Investing in Cherokee County Classrooms

Since 2012, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) has awarded nearly $1,000,000 in grants to support students, teachers, and schools across the Cherokee County School District (CCSD). Every dollar raised by CCEF goes directly back into the district through donations, grant programs, and other initiatives that strengthen education.

Our Impact Grant Program empowers CCSD teachers to bring innovative ideas to life. Each grant provides up to $2,500 for classroom projects that inspire creativity, foster inclusivity, and enhance learning experiences. These grants make a difference where traditional budgets fall short.

Why Impact Grants Matter

Impact Grants fund projects that transform classrooms. Past recipients have used grants to purchase robotics kits for STEM programs, provide instruments for budding musicians, and create inclusive learning environments for students with special needs. These opportunities help students build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve academic success.

When you donate to CCEF, you become part of this mission. Your contribution helps teachers access resources that spark curiosity and prepare students for the future.

CCEF board presenting an impact grant check for STEM robotics

Our final application period of 2025-2026 is open! Be sure to complete your applications before February 28th.

IMPORTANT: Our grant application process has changed since 2024, please read the instructions throughly, and check out our latest news update for more information by clicking here.

Frequently Asked Questions

All Cherokee County School District faculty members are eligible to apply for an Impact Grant of up to $2,500. Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, this program is designed to support your vision for student success.

Funding Restrictions

CCEF cannot provide funding for:

  • Classroom furniture
  • Travel for students or teachers
  • Student incentives
  • Equipment with physical liability risks
  • iPads or computers
  • 3D printers
  • Professional development
  • Technology hardware
  • Facility modifications

Get Involved

Want to make a difference? Donate today to help fund future Impact Grants or sign up for updates to learn when applications reopen. Together, we can create opportunities that inspire every student in Cherokee County.

Previous Impact Grant Recipients

Period 1

  • Jennifer Martin - Noteworthy Non Fiction
  • Dawn Barrett - Expanding Access to Digital Literacy: Bringing PebbleGo, PebbleGo Next, and BookFlix to Our Students
  • Keith Furstenberg - Active Futures: Energizing Student Wellness
  • Katie Howard - Growing Minds: Creating Collaborative Garden Spaces for Students

Period 1

  • Jessica Nohner - Creativity Unlocked: Music for All
  • Sandy McPherson - Level Up Nonfiction
  • Amanda Nettles - Engage Our Kids!

Period 2

  • Kate Henriques - Illuminating Minds: Enhancing Gifted Learning through Puppetry Arts Exploration
  • Rebekah Hunt - STEM Lab Robotics
  • Jessica Jones - Sensory Room
  • Amanda Stewart - Teasley Middle School Sensory Room
  • Ty Casteel - Digital Education in Construction
  • Lori Sewell - Reading Horizons: Leveled Classroom Library Grant
  • Meredith Hager - Exploring Ecosystems through Puppetry: Bringing Rainforest Adventures to AIM

Period 3

  • Jessica Nohner - Beats for Belonging: Building Community Through Group Drumming
  • Angela Ezell - Enhancing Vocational Opportunities Through the Career Readiness Center