The TEC Conference has proudly awarded thousands of dollars in grant money since 2013 through our annual Gereke Fund (originally titled the Gereke Grant). The Gereke Fund has two divisions: the Gereke Grant and the Enrichment Exchange. We are excited to announce that the 2024 Gereke Fund applications are now open! Applications can be found under the "Community Resources" tab on our website. While only board or core team members can apply for the Gereke Grant on behalf of their TEC community, anyone is welcome to apply for the Enrichment Exchange. Read more about the differences below:
The Gereke Grant
The Gereke Grant may be applied for by affiliated TEC communities who have a worthy project in need of funding. A strong grant application demonstrates with specificity how funds will be used to benefit and strengthen that TEC center. Appropriate uses include but are not limited to: leadership formation, TEC manual study, Conference-sponsored workshops, community gatherings, or the purchase of needed resources.
Grants may be applied for any amount between $100 and $1,000. A selection committee will determine the amount awarded.
The Enrichment Exchange
TEC co-founder Dorothy Gereke, for whom the fund is named, loved to travel, especially to other TEC centers. The Enrichment Exchange provides winners with an opportunity to do the same. Individuals can apply to visit another TEC community and work a weekend there, or participate in a board meeting, or another activity they describe in their application. After the trip has concluded, the TEC Conference will reimburse specific travel funds up to $500.
Those who receive this award should be a joyful witness to the host community, and both parties will find benefits from the experience. The traveler, who is being sent on a mission, will bring home fresh ideas and creativity to their local TEC. Preference will be given to applications from people with live TEC centers, but those from dormant TEC centers are still welcome to apply.
If you think this opportunity sounds like a great way to gather new experiences for your local TEC center, learn about different TEC traditions, and engage with a new community, consider applying today!
Reminders
Applications for BOTH the Enrichment Exchange and the Gereke Grant are due on or before December 31, 2024. A selection committee will review all applications in January 2025, with winner announcements made in February 2024. The committee will determine how many (if any) Enrichment Exchange awards AND/OR Gereke Grants will be distributed.
The Gereke Fund and the number of available awards is dependent on the generosity of donors. If you would like to make a monthly donation towards this fund, please contact the TEC Conference office.
Please read the entire Information Sheet for each division of the Gereke Fund before applying. To access the sheets, cover letter, and applications, click here and then click the "Gereke Grant" tab. If you have any questions about either the Gereke Grant, the Enrichment Exchange, or donating to the Gereke Fund, please do not hesitate to contact Billy O'Regan. We look forward to your application and wish everyone the best of luck!
