2026-2027 PEF Impact Grant Application

PEF’s PROGRAM OVERVIEW 2026-2027

Petaluma Educational Foundation (PEF) administers the PEF Impact Grant Program to enable teachers, schools and districts to bring innovative and effective instructional ideas to reality. Grants totaling over $5.3 million have been awarded to Petaluma area schools since 1983. PEF grants support quality instruction, student access and impact, and innovation aligned with a school or district’s overall goals. PEF funds grants in the following focus areas: Literacy & Language Arts, Fine Arts & Music, Health/Wellness, & Technology/STEM/STEAM.

Eligibility for PEF IMPACT Grants

Teachers, classified personnel, and principals in TK-12 public, charter and not-for-profit private schools in the Petaluma area are eligible. All grant applications must be collaboratively developed, approved, and signed by the site principal, lead administrator, or superintendent.

To ensure a school or district-wide focus for PEF Impact Grants:

  • Each elementary school may submit only one application.
  • Each TK-8 school may submit up to two applications: one elementary and one secondary.
  • Each junior high school may submit up to two applications: one per focus area.
  • Each senior high school may submit up to three applications: one per focus area.
  • Each district may submit only one district-wide application.

The PEF Impact Grants awards up to $20,000 for curriculum projects with significant emphasis on programs of extraordinary scope, impact or longevity. The PEF Impact Grant process spans a one-year period:

  • October 5, 2026: Applications due to PEF by 4:00 PM, late grants cannot be accepted.
  • October 13, 2026: Applicants notified if they have made it to second round.
  • October 20th & 21st 2026: Second round for finalists. Oral presentations.
  • November 4, 2026: Awards announced.
  • January 20, 2027: Site deadline for ordering supplies and equipment.
  • May 30, 2027: Teacher final evaluation report due to PEF.
  • Fall 2027: Site visit and evaluation by PEF staff and Board members.

REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

  1. PEF Impact Grants must benefit students and instruction directly. PEF does not fund fieldtrips, transportation, facilities improvements, labor, installation/modification costs, ongoing tech support, consumables such as art supplies, paper etc., salaries, refreshment/catering.
  2. Funds granted for equipment, furniture, or technology must be integrated with an accompanying program that describes instructional impact on students.
  3. All technology requests must be in line with your site and or District Technology Plan and must be collaboratively planned and approved by the site administrator.
  4. To be eligible, your school must not have an incomplete grant from the prior year. Final report on previous programs must have been received.
  5. 10% of your grant’s budget may be used for teacher training/teacher release time.
  6. Funds must be used for the specific purpose stated in the budget.
  7. PEF may share final report and images (which may include student release images) on social media.