The Pelican Foundation for Creative Education
The Pelican Foundation for Creative Education is offering grants
of up to $500 to Middle and High School teachers. We fund special
projects and lessons that enhance the curriculum and engage
students interest in all subject areas. Our foundation funds
projects that lend an experiential component that takes the
subject beyond the textbook.  
Art teachers who need materials are encouraged to apply.

Teachers of literature might consider books or magazine
subscriptions for their classes. Teachers who collaborate
between disciplines are encouraged to apply. We also fund
school trips. To get an idea of the types of projects we are most
likely to fund, please check our website, TPFFCE.COM for details.
Mission Statement

The Pelican Foundation for Creative Education was formed to honor the memory and work
of Fred Rubino, former principal of IS 318, then District 14 Superintendent.

Fred had a wonderful way of encouraging his teachers to use the arts to enrich the standard
curriculum. He went out of his way to make sure the students in his school had a wide array
of interesting activities to keep them motivated. Our mission is to continue his work by
offering grants to New York City teachers to facilitate the creation of innovative lessons.  
Fred was an ardent supporter of the chess
club. Led by Chess Teacher Elizabeth
Spiegel and Assistant Principal John Galvin,
the Chess Club have once again captured
the National Chess Championship. In the
documentary, “Brooklyn Castle”, recounts
documented in the bestselling book by Paul
Tough “How Children Succeed”. We
commend their efforts.
As a way to interest students in science was by putting down
the text books and actually doing experiments and seeing
how science works.. I.S 318 was a fore runner in this area
when they created their community garden. Science teacher
Roy Arrezo’s school garden idea was encouraged by then
principal Alan Fierstein and built with the help of Fred’s
woodworking skills.   
www.tpffce.com