Since 1998

Investing in our community's future

Since 1998, the Clifton Education Foundation has funded creative programs, classroom grants, and scholarships across Clifton's public schools.

807
Grants awarded
$296K
Granted to classrooms
11,000+
Students served
21
Clifton public schools
Upcoming events

2nd Annual Tricky Tray

Join us Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. All proceeds fund classroom grants and programs across the Clifton Public Schools. We are seeking donated gift items, gift cards, recreational experiences, cash donations, and yearly sponsors.

Donate an item or gift card

We welcome new gift items, gift cards or certificates, and recreational experiences for the prize baskets.

Become a yearly sponsor

Bronze $300 · Silver $400 · Gold $500 · Platinum $1,000. Sponsors get a year of promotion on our social media, the business directory, and this website.

Questions or drop-offs

Contact Loretta Ahmad at 973-919-0118 (Cliftonef1998@gmail.com) or Cheryl Pienciak at 973-204-9099 (Cefsecy@gmail.com). Tax ID #22-3593134.

Donate to support the Tricky Tray

Who we are

Funding the ideas the school budget can't reach

The Clifton Education Foundation is an independent, volunteer-run 501(c)(3). We channel community generosity into programs and projects that the regular school district budget cannot support.

Classroom grants

Mini-grants fund STEAM projects, reading, the arts, environmental work, sensory paths, and classrooms for the future.

See grant opportunities →

Student scholarships

Named scholarships honor educators and community members and help Clifton graduates continue their education.

View scholarships →

STEAM & Makerspaces

We funded $35,000 to launch the STEAM Makerspace Program and continue expanding hands-on learning in school media centers.

Read our story →

Make a lasting impact

Your gift goes straight to programs, grants, and opportunities for Clifton students. All contributions are tax-deductible.

Donate now
Grants & Scholarships

Support that follows students from the classroom to college

Teachers and staff can apply for classroom grants each year. Our named scholarships honor people who shaped Clifton's schools.

For educators

CEF Grant Opportunities

Funding for Clifton teachers and staff to bring new ideas, materials, and experiences into their classrooms. The 2026–2027 application is open.

View grants →
Scholarship

Jennifer Lucas Memorial Scholarship

For two Clifton High School seniors pursuing a career in education or music, honoring a beloved principal and music teacher.

Learn more →
Scholarship

Daniel Listmeier Memorial Scholarship

Two $500 awards for Clifton High School ASPIRE students who show determination to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.

Learn more →
Scholarship

MICP Marcin Bednarz #4636 Memorial Scholarship

For CHS seniors pursuing EMT or paramedic training at Bergen Community College, honoring a young paramedic's legacy of service.

Learn more →

See all grants & scholarships

Our impact

Where the support goes, and who makes it possible

Recognizing the grant recipients, donors, and Tricky Tray supporters who keep this work moving forward.

Newsletter

Read our newsletter

Our newsletters cover the grants awarded, scholarships given, and the students and teachers your support reaches each year.

Open the current newsletter in a new tab

In our schools

Bringing Makerspaces to Clifton Public Schools

Hands-on learning in action across the district. We will add photos from classrooms and events here.

Stay connected

Follow the foundation