The Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation has awarded mini-grants totaling nearly $5,000 to a dozen teachers across the region.

In its inaugural mini-grant offering, the foundation received 85 applications from teachers of kindergarten through 12th grade to help fund innovative, student-oriented educational experiences that might not otherwise be funded. Mini-grant requests ranged from $51 to the cap of $500.

Rick Durante, the foundation’s Executive Director, said he chose to embark on this new program because of the broad need for classroom funding.

“We know there are a lot of innovative projects that teachers would like to implement that simply need a small financial boost to get off the ground or to be completed,” Durante said.

The mini-grant program aligns well with Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union’s charge to lead with education.

“FMFCU exemplifies the credit union philosophy, ‘people helping people,’ and what better way for us to support our community than through education,” Durante said.

Grantee Julie Miller, a teacher in the Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center, plans to use her award to provide non-English-speaking families the opportunity to enjoy books in their native languages at home with their children.

Students at Interboro High School will learn life skills and gain business acumen as they establish a coffee shop within their cafeteria, using funds awarded through teacher Kathryn Garvin’s grant application.

Andrew Kruc of Walnut Street Elementary School in the William Penn School District will receive funding for a set of Remo Hand Drums that will be used by the entire school during music class.

Grants were also awarded to these applicants:

• Alicia Bannister at Park Lane Elementary School and Joe Williams at Walnut Street Elementary School, both in the William Penn School District
• Andrea Ricevuto at Prospect Park School in the Interboro School District
• Kristy Dumont at Notre Dame de Lourdes School in Ridley
• Gina Capozzoli at the elementary schools in the Ridley School District
• Catherine Furia at Pennell Elementary in the Penn-Delco School District
• Wendy Graff at Stonehurst Elementary School in the Upper Darby School District
• Elizabeth Landes and Christine Roy at Marple Newtown High School
• Samantha Mammarelli at Harris School in the Southeast Delco School District

An announcement regarding applications for the 2019-2020 school year will be forthcoming in late spring.

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