Foundation awards mini-grants to Villa Park Elementary District 45 staff
On Dec. 15, the Villa Park Elementary District 45 Foundation for Excellence in Education visited several schools to surprise staff members and award mini-grants for the 2025-26 school year. Foundation board members joined by Superintendent Brian Graber, delivered the news in person, presenting three mini-grants totaling more than $2,400.
One of the mini-grants was awarded to District 45 Early Childhood Center speech-language pathologist Jenna Gerber and special education teacher Amy O’Callaghan for their proposal, “Moving Minds, Growing Bodies.” The project will update and expand the center’s gross-motor toys and equipment to support student development.
“These materials are an essential part of our daily activities, helping children develop key skills in gross and fine motor movement, social interaction, sensory processing and early academics,” the grant application stated.
With support from the foundation, the mini-grant will fund versatile equipment for indoor and outdoor use, including balance bikes, stepping stones, tumbling mats and climbing sets.
The materials are designed to encourage movement and active play while helping children build coordination, strength and confidence.
In October, the foundation invited District 45 staff to apply for mini-grants for innovative projects not included in the district’s normal operating budget. The foundation’s board of directors reviewed applications in early December and selected three proposals. Each mini-grant was awarded in an amount of up to $1,000.
Mini-grants are offered in addition to the foundation’s regular grant program each spring.
District 45 staff may apply for regular grants beginning in February 2026, with awards announced in May and program implementation during the 2025-26 school year.
2025-26 mini-grant recipients
• Ardmore’s Indoor Plant Nursery, Year 2
Anne Blyth and Luciana Romeo, Ardmore Elementary School — $982.14
• Curiosity in a Bin: Making Books Accessible for All
Michael Harter and Cheryl Wolf, North Elementary School — $467.73
• Moving Minds, Growing Bodies
Amy O’Callaghan and Jenna Gerber, D45 Early Childhood Center — $986.97
Throughout the year, the District 45 Foundation for Excellence in Education raises funds to support regular grants and mini grants.
On Friday, Feb. 6, the foundation will host their “Bowl for 45” fundraiser. Donations may be made online or by mail at any time at d45.org/d45-education-foundation.