TNP Inclusion Grants
In February, The Nora Project hosted our very first Friendship February fundraising initiative. Friendship February was a month-long challenge that encouraged students and their families to complete acts of kindness throughout the month. Many participants raised money for their completed challenges. Check out the highlights from the exciting month of friendship in this Instagram recap. After a thrilling month, we were pleased to have raised more than $12,400! A portion of the money was sent to each of our 2020-2021 participating schools in the form of an inclusion grant. Even if they didn’t participate in Friendship February, each school received an inclusion grant from the money raised so that they could work to build a more inclusive school community. We provided our teachers with some ideas, but encouraged creativity with the funds. Our schools are beginning to spend the money and we are very excited by the choices they have made. Check out what is coming to some of our schools soon!
Indian Knoll Elementary School in West Chicago, IL will be spending their money on adaptive art tools, like paint daubers and triangular crayons.
Irving Elementary School in Oak Park, IL will be choosing books from our Kindness Library to add to their school library.
Congress Park School in Brookfield, IL will be using the money to purchase materials to put a sensory path on their first and second floor.
Our Libertyville IL schools in school district 70 will be using their money to select books about empathy to add to each of their school libraries.
Harper Elementary School in Wilmette, IL is purchasing fluorescent light filters for two of their Nora Project classrooms.
Greenbrook Elementary School in Hanover Park, IL will be increasing their library content to feature more inclusive books in preparation for expanding their Nora Project programs next year.
Thornton Fractional North in Calumet City, IL is planning to use their inclusion grant as part of their summer program which includes inclusive social experiences at school and in the community.
Jackson Elementary School in Elmhurst, IL is purchasing books for their younger classrooms that are not teaching our Primer pack, but want to bring more inclusive materials into their classrooms.
Westchester Intermediate School in Chesterton, IN is working with their local high school to purchase and build materials for a Buddy Bench at the school.
Williamsburg Elementary School in Geneva, IL is using the grant to purchase materials to continue the work on their “Kindness Rocks Garden.” They will be buying new paint supplies and rocks to keep the garden growing.
William Beye Elementary School in Oak Park, IL will be purchasing a set of dolls and books that promote inclusion and diversity.
These grants are proof that inclusion doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Part of being inclusive is being thoughtful about how you spend the money you do have. We are so proud of our partner schools for their dedication to making their schools more inclusive!
Want to get your school involved in The Nora Project? There’s still time to sign up! Learn more about our programs here, and reach out to Senior Program Director, Katy Fattaleh, at katy@thenoraproject.ngo for more information.