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As the new school year begins, it’s a wonderful time to show your support for our students and the educators who make learning possible.

Kalispell Public Schools (KPS) provides a high-quality educational experience to over 6,000 students in the Flathead Valley. At the same time, every KPS school qualifies for free meals, highlighting the real financial needs among our students. Taxpayer dollars play a crucial role in our schools, but unique needs and opportunities often arise that exceed school budgets.


A gift to Kalispell Education Foundation will:

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Empower Students


You help narrow the opportunity gap for students by providing access to learning experiences outside of the walls of the classroom, such as field trips and college visits, and becoming a champion for equality in education.


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Support Teachers and Staff


Great educators inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Your gift provides special classroom materials, access to professional development opportunities, and teacher appreciation.

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Enrich Programs


Education goes beyond textbooks and traditional classroom instruction, and this is being addressed with more enthusiasm than ever in KPS. Donor gifts support art, music, literacy, STEM, physical wellness, and special education initiatives that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and career and college readiness.


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Strengthen the Community


The success of Kalispell Public Schools directly affects the families, local businesses, and quality of life in Kalispell. By investing in education, you invest in our future leaders and the prosperity of our valley.

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Maximize Your Gift


When you give during the Great Fish Community Challenge, you not only have the opportunity to make a gift to up to 85 nonprofits with a single donation, Whitefish Community Foundation also provides a percentage match donation to the first $25,000 raised!


 
 

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Because of our community’s generosity, this year we supported 4,800 students and 200 teachers through 42 classroom grants. These grants fueled hands-on science, literacy growth, outdoor learning, and creative opportunities. And that is only one part of the story. Through all our programs, the Kalispell Education Foundation reached even more students, inspiring curiosity and confidence across our schools.


We’re thrilled to share our first-ever Gratitude Report, a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together and a glimpse at the growing impact your generosity makes possible.


Thank you for believing in our students, our teachers, and the future of Kalispell. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for learning and opening doors to brighter futures.



 
 
  • Writer: Dorothy Drury
    Dorothy Drury
  • Jul 1
  • 2 min read

While we know that next school year may be the last thing on your mind, but for those of you who are already thinking ahead, we're happy to share important information regarding next year's KEF grants. 


Many of you have had the opportunity to meet Jenny Cloutier, our KEF Programs Manager, who started in July of 2024. Jenny brings a strong background in grant writing and management, and she's been working diligently to streamline and simplify our grant application process. Her goal is to ensure we gather the information needed for nonprofit reporting while also helping you access funding more easily and efficiently. 



Here’s what to expect for the 2025/26 school year:

  1. Rolling Grant ApplicationsAll KEF grant applications will now be accepted on a rolling basis. Both the Great Opportunity Grant and the Micro Grant will be open for submission starting August 1, 2025.

  2. Updated ApplicationsWe’ve made thoughtful updates to our applications to improve clarity and ease of use. You’ll find preview versions of the updated applications attached to this email. There's always a potential for additional changes, but these are likely the final versions you will see next school year. 

FAQs

Q: A colleague received funds for a cool project. Can I apply for funds for the same idea?

A: Yes! 


Q: My need isn't particularly innovative, but it can't exist within the current budget. Do you only give money to really creative and different ideas?

A: While supporting innovation is certainly a KEF goal, we also aim to support great ideas that simply cannot be funded within budget limitations. If you're worried your need won't fit our criteria - just ask! Email Jenny at programs@kalispelleducationfoundation.org and she'll be able to help. 


Q: Grant application? That sounds complicated. Is it hard to apply for a KEF grant? 

A: Here's what your colleagues have to say: - 

"You have made this process so easy for busy teachers to access." 

"I love how easy the process is and all the support from your staff." 

"...this was my first time applying and I found it very easy to complete the application."

We always aim for improvement, and update the process every year based on user feedback. Hopefully next year will be even better.


Q: How do you receive funding? 

A: Our community! Parents, businesses, local foundations and alumni, along with KEF board members, KPS board members and the KPS admin team all give personally in the spirit of supporting your great ideas! We are always seeking additional connections, so please feel free to share our website with your friends and family or put them in touch with Dorothy at dorothy@kalispelleducationfoundation.org. 

Thank you for the work you do every day for students. We’re proud to be your partner! Have a great summer!


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Vision

The Kalispell Education Foundation believes that every teacher should be afforded the resources to inspire and deliver the best education to each individual student. 

EIN #: 20-4281682

PO Box 9136
Kalispell MT 59904

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