Lowe's builds a $2.3M fund for schools

Lowe's is helping to fulfill the makeover wishes of 515 schools in 46 states with money for improvement projects.

The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded $2.3 million in Lowe's Toolbox for Education® grants to these schools during the program's fall 2014 grant cycle. The grants will fund school-improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education during the current school year. Lowe's awarded $4.7 million in grants to more than 1,100 schools this past year. "The Lowe's Toolbox for Education program delivers on Lowe's commitment to improve the educational environment for students across the country," said Maureen Ausura, chairwoman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "We're honored to work with schools in our communities to support the needs of our local students, teachers and families." The Toolbox for Education grants will fund public school projects, including technology and safety improvements, library renovations, walking trails and outdoor learning environments. Since its inception in 2006, Lowe's Toolbox for Education has provided more than$42 million in grants to improve 9,600 schools, benefiting more than 5 million schoolchildren. Grants are available to K-12 public schools in the United States for a wide range of improvement projects. Large schools and school districts are eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $100,000. "Our library has had the same furnishings since opening in the 1970s," said Ginger Corder, librarian at North Coffee Elementary in Manchester, Tenn., recipient of a $14,000 grant for new furniture and flooring. "With the help of the Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant, we will be able to create a space for our students that is safe and inviting while fostering a love and excitement for reading and exploring." Since 2007, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation have contributed nearly $200 million to school improvement efforts.