Who We Are
Empowering Teachers. Inspiring Students.
SEED is the Seacoast Educational Endowment Dover, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded to help Dover students develop 21st century skills that set them up for future success. With donations from our community and local businesses, SEED empowers educators to implement cutting-edge teaching methods and solutions. As a catalyst for educational creativity, we seek to make our schools even better and our city a more appealing place for families.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance the quality of education in Dover’s public schools by providing funding for educator-initiated projects that encourage creativity, foster innovation, and promote academic excellence. We engage with community members to raise funds that offer students innovative tools and opportunities to help them succeed in an ever-evolving world.
Our Values
Equity: We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all students by supporting diverse learning approaches and ensuring that resources reach classrooms in need.
Innovation: We believe in the power of new ideas to transform learning and strive to support creative solutions that enhance the educational experience.
Collaboration: We work together with educators, parents, and the community to ensure that all voices are heard, and all students benefit from our initiatives.
Excellence: We uphold the highest standards in education by funding projects that inspire academic achievement and personal growth in both students and educators.
Community Impact: We believe in the strength of collective action, and we foster community engagement to ensure lasting benefits for Dover’s schools and students.
Our Process
SEED appeals to Dover educators to apply for funding by submitting applications describing projects they would like to initiate. The SEED Board reviews applications and selects projects to fund through grant awards.
SEED funding focus areas include:
Instructional Projects or Programs
Instructional Innovation (tools, techniques, technology)
Educator Development
Judging criteria for applications first takes into account the number of students served and alignment with SEED’s mission and goals, as well as district and state standards. SEED then reviews the proposed initiative for potential to improve student learning, overall project sustainability, measurable outcomes, and appropriateness of budget.
Applications are evaluated by a committee of 4 to 6 members of the SEED board and advisors representing the larger Dover community. Grant applications can be submitted at any time during the year; formal reviews and award decisions by the SEED advisers and board occur monthly during the September to June term.
