Clifton Public Schools

Clifton Education Foundation grants are open to district staff—including teachers, administrators, and other personnel—as well as student groups and parent organizations such as PTOs and HSAs.

Projects that align with the Clifton Education Foundation's mission and enhance student learning may be considered for fundraising support. Examples include:

• Math and Science initiatives
• World Language or Multicultural enrichment programs
• Environmental studies and sustainability projects
• Visual and Performing Arts projects (Art, Theater, Music, Literature)
• Technology integration and innovation
• Problem-solving, critical thinking, and STEM activities

Creative and innovative projects beyond those listed are also welcome and will be considered for funding.

All applications will be reviewed by a committee from the Clifton Education Foundation's Board of Trustees, which will evaluate each proposal on its originality and creativity, as well as an explanation of how, through its goals and objectives, the project will benefit Clifton Public Schools' students.

Grant applications can be accessed on the Clifton Education Foundation's website or in the link below:

2025-2026 Grant Application

Applications should be completed and returned by mail to: Grant Applications Committee, Clifton Education Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2071, Clifton, New Jersey 07015.

Grant applications will be accepted from June 2, 2025 through November 7, 2025. Awards will be distributed on a rolling basis beginning in mid-September, continuing until all available funds have been allocated.

All applicants will be notified of the status of their submission. If a project includes specific time-sensitive elements, the foundation will make every effort to review and respond in a timely manner to accommodate those needs.

Elementary, Middle, and High School Staff: Must obtain signatures from both their building principal and subject supervisor.

Clubs: Require approval from the building principal only.

Principals: Must secure the signature of the Assistant Superintendent.

Student Groups: Need approval from both the building principal and the faculty advisor.

Parent Organizations: Must receive approval from the building principal.

Technology-Related Grants: Any grant involving computer technology (excluding hardware) must be approved by the Coordinator of Instructional Technology.

Applications that do not follow these approval guidelines will not be considered.

Recipients of a Clifton Education Foundation grant are entrusted with funds to carry out the specific goals and objectives outlined in their approved application. These funds are subject to regulations, oversight, and audit requirements.
 
Grant recipients may not profit personally from awarded funds. Any personal or financial connection to a vendor involved in the project must be fully disclosed in the application, including any ownership interest in a vendor associated with the proposed grant activities.
All grant funds must be used exclusively for their intended purpose. Recipients are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and may be required to submit receipts or other documentation upon request.
 
Grant recipients are required to submit a project summary report to the Clifton Education Foundation, Inc. by Friday, June 5, 2026.
To help showcase the impact of funded projects, the foundation encourages recipients to share digital photos of the grant in action throughout the school year. These images may be used for promotional purposes on the foundation’s social media platforms. Please email photos to cefcommdirector@gmail.com.

The Clifton Education Foundation is pleased to announce they have become the administrators for the Daniel Listmeier Memorial Scholarships. The scholarships, available to two students in the Clifton High School ASPIRE program, honor Mr. Listmeier’s commitment to the students the program serves.

Danny, a former custodian in the Clifton High School Annex, was deeply invested in mentoring at-risk youth, providing guidance, friendship, and often financial support. The scholarships, established and funded by his parents, Lani and Jerry Pollastro, after Danny’s untimely death, honor his kind and generous spirit, leaving behind a legacy not soon forgotten.

Danny’s family is deeply rooted in our school community. His mother Lani and aunt, Cathy Burke were long-time teachers in the district where his cousin Erin Burke-Saba continues to serve. Danny followed in his dad Jerry’s footsteps, who was also a beloved former custodian, as well as a mason and glazier.

We thank the Pollastro family for the honor of allowing the CEF to help keep Danny’s commitment to the students he loved alive in Clifton schools. Those wishing to contribute to the scholarships may do so by sending a check payable to Clifton Education Foundation, P. O. Box 2071, Clifton, NJ 07015. Please add a note that your donation should support the scholarship. All donations are tax-deductible.

• Scholarship Requirements

Jennifer Lucas was a treasured member of the Clifton Public Schools community, serving the students she adored for nearly 30 years. She began her career in Clifton in 1995 as an elementary music teacher, providing music education to students in Schools 9, 11 and 12. Sharing her musical gifts, Ms. Lucas inspired countless students, teaching them to embrace the many ways the beauty of music cultivates talents, expands imagination, serves to connect to others, and fills the soul.
 
Rising to the role of Assistant Principal of the School 12 Annex and eventually becoming the beloved Principal of School 2 in 2010, Ms. Lucas left an indelible mark on the entire Clifton Public Schools community. Despite leaving the classroom, she never abandoned her love of music, often sharing her gift as a pianist during school assemblies and gatherings.
 
Ms. Lucas has been described as a “second parent” by many, offering compassion, warmth, kindness, and dedication to not only students and colleagues who benefited from her leadership and kind heart, but also parents who sought her guidance and wisdom, effortlessly given, making recipients feel seen, respected and a valuable part of the school community. It has been said that she was “born to be an elementary school principal.” She often contributed her leadership beyond the confines of the city, most notably as the leader of the annual Safety Patrol trip to Washington, DC, undertaking the daunting task of ensuring the safety of the children in her charge. Parents and guardians had a sense of security in knowing their most precious gifts were in Ms. Lucas’s capable hands. Jennifer Lucas’s presence will be felt throughout the district whenever music fills the air, reminding all whose lives she touched of her enduring legacy that will reverberate for generations to come.
 
The Clifton Education Foundation is honored to be the administrators of the Jennifer Lucas Memorial Scholarships, established by the Lucas family, awarding two individual scholarships to deserving Clifton High School seniors pursuing a career in Education or Music.
 
Those wishing to contribute to the scholarships may do so by sending a check payable to Clifton Education Foundation, P. O. Box 2071, Clifton, NJ 07015. Please include your email address and add a note that your donation should support the Lucas scholarship. All donations are tax deductible.

• Scholarship Requirements

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) paramedics play a critical role in our healthcare system, providing urgent medical care and saving lives in emergencies. This scholarship is specifically designed for CHS seniors, who are aspiring EMTs or Paramedics planning to attend Bergen Community College. Through this scholarship, we are hoping to support the next generation of EMTs and paramedics, and improve emergency medical care in Clifton, as well as neighboring communities.

My brother, Marcin Bednarz, was driven by a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. He dedicated his life to serving others as a paramedic, starting his journey as an EMT volunteer at the age of 16. He touched countless lives working as an EMT and Paramedic at Valley Hospital and Englewood Health EMS. He was also a volunteer firefighter for the Wallington FD. His commitment to helping those in need and his unwavering compassion were hallmarks of his character, reflecting a profound selflessness that inspired all who knew him. Tragically, in April 2024, Marcin’s life was cut short at the tender age of 22. Marcin's legacy endures through the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of his dedication to the paramedic profession. Through this scholarship, we are honoring his memory and service to others. His story stands as a testament to the power of selfless service and the enduring difference one person can make in the world.

By alleviating some of the financial pressures, we hope to enable more talented and passionate individuals to enter this vital field, ultimately enhancing the quality of emergency medical services in our area. The family of Marcin is grateful to the Clifton Education Foundation for administering these scholarships and keeping the memory of Marcin’s remarkable and inspiring life alive.

Those wishing to contribute to the scholarships may do so by sending a check payable to Clifton Education Foundation, P. O. Box 2071, Clifton, NJ 07015. Please include your email address and add a note that your donation should support the Bednarz scholarship. All donations are tax deductible.

With gratitude,

Maggie Wojtylo

Principal, School 2

Learn More about this Scholarship