At the Newton Community Educational Foundation (NCEF), we believe that innovative ideas in the classroom have the power to inspire students and transform learning. Our Teacher Grant Program was created to support educators who dream big—bringing projects to life that go beyond the basics and enrich the educational experience for every child in Newton Community Schools.
Since 1989, NCEF has proudly partnered with teachers to fund creative initiatives that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and motivate excellence. Through the generosity of our community, we’ve awarded more than $1.2 million to Newton educators, helping them turn exciting ideas into reality.
This application is your opportunity to share your vision. Whether it’s a hands-on science project, an arts initiative, or a new approach to technology in the classroom, we want to help you make it happen. Together, we can ensure that every student has access to engaging, meaningful, and inspiring learning experiences.
NHS Esports
Compost System BMS
Community Book Study
Free Voluntary Reading (FVR) Classroom
Berg Middle School School Garden Upgrades
Special Olympics Newton
Fidget to Focus
Berg Middle School Podcast
Jasper County Conservation Display
Total Grants for 2025-2026 $34,000
2024-2025 School Year
Cardinal Crossing - $5,500
Flexible Seating - $1,300
Replacing Balances - $4,600
Middle School Garden - $2,500
Middle School Lunch Room Mural - $1,700
6th Grade Book Club - $3,000
Speed Training Treadmills - $8,000
2023-2024 School Year
Youth Engagement Program - Kyle Lovan $1,500
One Book, One Berg - Jen Wiebel $3,000
Microscopes- Jodi Morgan Peters $13,160
Wheely Fun with Clay - Lauren Roush, Jenna Hughes $6,400
Building Trades in the Classroom - Andrew Kuker $400
Raising the Bar- $6,300
2022-2023 School Year
Youth Frontiers - Jen Wright $6,340
Biomedical Science - Jodi Morgan-Peters $5,550
Aurora Heights Book Vending Machine - Jolene Comer $5,000
Berg Middle School Book Vending Machine - Dan Cibula $5,000
Thomas Jefferson Book Vending Machine - Trisca Mick $5,000
Cardinal Regiment Newton Indoor - Adam Kallal $7,400
3D Printing for Art at Berg - Collin Barnes $1,000
Food Photography at Berg - Emily Chhouy $500
Youth Engagement Program - Officer Lovan $1,700
2021-2022 School Year
IgNite Berg Middle School - Amy Shannon $5,000
Human Impact Outdoor Learning- Andrew Kuker $1,250
Berg Middle School FFA- Jarret Horn$1,350
CNC Manufacturing Technology Wood - Derek Bair $20,000
Dream to Clean at West Academy - Tara Zehr $5,855
New Cardinal Mascot- Activities Department $1,000
2020-2021 School Year
NHS Cardinal Candle Company- Karla Cazett $3,500
BEST- Berg Employability Scale - Jen Weibel $6,000
Principals Biomedical Science Grant- Jodi Morgan Peters $5,300
Calm Down Room- Kris Loschen $1,500
Emerson Hough Book Vending Machine- Jolene Comer $5,000
Newton Cardinal Water Bottles - NCSD $10,000
COVID Supplies- NCSD $5,000
2019-2020 School Year
21st Century Machining Lab- Todd Lucas $20,000
Berg Middle School Career & Technical Ed Program - Jarret Horn $13,000
P.R.E.P.A.R.E - Tina Stammeyer $2,900
Cardinals Care, Climate, Culture, Community- Kelly Tremel $2,000
Spring & Fall Family Elementary Art Nights- Lauren Roush & Jennah Hughes $350
Woodrow Wilson Book Vending Machine- Jen Elbert & Dallas Vander Pol $5,000
Morning Masterminds of Aurora Heights- Lois Holmes $1,500
West Academy Food Pantry - Tara Zehr $1,350
2018-2019 School Year
Elementary Spring Art Nights- Lauren Roush & Jennah Hughes $500
Learning by Doing- Tina Stammeyer $1,000
West Academy Arts- Karen King $1,300
District-Wide PLC Conference- NCSD- $7,500
Berg Middle School After School Club- Amy Shannon $15,000
Stand for the Silent - Tyler Stewart- $500
Show Choir- Rudy Kammel- $3,000
Teen Leadership - Doug Smith - $3,500
and much much more since 1989!