Grant Program

In the Fall of 2025, $59,975 was given back to 81 classrooms in Walled Lake Schools.

The school breakdown of FFE grant funds can be found in the table below.

The application deadline for the 2025-26 school year is October 19, 2025.

All funds awarded must be spent by the end of the 2025-26 school year!

Grant Application Instructions

1. Walled Lake Google Apps account must be utilized to access the complete Mini-Grant application.
2. Complete Online Grant Application.
3. Click "Submit" at the end of the form in order to save work and for a copy of the responses to be emailed to your WLCSD Google email account. Acknowledgement will be titled "Foundation For Excellence 2025-26 Mini-Grant Application" and received stating that "Your response has been recorded" which will indicate a successful submission.
4. Paths available for grant requests: Classroom Library Literacy Program and All Other Requests (See application).
5. Requests will be reviewed by Walled Lake Consolidated Schools' administration to ensure alignment with curriculum, goals and initiatives.
6. Questions? Contact Foundation For Excellence Executive Director Jackie Gurwin or call (248) 956-2116. Grant history is available below.

Criteria For Submission

Applicable uses of funds include:

• Educational tools and projects
• Resources, programs and/or classroom activities
• Books from diverse authors and appropriate themes for K-5
  • Please email Michelle Black for additional guidance with selecting books that will meet students needs.

Eligible Needs

• Support for school and/or district's school improvement plans or goals
• Requests that will benefit literacy and leadership, community and diversity, science, technology and the arts, or district programs

Items Typically Not Funded

• Chromebooks, iPads, Laptops, Music Players
• Field Trips
• Headphones (as they are supposed to be parent-supplied per WLCSD)
• Requests of funds for athletics, clubs or other extracurricular activities unless they overlap with classroom needs. (ie. musical instruments that can be used in the classroom as well as by the marching band)
• Yearly Subscriptions

Grant Information You Need to Know

• Funding guideline for this grant cycle is $500 per request for Classroom Literacy Library Program submissions. Funds for other Mini-Grant requests can be greater than $500 this cycle. Budget is to be provided by the applicant.
• Only one grant application per applicant will be considered.
• Requests exceeding $500 are allowed for resuming district programs, large scale projects and/or for vital educational support, and may be submitted for consideration. The Foundation may consult school principals to assess and prioritize such requests.
• Grant awards are often made on a partial funding basis.
• Grants are not awarded for limited/singular use or school groups traveling outside the district.
• Teachers are responsible for placing orders and/or completing purchases unless otherwise noted.

In August, 2014, Shuman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Dealership of Walled Lake generously contributed $50,000 to the Foundation for Excellence for the establishment of the Shuman CDJR Performing Arts Student Grant Program. A limited number of grants are awarded annually, where financial assistance is essential, so students may sustain involvement or establish membership in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District high school performing arts.

The 2026 Shuman Family Performing Arts Student Grant Application is open!  Please submit your application by March 20, 2026

2026 Shuman Grant Application

Grant Disbursement to Walled Lake High School Students

2015 - 2025 = $29,205 | 211 Awards

Parameters & Student Application

• Walled Lake Google Apps account shall be utilized to access and complete application and is typically released winter of each school year.
• WL counselor, administrator and/or performing arts teacher/director will consult with students regarding application's submission.
• Applicants may request funding for (1) performing arts program. 
• Grants are awarded for singular school year and recipients remain eligible to re-apply for subsequent years once awarded grant.
• The Foundation for Excellence will notify applicants of grant award and also notify the referring counselor and/or performing arts teacher/director.
• Awards are announced in spring and applicable for performing arts programs beginning in summer or for that coming school year.
• Funds are paid directly to performing arts program on grant recipient’s behalf.  

Program Donations

Charitable gifts are welcomed to ensure program's longevity and meet increasing student need.

Click here to donate now

Donations are also accepted by check payable to the Foundation for Excellence with a completed donation form. Please mail to: