Enriching Learning and Encouraging Excellence

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GRANTS

The Ripon Education Foundation provides funding grants for teaching and learning initiatives and for special learning experiences and projects. REF also manages the Dr. Richard Zimman Innovative Teaching Grants.

RIPON EDUCATION FOUNDATION
TEACHING AND LEARNING GRANTS

The Ripon Education Foundation encourages academic achievement through financial support that provides enhanced learning and teaching opportunities for all students and teachers within the District. Since 1997, Foundation teaching and learning grants have helped fund a wide array of teaching and learning tools and experiences. Teaching and Learning Grants have enriched learning for students in all of Ripon’s schools in a variety ways. Recent examples include:

Bork's Baristas

Bork’s Baristas, a student-run beverage service gives students hands-on job experience, teamwork practice, and daily opportunities to brighten staff members’ days with warm drinks and smiles.
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Author Kevin Lovegreen Visit

Author Kevin Lovegreen inspired Ripon students with engaging storytelling, outdoor adventures, and interactive activities.
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Soldering in Physical Science

Thanks to a REF grant, RHS Physical Science students are using soldering kits to explore electricity basics, build working circuits, and gain problem-solving skills with hands-on learning.
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Civil War Museum Visit

RMS students brought classroom history to life during a grant-funded visit to the Civil War Museum, exploring interactive exhibits, artifacts, and a 360-degree film.
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SEE MORE TEACHING/LEARNING GRANT AWARDS

The Ripon Education Foundation Grants Committee reviews grant requests for their potential to make a positive difference for students. Grant proposals are reviewed according to the following educational criteria:

  • Promotes Student Learning
  • Aligns with RASD Goals/Initiatives
  • Supports Engaging/Innovative Experiences
  • Funding is not already in RASD budget
  • Proposal is Feasible
  • Must Receive RASD Authorization

Teachers may apply for teaching and learning grants by completing and submitting the online application. Approval begins with the beginning of the school year. Awards are made as proposals are approved and as long as funds are available.

APPLY FOR TEACHING/LEARNING GRANT

SPECIAL PROJECTS

The Ripon Education Foundation often helps fund and/or spearhead fundraising for special learning experiences and projects within the Ripon Area School District. Donors who wish to help fund specific learning opportunities or projects work through the Ripon Education Foundation to ensure their gifts are properly recognized, documented as gifts for tax purposes and used as intended.

Examples of recent donor funded special projects include:

Robotics

Ripon Robotics had a successful 2025 season, building their strongest robot yet and advancing to the Wisconsin Regional semifinals thanks to new equipment, teamwork, and community support.
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EL Field Trip

English Learner students enjoyed a grant-funded field trip that fostered leadership, teamwork, and belonging while creating lasting memories through fun, encouragement, and shared accomplishments.
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Bill Nye

RHS students were inspired by a trip to Milwaukee to see Bill Nye, an unforgettable experience that fueled their curiosity and passion for science.
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FBLA Nationals

Four RHS students attended the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, gaining valuable skills, experiences, and national-level competition.
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SEE MORE SPECIAL PROJECT GRANT AWARDS

The Ripon Education Foundation helps donors to work with the Ripon Area School District to support special projects.

Criteria for special projects are as follows:
  • Aligns with RASD Goals/Initiatives
  • Project Must be Feasibile
  • Must be Approved by RASD Superintendent

Teachers may apply for teaching and learning grants by completing and submitting the online application. Approval begins with the beginning of the school year. Awards are made as proposals are approved and as long as funds are available.

APPLY FOR SPECIAL PROJECT GRANT

DR. RICHARD ZIMMAN
INNOVATIVE TEACHING GRANT

Dr. Zimman, former Ripon Area School District superintendent of schools, and his wife Valerie Cox, established a fund for a special innovative grant of up to $1,000. The grant is awarded annually each spring and may be used for innovative teaching activities in the summer, fall, or spring of the following year.
 
Since 2017 the Dr. Richard Zimman Innovative Teaching Grant has enriched learning for students in all of Ripon’s schools. Recent examples include:
 

Garden Project at Murray park

Murray Park third graders rolled up their sleeves and planted a garden thanks to a Zimman Grant. With support from the grant, students explored the life cycle of a plant, read nonfiction books about gardening, wrote persuasive essays, and, of course, got their hands dirty bringing their garden to life! Projects like this connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, sparking curiosity and giving students memories that will stick with them long after the school year ends.
 
Teachers are invited to apply for Dr. Zimman Innovative Teaching Grant by completing and submitting the online application. 
APPLY FOR ZIMMAN GRANT