Schools

Foundation Looks to Strengthen Relationship With School System

Funding level to be announced; donations sought.

It’s not surprising that part of the Canton Education Foundation’s mission is to support the town’s school system. But this year, the organization really hopes to refine that relationship and give educators a clear picture of what it can offer.

“Our focus this year is building a strong relationship with the schools,” foundation president Andrew Pidgeon said.

As part of that effort, the foundation will soon announce a specific dollar amount for the schools, Pidgeon said.

Find out what's happening in Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While the number of projects funded will depend on the amount of those awarded, Pidgeon hopes that specific commitment will give school administrators and teachers a clear idea of what’s available and encourage them to fill out grant applications with the foundation. The organization also plans to work with administrators to help prioritize projects.

And the organization said funding requests do not have to be elaborate and can be as simple as proposed field trips. They do, however, have to be educational in nature.

Find out what's happening in Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The foundation has received significant support from businesses such as , Arbella Insurance and the . And whatever they can give Pidgeon and foundation board members hope more businesses and individuals come forward and donate funds to the foundation, which would allow it to increase the funding level this year.

Foundation board member Sean O’Leary said people should also be aware that 100 percent of the funds go back to educational efforts. Costs such as supplies are covered by those involved in the group.

“This organization is completely volunteer,” he said. “All the money we raise goes back to the school system and organizations.”

Past funding in the schools included a Celebration of Harlem Renaissance program at Canton High School, integrated technologies at all grade levels, an interactive math program at Cherry Brook and a back-to-the-drawing board program at Canton Intermediate School.

And while there is a renewed focus on the schools, the foundation will continue supporting other educational efforts in town.

For example, it recently awarded $2,600 to for two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and related training. Another recent $2,600 donation went to the Canton Youth Services Bureau. 

The foundation has also supported other initiatives such as an opera education and enhancement program at Canton Public Library.

“Our mission is not just supporting schools,” O’Leary said. “It’s to promote educational enrichment throughout the community.”

In its approximate 13-year existence, the foundation has given $78,000 in grants, Pidgeon said. 

The foundation also plans to have a little fun this year as well. A Prize Patrol, for example, will surprise grant recipients with balloons and other festivities.

Anyone interested in donating to the foundation’s efforts can do so through the web site, either by a credit card or downloading a form and sending it to P.O. Box 261, Canton, Connecticut 06019.

The foundation is also seeking board members or residents who would like to be part of an advisory group. It meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Canton Community Center.  


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here