Since 1990, CU Schools Foundation has accepted applications from educators in the Champaign and Urbana public schools, and awarded MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS based on these proposals. We fund a broad spectrum of projects to help children of all ages and all levels of accomplishment. The benefits of these projects continue long after the initial investment.

IDEA grants stand for INVEST, DEVELOP, ELEVATE, ACHIEVE. We have several categories of IDEA grants that range from $250.00 – $5,000.00. Proposals are submitted by teachers and are selected based on classroom innovation, creativity, and student ownership of learning.

Teachers can apply individually or with another teacher, grade level, school or another district. Our smallest category is the Compact Grant for up to $250.00. We often see amazing projects result from a small investment. Our largest grant category is the Collaborative Grant, for up to $5,000.00 and requires teachers to collaborate with a teacher in another district and a community partner. These projects allow teachers to gain new insights as they plan and implement a project with their peers and community partners.

Gift of Music Grants are made possible by a private donor to enhance music education experiences for Unit 4’s Kindergarten through 12th grade students. This grant supports activities such as: student attendance at an instrumental, choral, operatic or musical theatre performance; a guest artist or artist in residence; or the purchase, maintenance or repair of musical instruments or equipment.

Gift of the Fine Arts grants are made possible a private donor to enhance fine arts education experiences in visual arts, music, dance and drama for District 116 Kindergarten through 5th grade students.

Susan “Suzi” Sargeant McDonald was the founder/developer of the Krannert Center Youth Series. Rich McDonald, her husband established this endowment in her memory. The goal of this grant program is to support Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana School District #116 student attendance at Youth Series events at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA) at the University of Illinois in Urbana, IL.

The Chester and Nadine Houston Book Grant is funded through a gift from the Chester and Nadine Houston estate. Nadine Houston worked as a public school librarian for many years. Teachers who need books for their classroom libraries can apply through a simple online application.

The Vincent O. Greene Grants are funded through a gift from the estate of Mr. Vincent O. Greene.

To honor Mr. Greene’s passion for education, CUSF established this grant to enhance education in the area of financial literacy, math, business, accounting, finance or similar fields of study. The grants are available to k-12 grade level teachers and encourages community partnerships.

This fund was established by the children of Barbara and Robert Wolf in memory of their parents. The Wolf children all participated in Central HS music programs and Mrs. Wolf was a very active band parent. Funds from this endowment will support Central High School music events.