The Heckscher Foundation for Children

Teacher's Aid Program

The Foundation sought to address the needs of teachers who serve under resourced communities for educational tools and supplies that are not part of the normal classroom budgets. Many New York City educators, aware of the deficiencies in the educational environment faced by their students go far beyond fulfilling their basic job description and often pay for books and equipment out of their own pockets.

We sought to address that problem by working with the Children for Children Foundation and establishing the Teacher's Aid Program (TAP). TAP awards grants typically ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $1,500. The application process is simple and TAP grants are awarded within days of receipt of an application. TAP grantees are often teachers who make themselves available to students during hours and days far exceeding normal school hours and who create special programs within their school that broaden learning opportunities.