About Us

The Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools (FWHPS) was founded in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by Dougie Trumble and Heather Congdon with a mission to provide unique and exceptional educational educational opportunities for West Hartford public school students through teacher and school enrichment grants.  Our goal is to reach beyond the everyday classroom experience and make exceptional learning opportunities a reality.

Through healthy leadership and community support, the Foundation is now in its 14th year and has provided over $1,000,000 in grants to teachers and schools.

The Foundation raises funds from individuals, businesses, and civic groups in the community as well as alumni nationwide. Gifts of $1,000 or more entitle the donor to honor an individual, business or civic group by having the Foundation name a grant.  Once a year, certified teachers throughout the school district are invited to apply for grants ranging from $200 to $3,000 for a project that will enhance student experience, complement the curriculum and demonstrate educational merit. A Foundation committee reviews the applications with the teacher's name and school removed. After input from the school administration and approval by the Foundation board, awards are presented in late spring of each year.

For the 2011-2012 school year, we awarded 58 grants representing $76,449 in supplemental funds for projects and residencies during the school year and a $500 grant to each of the three West Hartford Teacher of the Year finalists.  In addition we recently awarded and $17,000 Special Initiative Grant to Conard High School for a large-scale innovative project to develop and build a Green Energy Lab on school grounds.