Apply for a Grant

Fall Grants

Fall grants make up the bulk of grants given out by Vashon PIE every year. Vashon Public School District teachers, as well as staff and community members, are invited to submit grant proposals for specific needs and opportunities not addressed in the district budget. Requests are assessed on educational value, innovation, need and impact. Proposals are evaluated by PIE board members in late fall and grant money is distributed and used that school year.
Apply Now for the 2023-24 School Year — due October 4, 2023.

Please see the Fall Application Cover Letter, Tips for Grant Writers, and Fall Grant Criteria for more information on how PIE evaluates grants. Please note that PIE generally does not fund salaries, refreshments, travel (field trips DO NOT fall under this category) and furniture.

The Robin Appleford Enrichment Fund Grant

Vashon Partners in Education has another grant opportunity, made possible by a generous donation from the estate of islander Robin Appleford. The Robin Appleford Enrichment Fund broadens PIE’s goal of enhancing the learning environment in our public schools by focusing on projects and ideas that deepen learning, specifically in the areas of Civics & Community and Environment & Ecosystems and is on-going throughout the school year. 

Civics & Community—including ideas that expand learning in government, voting, social justice, community activism and communications.

Environment & Ecosystems—including ideas that promote and educate youth in the protection, care and well-being of natural systems in our community and our world, particularly in areas of the sustainability of natural resources, ecology and animal welfare.

The endowment encourages its applicants to look at new and old ways to explore student engagement, leadership and active participation in the above focus areas. PIE is particularly interested in supporting students and student groups, provided they involve a teacher or counselor as a sponsor of the grant application.

Applicants will receive feedback within 30 days of receipt of their proposal. Proposals received in June, July or August will be reviewed in September. Proposals for continued funding over multiple years will also be considered.

Please see specific Robin Appleford Enrichment Fund Grant Criteria for more information on how PIE evaluates grants. Please note that PIE generally does not fund salaries, refreshments, travel (field trips DO NOT fall under this category) and furniture.

Robin Appleford Biography
Robin Appleford, a long-time resident of Vashon Island, enjoyed a successful career in Washington State politics and later in life pursued a career in education. She graduated from Whitman College and went on to attain her Master in Economics from the University of Washington in 1986. She embarked on her political career working for Booth Gardner in the House of Representatives and ultimately became a contract lobbyist and economic consultant. In 2010, to satisfy her interest in education and youth, she sought a degree in teaching. In addition to her professional passion for civics and government, Robin maintained a menagerie of animals. One friend noted that she “never met a stray she didn’t love or save”. In addition to animals, Robin served her community as an advocate for low-income housing groups and conservation organizations. She was an avid outdoorsperson and athlete.

Robin passed away in 2013 and generously donated a portion of her estate to Vashon Partners in Education.