Student Attire For Education (SAFE) Matching Grant Program

An Exclusive School Uniform Program of the Back to School Clothing Drive

The Student Attire for Education (SAFE) Program is an exclusive matching grant program of the Back-To-School Clothing Drive. The unique program benefits Title 1 public elementary schools that have mandatory school uniform policies. Through our SAFE program, schools can receive a grant up to $2,500 to buy school uniforms for their clothing closets when they shop in our exclusive online retail store. 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. More than 175 of the 312 eligible Maricopa Title I public elementary schools are members of our SAFE Matching Grant Program. Well over 30,000 children now receive the clothes they need through this unique program.

Apply for a SAFE Matching Grant Now!

Eligibility and Overview

Schools wishing to participate must submit an application and, upon approval, provide us the funds they want us match.

• 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.

About the Program
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, giving them $5,000, to serve the clothing needs of their students when they purchase the clothes through our exclusive SAFE online retail store. With a long track record of success and relationships, Back to School is the only nonprofit organization in the Valley and nation that provides this unique support to local elementary schools.

Once approved for the Grant, 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, sneakers, bomber and fleece jackets, and school supply pouches. We have also introduced a nonuniform line of clothes to accommodate Title 1 schools that do not have uniform policies.

The program and online store is only available to Title 1 public elementary 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 for the match. 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.

Founded by the Jerry Bisgrove and The Stardust Foundation, the program receives annual funding from investors to seed the matching grant pool of money. Stardust has issued a challenge to Back to School Clothing Drive to secure matching funds from other investors to match their $250,000 ($50,000/year) commitment Current supporters include APS, USAA, BHHS Legacy Foundation, Kohl’s, and others. If you would like support the SAFE program, please contact Executive Director Karl Gentles at karl@backtoschoolclothingdrive.com or at (623) 842-1727.