PEF Impact Grant Applications Due October 5, 2026

PETALUMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ANNUAL IMPACT GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 5, 2026

Local Schools Access Funding for Curriculum-Based Programs with Significant Emphasis on Student Opportunities with Extraordinary Scope, Impact & Longevity

Instructional Video for 2026-2027 PEF Impact Grant Application

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Petaluma Educational Foundation (PEF) administers the annual PEF Impact Grant Program to enable teachers, schools, and districts to bring innovative and effective instructional ideas to reality despite ongoing economic challenges. Grants totaling $5,306,792 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.

The program awards up to $20,000 per grant for curriculum-based projects with significant emphasis on extraordinary scope, impact, or longevity. The PEF Impact Grant award spans a one-year academic period. All completed PEF Impact Grant Applications are due by October 5th this year. A tutorial video outlining the application process is available to view on the PEF website. Eligibility for PEF Impact Grants includes individual teachers, groups of teachers, classified personnel, and principals in TK-12 public, charter, and not-for-profit private schools in the Petaluma Area. All grant applications must be collaboratively developed, approved, and signed by the site principal or lead administrator. Focus areas for funding are in Math & Science, Literacy/English Language Learners, Fine Arts, Health & Nutrition, Vocational Education/Life Skills, and STEAM/STEM.

“Funding the Future” of education has never been more important. The annual PEF BASH event being held on September 12th will provide the public an opportunity to hear first-hand how they can partner with others to continue the mission of our 43-year-old Foundation and increase its positive impact on students today, tomorrow, and into the future. Every dollar counts, and together we can truly make a difference! We invite community members who share a passion for education to make their personal donations today. Together, we can create a lasting impact on local education, benefiting generations of local students,” shares PEF Executive Director Maureen Highland.

PEF receives no public funding. The Foundation raises funds for the annual grant program from individuals, business partnerships, and foundations. Since the Foundation was launched in 1982, it has awarded over $10.8 million in funding to schools and students through the annual PEF Impact Grant and PEF Scholarship programs.

For more information on the PEF Impact Grant application and process, please contact PEF Program Director Katy Verke at (707) 778-5063. Educators should visit pefinfo.com to apply through our online portal. To learn more about the ongoing work of the Petaluma Educational Foundation, contact PEF Executive Director Maureen Highland at maureen@pefinfo.com or 707-778-4632.

PEF’s vision is to create impactful educational opportunities for all students in our community. PEF’s mission is to fund programs that promote critical thinking, creativity, student well-being, and lifelong learning. We work closely with the 35 public, private, and charter schools throughout our community to fund impact grants and award scholarships that align with PEF’s goals while taking into account each school’s and each student’s unique needs.