In honor of Principal Steve Gleason, we establish this fund. Steve dedicated 33 years to the Grand Island public education system, serving at Jefferson from 1969 to 1987. His life was defined by faith, family, and servant-hearted education, ensuring every child knew their special worth. This fund encourages students and families to value education.

Eligibility and Purpose:

The Steve Gleason Jefferson Elementary Fund is created to ensure students have their physical, emotional, and educational needs met; creating a strong foundation that helps them grow into confident, capable, and happy learners. The Gleason Fund serves as a fundamental resource to ensure students thrive and achieve their full potential.

• Physical needs are about keeping a child healthy and safe.
• Emotional needs are about how a child feels about themselves and others.
• Educational needs are the tools and support a child requires to develop their skills, learn new things, and think critically.

Guidelines:

1. Requests shall be made in writing using the Steve Gleason Jefferson Elementary Fund Request Form.
2. Students must be attending Jefferson Elementary in the Grand Island Public Schools district.
3. Students must be referred by the school social worker and the form must be signed by the building principal.
4. The request shall be for a student’s physical, emotional, or educational needs, or something that would help the student succeed in class or connect the student to success.
5. If other scholarships or opportunities exist, the student must have made an effort to acquire assistance through those sources before applying. The fund is not intended to be a duplication of social service programs. Including WIC, Medicaid, SSDI, CHIP, Third City Clinic, United Way and Utility Assistance Funds and any other government funds that would duplicate the requested services.
6.  Student should qualify for free or reduced lunch. 
7.  This fund will not assist with delinquent payments or debt obligations for students or families. 
8. Requests not eligible for fund assistance are as follows: utilities, rent payments, mortgage payments, medical prescriptions, car insurance or homeowners insurance, home or car repairs.

Grant Awards:

1. A Review Committee appointed by the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors will meet as necessary to review requests. 
2. The Committee’s decision will be final.
3. Grants will be made payable to institutions, organizations, etc. on behalf of the student.
4. Grants will not be paid directly to the student.
5. Once the award is made, the social worker who referred the student must process the request through the Foundation Office for payment, unless otherwise directed by Foundation Staff.

Donations:

1. DoDonations to the Steve Gleason Jefferson Elementary Fund will be tax-deductible.
2. Donations to the Steve Gleason Jefferson Elementary Fund may be made at any time by any donor.
3. Per IRS guidelines, donations to the fund shall be general in nature with no specific designated recipient.

Application Procedure:

Complete the grant application. Grants will be awarded throughout the year as funds are available.

Steve Gleason Jefferson Elementary Grant Application