with the promise of a dollar-for-dollar match up to $5,000 per grant. What a great way to connect and engage community members with local schools.

Suncoast Credit Union Grant

Suncoast Credit Union is proud to invest in education in Polk County. In 2024-2025, the Suncoast Credit Union grant awarded nine grants to meet specific needs at the school site. Berkley Elementary and Highland City Elementary focused on literacy activities. Four other schools focused on enhancing STEM education with activities such as rocketry, studying the effects of microplastics in a Marine Biology class, providing additional hands-on activities, and more. Highland City and Eagle Lake Elementary received funds to replenish books for their book vending machines. Thank you, Suncoast Credit Union!

Wells Fargo Financial Health Grant

2024-2025 Wells Fargo Financial Health Grant funded one $5,000 grant in Polk County through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF). The intention of the Wells Fargo grant was part of an initiative to fund financial health projects across the state. The grants from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations are part of a larger investment from Wells Fargo.

Polk’s program, Financial Knowledge Beyond the Classroom, taught financial literacy lessons as a foundational tool for long-term success. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to manage money effectively, students were encouraged to become more informed, confident, and proactive in navigating the financial responsibilities of higher education and adulthood. Students develop a solid financial understanding, upon which they can build their future. Thank you, Wells Fargo, for helping students grow in financial health.

Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways Grant

Polk Education Foundation received a grant for $33,750 as part of a three-year $1,200,000 grant through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations aimed at increasing student interest in healthcare careers and successful participation in high school healthcare career academies, particularly among students from underrepresented rural communities. Through the ‘Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways' program grant, Polk Education Foundation will help reduce barriers for students interested in the healthcare field, provide classroom materials/equipment, and fund transportation for students to participate career exploration activities. One of the main goals is to increase the number of students interested in entering the healthcare profession.

CPS Investment Advisors Hitting the Mark for Learning

Florida Blue Foundation Healthy Communities Grant

Polk Education Foundation received $10,000 from Florida Blue Foundation as part of their Healthy Communities Grant Program. This funding was split, supporting both school-based food pantries and the AmeriCorps Polk Reads Program. Schools could apply for $500 grants to help restock the shelves in their food pantries. Schools provided food to students who needed healthy resources outside of school hours. The Polk Reads Program provided free in-school tutoring to K through 3rd grade students who need additional support in reading. Thank you, Florida Blue Foundation for supporting learning and making these opportunities possible!