SAFE Matching Grant
Overview
The Student Attire for Education (SAFE) Program is a matching grant program operated by the Back-To-School Clothing Drive in conjunction with Maricopa County schools that have mandatory school uniform policies. Through SAFE, which was founded in 2004 by The Stardust Foundation Chairman and CEO, Jerry Bisgrove, schools can receive up to $2,500 annually to buy school uniforms for their clothing closets. These clothes are provided to children who come to schools without the appropriate clothing, or who’s family cannot afford to purchase the required uniforms or clothing.
Through the SAFE program, Back to School has provide over 90 schools (29% of all Title I elementary schools in the Valley) with SAFE funding and merchandise. That means that well over 15,000 children have received the clothes they need to be successful in school.
Originally, the Stardust Foundation funded this vital program in the amount of $250,000 over five years. That commitment ended in 2008; however, Stardust has renewed its commitment for an additional five years! It has also issued a challenge for our organization to secure $250,000 in new funding to substantially expand the program. Current and/or previous supporters include APS, USAA, US Airways, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, Helios Foundation, Phoenix Suns, and the BHHS Legacy Foundation. If you would like to donate to or support the SAFE program, please contact Executive Director Karl Gentles at karl@backtoschoolclothingdrive.com. or at (623) 842-1727.
Eligibility and Overview
Schools wishing to participate must submit an application and, upon approval, provide us the funds they want us match.
Here is a brief summary of the requirements:
- Only Maricopa County Title I public elementary schools may apply.
- The maximum amount any school can receive is $2,500 per year.
- Participating schools must purchase all items in the “Back to School Clothing Drive SAFE Store” which can be accessed from our home page www.backtoschoolclothingdrive.com.
- Purchases can be made all at once (the preferred method) or in $500 increments throughout the year.
- Grants will be reviewed until the current-year program budget is depleted at which time your school will be placed on a waiting list.
For additional information, please contact Karl Gentles, Executive Director, or Jean Pegler, Program Administrator, at 623-842-1727.
Click here to apply for a SAFE Matching Grant
Founded by the Stardust Foundation, schools receive a matching grant up to $2,500 to purchase clothing for kids that come to school without the appropriate school attire. With this grant, schools can double the money available to serve the clothing needs of their students. With a long track record of success and relationships, Back to School is the only nonprofit organization in the Valley that provides this unique support to local elementary schools. Approved schools shop in our new online Back to School Store.
Once approved, you will be granted access into the store where you can shop for a variety of school items including: Polo shirts in a variety of colors, shorts, pants, belt, sweatshirts, backpacks, and school supply pouches.
The program and online store is only available to Title 1 schools. Check with your school administrator to determine if your school qualifies. The maximum allowable grant is $2,500. Schools can apply for up to that amount in increments of $500. The minimum grant is $1,000. Once approved, you will be provided a user name and password to shop directly in our online store.
Schools approved for a SAFE grant must purchase the clothes through our store. Clothes are shipped directly to the school free of charge. Corporate donations fund the amount of money we have available each year
Participation is voluntary. Schools have the opportunity to raise a maximum of $2,500, which will be matched by the Back to School. Schools then use the funding to purchase uniforms for students unable to provide the required items for themselves.