Dist. 204 pushing for more grants, partnerships

In an effort to continue to meet students’ needs, Indian Prairie District 204 is making more of an effort to go after grant money in addition to seeking more community partnerships.

“We’re in different times now, where we’re all seeking to find money anywhere that we can,” Superintendent Kathy Birkett said.

While continuing to work on community partnerships that provide resources for students from school supplies to winter coats, community relations coordinator Jason Altenbern has applied for or written letters of inquiry for about $325,000 in grants.

Because many grants require applicants to have nonprofit status, Altenbern has partnered with the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation, which provides extras that support education in District 204.

“The foundation has been invaluable in helping us set some procedures in place,” Altenbern said. “With their help we have formalized ways we create and track proposals.”

So far, 24 inquiry letters or applications have been submitted, with six denied, seven funded and 11 under review. Those funded have brought $77,750 to the district to pay for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) family nights and supplies, an after-school mentoring program, an after-school at-risk program and a literacy program.

Altenbern also plans to continue to identify possible grants and to apply for them. “I’m very receptive to any foundations or corporations that want to give us money,” he said.

Board member Dawn DeSart said she would like to see teachers, principals and other district staff members involved in the process. “I would be proactive,” she said.

This year, the district also has benefited from a record number of area businesses and groups participating in community partnerships with the district, providing a total of $96,000 in cash and in-kind contributions for students. For instance, 24 different groups provided $14,000 in cash and materials for needy students, more than double the aid provided last year.

A winter coat and boot drive collected 1,100 pieces of winter gear, tripling the number of winter boots collected over last year. Also, $39,000 in gift cards and presents went to needy students during the holidays.

“Our partners look forward to these activities because they feel a stronger connection to our students and families,” Altenbern said. “I use those relationships as a springboard to recruit volunteers and to establish more partnerships.”

The district also looks for businesses and community groups to work with students in such activities as freshman career fairs, he said.