SUPPORT Excellence in Education with an Annual Gift to GDEF!

Groton Dunstable Education Foundation (GDEF) has kicked off its Annual Giving Campaign (AGC) with a mailing to past donors, school families and area businesses, and we need your support to continue our mission of enhancing success of our public schools by funding grants for innovative programs, materials and professional development opportunities that fall outside normal school district operating budget.

Last year's campaign helped fund 24 enrichment grants to our public schools. Your generous support is critical to achieving this year's AGC goal - raising $35,000 while increasing participation among school families and community members. Until we can engage more volunteers to help host fundraising events, our Annual Giving Campaign will provide the sole source of funding for grants we award at every district school across all curriculum areas.

To help fund important educational grants in 2015, GDEF welcomes tax-deductible donations in any amount online at www.gdefinc.org, or mail a check to: GDEF, P.O. Box 322, Groton, MA 01450. Donations can also be made in honor of a favorite teacher, coach, or other educator through GDEF's Teaching Stars program - just click on "Giving" Tab on website for more information.

GDEF recently awarded two professional development mini-grants of $365 to Middle School Physical Education teachers to attend an educational conference in Worcester, as well as a $220 mini-grant for a high school English teacher to enhance grammar lessons, and two $500 technology grants for Middle School Science classes. Mini-grants for up to $500 are available on a rolling basis through April 30, 2015, and district staff and community members with a district sponsor are encouraged to apply.

GDEF's annual cycle for larger grants is currently open, with applications due Jan.30, 2015, and grants awarded in March. More information and applications available on GDEF's website.