CIS of Eastern Pennsylania Small Grants Program

At CIS of Eastern Pennsylvania, we know that learning doesn't only happen behind four walls. Thanks to our Small Grants Program, students at Trexler Middle School got to experience this magic firsthand through the creation of an outdoor classroom. With improved focus, enhanced critical thinking skills, and a healthy dose of Vitamin D, students reconnected with nature and themselves—experiencing an outdoor classroom like no other.

And this is just one story.

Over the past two years, our Small Grants Program has awarded nearly $49,000 in funding to empower our site professionals to bring creative, student-centered initiatives to life—projects that go beyond our core operations and make a lasting impact on students, families, and school communities.

Here’s how this transformational support has taken shape across Eastern PA:

• In East Penn School District, we hosted a Mental Health Awareness Month event, bringing in a guest speaker to educate and support parents of middle and high school students.

• At Washington Elementary School in Allentown, families participated in financial literacy workshops, learning practical strategies to manage their money and build stability.

• In Bethlehem at Northeast Middle School, a partnership with Toolshed Boxing offered a 10-week trauma-informed after-school program, complete with training, mentorship—and of course, boxing gloves, all provided through Small Grant funding.

These projects are made possible through the dedication of our site professionals, whose ideas and passion are at the heart of this program. Every application is carefully reviewed by an internal committee to ensure each dollar supports meaningful, mission-aligned work.

Looking ahead, we’re proud to share that we've earmarked nearly $50,000 in funding for these types of grants in the 2025-26 school year—but we can’t do it without you.

You can be part of this story. By supporting our Small Grants Program, you're helping us fuel innovation, promote equity, and give students and families the tools they need to thrive—whether it’s under the sun in an outdoor classroom or in a gym learning how to fight through life’s toughest challenges.

Visit our website today to make a donation and help bring more bold ideas to life.Together, we’re being present for students—one grant at a time.