Friends Council is suspending the Quaker Projects Grants program for 2020-2021.

Student Project Grants

The National Friends Education Fund (NFEF), administered by Friends Council on Education, provides tuition aid to support Quaker children in Friends schools across the country. The fund aims to increase the ability of Quaker families to afford to send their children to Friends schools. Friends schools value the presence and active participation of their Quaker families; and Quaker families, likewise, value the institutional missions and commitments of Friends schools. For this reason, Friends Council on Education joins the efforts of families, schools, and Monthly Meetings to provide tuition assistance for Quaker families who demonstrate need.

Click here to download the application & guidelines packet.

For Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Friends (PYM) in PYM Friends Schools

Eligibility: Grants are available to children of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM) members in grades K- 12 at PYM Friends schools where families meet financial need standards as determined by the school, based on criteria adjusted by FEF/PYM standards; and at least one parent of a prospective student has been a member of a Monthly Meeting for a full year prior to the supported year. Formerly named “Friends Education Fund.”

For Friends beyond the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Area

Eligibility: For Friends schools beyond the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Area, grants are available to children, grades K-12, of members of Monthly Meetings beyond the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting area and who are new to the school or have previously received a NEQC Pilot Program award. Families must meet financial need standards as determined by the school and at least one parent of a prospective student has been a member of a Monthly Meeting for a full year prior to the supported year.

Application Process

The family submits an Application Form to the Monthly Meeting for signature of the clerk. The family then ensures that the signed application goes to the school right away. Deadlines for each step of the application process are listed on the application form. 

The inspiration: Bill and Mary Ravdin’s invaluable contributions to Friends education are heart-driven. Bill Ravdin, in his official “retirement years,” worked steadily and conscientiously to provide pro bono consulting services to small Friends schools across the country. The Ravdin Fund was established as a permanently endowed fund of the Friends Council on Education to continue this essential consulting work with small Friends schools in the tradition of Bill Ravdin. Grants to small Friends schools (250 students or fewer) help to provide consultants in the areas of fiduciary responsibility, long-range financial planning, fundraising, and stewardship of financial resources. 

The need: The stability and future of all schools depend upon sound long-range financial planning, fundraising, and stewardship of resources. For those Friends schools with enrollments of 250 students or less, sound governance in these financial areas often requires a consultant who has the knowledge and expertise to work with the details and context of a small school environment, and the willingness to provide strategic expertise as a pro bono service.

Meeting the need: Small Friends schools with financial need should apply directly to Friends Council on Education for a grant to defray expenses. The head of school must officially approve the request. Funds will be awarded to schools depending on the need and on the amount of funds available.

Guidelines for Application: Grants are available up to $1,000. The school is required to reach out to donors for a 20% match. In this way, the school strengthens its fundraising function, which is a goal for the grant. Grant applications are considered when they are received. As grants are limited, it is best to apply in the spring of the year prior to when the school will need the consultant. Click here to view a list of Governance Consultants.