Neighborhood School Grants

Two Trees and the Walentas Family Foundation

Two Trees and the Walentas Family Foundation are strongly committed to the cause of public education in New York City. The Neighborhood School Grants program was founded on the belief that vibrant and successful schools are a fundamental part of any thriving community—and that the community in turn plays a critical role in the success or failure of our schools. 2013 marked the inaugural cycle of this annual grant program to nurture and support innovative school-based projects in the neighborhoods where we live and work. 

At this time, all public schools located in Districts 13 and 14 are eligible to apply for grants between $5,000 and $25,000. 

Funding Priorities

Two Trees and the Walentas Family Foundation believe that individual schools themselves know best how to assess their needs and how to address them given their unique capabilities and resources. 

We seek to support those projects that do the most to enrich students' learning experiences and help a school to achieve its central mission, but which are not supported by a school's existing budget allocation. We believe this can best be achieved through initiatives that draw on the creativity, vision, and energy of the entire school community—from students and their families, to faculty and staff, and even beyond to the neighborhood at large.

There is no restriction on the type of projects we will consider. However, we generally do not fund turn-key enrichment residencies or basic equipment purchases.

Past Grant Categories

Career and Vocational Training, Classroom Instruction Support, Curriculum Development, In-School Enrichment and Clubs, Field-Trips, Mentoring, Guidance, Advocacy, Professional Development, Project-based Learning, Race and Gender Equity, Restorative Justice, Transition to High School/Transition to College, Tutoring and Remediation.

 Open Proposal and Application Timeline

• Schools are encouraged, but not required, to reach out during the open proposal period (now through May 15, 2026), to discuss eligibility, program details, and ideas. Let us know what you're thinking by submitting a proposal at the link above or by sending an email to schoolgrants@twotreesny.com.
• The 2026-2027 application period opens June 1, with a deadline of August 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. 
• Grant recipients will be contacted on or before September 15, 2026.
• Funds will be distributed in October 2026 for use during the 2026-2027 school year.

Questions?

For more information about the Neighborhood School Grants program, our funding priorities, or how to apply visit our FAQ. If your questions are not answered in the FAQ, please reach out via email schoolgrants@twotreesny.com