Marion L. Bates Endowment Fund for Faculty Enrichment
Forecasted
Marion L. Bates Endowment Fund for Faculty Enrichment supports Rockford Public School District #205 teachers’ study, pertinent travel, and enrichment to advance intellectual growth and inspire students.
Funder: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $4,000 per teacher
Summary: Supports Rockford Public School District #205 teachers’ intellectual development through study, pertinent travel, and other enrichment experiences.
Key Information: Applicants must have at least three years of employment in Rockford Public School District #205.
Description
The Marion L. Bates Endowment Fund for Faculty Enrichment, administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), provides awards to Rockford Public School District #205 teachers to further their intellectual development and interests. Margaret and Kendall Bates established the fund in memory of their mother, a devoted educator with interests in history and languages.
The program supports personal and professional growth through enrichment experiences, including additional study and pertinent travel, beyond routine teaching expenses or typical continuing education. Activities need not be primarily pedagogical, though their anticipated impact on classes and coursework may be considered. The fund emphasizes quality, creativity, expanded personal experiences, and educational connections that inspire students through classroom, extracurricular, community education, or teaching activities.
