Clara Harbeck Grant for Principals

      Background

     The Clara Harbeck Memorial Fund was established in 1988 by the family of Clara Harbeck, former Kalamazoo Public School teacher and administrator from 1962 through 1986, in the words of her daughter, Karen, to "perpetuate her commitment to and fondness for the children and staff of the KPS system."

     A planning committee comprised of three KPS administrators and friends of the late Clara Harbeck worked with KPEF to develop guidelines for the program which was approved by the Harbeck daughters, Karen, Anita and Linda, and launched in 1991 with a retreat for KPS principals in June and the first annual grant awarded in the fall on a competitive basis to a KPS principal.

     The interest generated by the Fund, established as a separate endowment account with KPEF in the Kalamazoo Foundation, will determine the amount of the annual grant, expected to be a minimum of $500. 

Grant Guidelines

     In accordance with the wishes of the Harbeck family, Clara Harbeck Grants must directly impact students and may not be used for educator's personal or professional development.  Grant monies may be used to purchase materials and/or secure services needed to implement the project.  Purchase requests should not conflict with district responsibilities or purchase plans, and proposals for equipment and/or field trips will only be considered if the item or trip is an integral, vital component of a larger strategy.

     Applications for Clara Harbeck Grants are mailed to each principal at home by August 1 and are due to KPEF in mid-September.  All applications are acknowledged by letter when received.  They are then reviewed by a committee of at least three retired KPS teachers, administrators and community members, and applicants are notified of the committee's decision the first week in October.   

     Applicants for the Clara Harbeck Memorial Grant (including the grant recipient) may resubmit proposals for funding through the KPEF Mini-Grants for Educators Program.  To facilitate this process, application guidelines for both grant programs are identical and applicants need only attach the appropriate cover sheet. 

     The Clara Harbeck Grant recipient is recognized at an annual reception held for KPEF grant awardees and is presented with a framed certificate. Family members are invited to attend.

Clara Harbeck Grant Project Summary