Individual Learning Grants
The Georgetown Island Education Foundation (GIEF) Individual Learning Grants are pioneering student-centered opportunities designed to support Georgetown learners as they pursue meaningful educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. Developed around student interests, goals, and passions, these grants empower young people to explore new ideas, deepen existing skills, and engage in enriching experiences that foster lifelong learning.
GIEF is proud to offer one of the only programs of its kind in the state of Maine. Since 2017, the foundation has awarded thousands of dollars to dozens of Georgetown students through these innovative grant opportunities.
Through the Individual Learning Grant Program, students have pursued experiences in athletics, music, visual and performing arts, entrepreneurship, skilled trades, literacy, outdoor education, leadership development, foreign language, community service projects, STEM programs, and more. Each grant reflects GIEF’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, confidence, and self-direction in Georgetown learners.
At the heart of this program is the belief that educational growth happens both inside and outside the classroom. GIEF created these grants not only to help remove financial barriers that may prevent students from pursuing their interests, but also to encourage initiative, leadership, independence, and personal growth within our island community.
Learn more about each grant opportunity below: Summer Discovery Grant, 8th Grade DC Trip/Freedom Tour Grant, High School Learning Grant.
Grant Recipient Follow-Up
As a recipient of GIEF funding, you are an important part of our community of learners. Following your experience, we ask that you help us share the impact of your grant.
Recipients are expected to submit a brief follow-up that includes:
A reflection describing what you learned or gained from the experience
Photos, work samples, or other documentation when applicable
Permission for GIEF to share your story, with appropriate credit, in our communications
Your reflection helps GIEF show donors and community members how their support creates meaningful educational opportunities for Georgetown students.
Summer Discovery Grant
The Summer Discovery Grant is offered by GIEF to support Georgetown learners in grades K–12 as they participate in enriching educational summer camp experiences. Each year, GIEF awards a limited number of grants of up to $500 to help offset tuition costs for approved camps.
For the purpose of this grant, an “educational summer camp” includes any day or overnight program designed to create meaningful teaching and learning experiences for participants. These opportunities may span a wide range of interests, including but not limited to music, visual and performing arts, creative writing, theater, robotics, science, sailing, environmental education, foreign languages, gymnastics, woodworking, and other skill-building or enrichment-based programs.
The intent of the Summer Discovery Grant is to expand access to summer learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage students to explore new interests beyond the traditional classroom. If you are unsure whether a specific camp qualifies, please contact us at giefmaine@gmail.com for guidance.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Summer Discovery Grant, applicants must
Be a student in grades K–12.
Be a resident of Georgetown, Maine.
Be applying for or enrolled in an educational summer camp or program occurring in the current grant year.
Submit a complete application by the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Deadline: April 1
Applications will be reviewed after the deadline using the Grant Review Matrix. Award decisions will be communicated within 15 days. If you do not hear from us, please contact us!
Sharing Your Experience
8th Grade DC Trip/Freedom Tour Grant
DC Trips and Freedom Tours are transformative multi-day experiential learning programs designed to bring history, civic engagement, and leadership development to life through travel and hands-on learning. These tours take students on an immersive educational journey to historic sites and national landmarks in cities such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Through guided exploration, pre-trip learning sessions, and shared group experiences, students deepen their understanding of American history, democratic values, and civic responsibility while also building independence, confidence, and teamwork skills. Students attending Bath Middle School can participate in the Freedom Tour sponsored by Bath YMCA. Students attending Woolwich Central School can participate their school-sponsored DC Trip.
GIEF is committed to ensuring that every interested Georgetown 8th grader has the opportunity to participate in this transformational experience. The DC Trip/Freedom Tour Grant helps supports access to this meaningful educational opportunity.
School-Sponsored DC Trips
Awards up to $100 per student
For students participating in a school-sponsored DC Trips (example: Woolwich Central School students) that provides group fundraising opportunities, GIEF will add these funds directly into the group fundraising pool.
Bath YMCA-Sponsored Freedom Tour
Awards up to $100 per student; additional needs-based GIEF funding may be available (based on the Bath YMCA’s need-based assessment process.)
For students participating in the Bath YMCA-sponsored Freedom Tour (example: Bath Middle School students) where no group fundraising opportunities are available, GIEF may award a larger grant to individuals attending this Tour based on YMCA recommendations.
OPTIONAL: Fill out the YMCA financial aid application to be considered for additional funds based on need. Additional need-based assistance beyond the $100 GIEF grant is determined and administered by the Bath YMCA through its financial aid process.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 8th Grade Freedom Tour Grant, applicants must:
Be a student in grade 8.
Be a resident of Georgetown, Maine.
Be registered to participate in a DC Trip or Freedom Tour sponsored by their middle school or the Bath YMCA.
How to Apply
Woolwich Central School DC Trip
Funds for Woolwich Central School’s Georgetown students are coordinated directly between GIEF and the school. No additional application process is required. If a student is participating in another school-sponsored DC Trip, please contact us directly for direction.
Bath YMCA Freedom Tour
Register for the Bath YMCA Freedom Tour through the YMCA enrollment process. For more information about the Bath YMCA Freedom Tour program, visit their website
Fill out the financial assistance applications through the YMCA (optional - see below)
Apply Here → for GIEF funds. Note: We seek to provide some funds for every Georgetown student. Students demonstrating financial need through the YMCA financial assistance program are eligible to receive higher levels of GIEF funding. Please reach out to GIEF directly with any questions at giefmaine@gmail.com.
Sharing Your Experience
High School Learning Grant
The High School Learning Grant supports Georgetown students as they pursue meaningful, interest-driven educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom.
Designed to encourage curiosity, independence, and real-world learning, this grant helps students deepen skills, explore career pathways, and engage in projects that reflect their interests and goals.
Students may pursue learning experiences with the support of a mentor, instructor, coach, or professional—or they may design and complete a self-directed project independently. Opportunities may include academic enrichment, artistic development, technical or trade skill-building, research, entrepreneurship, leadership initiatives, community-based learning, and other individualized educational pursuits. If you are unsure whether your project/experience qualifies, please contact us at giefmaine@gmail.com for guidance.
Two Levels of Support
The High School Learning Grant provides funding based on the structure and support needs of the proposed learning experience:
Guided Learning Experience
Awards up to $1,000
For students participating in a structured learning experience with guidance from a mentor, instructor, coach, or professional. Examples may include lessons, courses, apprenticeships, workshops, specialized training, or other mentored opportunities.
Independent Learning Experience
Awards up to $500
For students designing and pursuing their own learning project independently. Examples may include research projects, creative endeavors, skill development, entrepreneurship, or self-directed exploration.
Applicants do not need to select a funding level. GIEF will review each proposal and determine the appropriate level of support based on the scope, structure, and needs of the project.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be a student in grades 9–12.
Be a resident of Georgetown, Maine.
Be pursuing an educational experience during the current grant year.
Submit a complete application by the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Applications are reviewed during two annual cycles:
April 1 deadline
December 1 deadline
Applications will be reviewed after the deadline using the Grant Review Matrix. Award decisions will be communicated within 15 days. If you do not hear from us, please contact us!