Fall 2025 Grants Cycle: Where Community and Creativity Meet

From the state capitol to symphony halls, from the buzz of a fifth-grade campfire to the hum of a new trombone — this fall, inspiration is echoing across North Kitsap classrooms.

Something special is happening in North Kitsap classrooms — and it’s made possible by a community that believes in the power of education.

This fall, the North Kitsap Schools Foundation has awarded $103,776 in classroom grants to teachers across the district. That total represents more than just funding — it’s a reflection of what can happen when teachers, families, and community members work together to support learning.

Each of these grants began as a simple idea: a teacher imagining a way to make lessons more engaging, meaningful, and memorable. Maybe it was a field trip to connect classroom lessons with the world beyond school walls. Maybe it was a set of new books to spark curiosity in young readers, or supplies for a STEAM project that brings science and creativity together. Some teachers dreamed of new instruments for their music programs, while others wanted to ensure every fifth grader could experience the learning and teamwork that happen at camp.

Once those ideas were submitted, they followed a thoughtful process — first reviewed by the district to ensure they fit within curriculum goals and could be implemented safely, and then passed to the Foundation Board for consideration. That’s where the excitement really takes hold. Board members gather to read through every proposal, discuss their potential impact, and celebrate the creativity flowing through our schools. Each application tells a story, one of dedication, imagination, and a deep commitment to students.

This fall’s funded projects will reach every corner of the district, from kindergarten classrooms to high school science labs. Students will soon walk the halls of the Washington State Capitol, experience live music at Benaroya Hall, explore new stories through books, and discover confidence through creativity and teamwork. These opportunities go beyond resources — they shape the experiences that help students see learning as something alive and full of possibility.

“When the community comes together to support education, incredible things happen,” shared one Foundation board member. “These grants aren’t just about supplies or field trips. They’re about creating experiences that remind students that learning is an adventure worth taking.”

Behind every dollar awarded is a teacher’s vision and a community’s belief that every student deserves the chance to explore, imagine, and grow. While the number — $103,776 — is impressive, the real impact will be seen in the small moments it creates: a student’s laughter at camp, the awe of seeing government in action, or the pride of playing a song on a new instrument for the first time.

“Every grant is a promise,” another board member added. “It’s a promise that we believe in our teachers, in our students, and in the bright future of North Kitsap.”

Throughout 2026, these projects will unfold one by one, each bringing a new story of creativity and connection to life. We’ll be sharing those moments along the way,  reminders of what’s possible when a community invests in its schools and its students.