Grant Application for
Petoskey Montessori
Mission Statement:
Our Mission
We are a Montessori based school and child care program committed to fostering a safe, nurturing environment for children to develop a respect for self, others and their environment while fueling their innate passion for learning.
Our Vision
To inspire our school community to develop an inquisitive mindset that will set them on a journey of lifelong learning, critical thinking and inclusive collaboration as they discover and embrace their authentic selves.
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
35-1269818
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Angie
Moulton
Address:
1560 E Mitchell Rd
Phone Number:
2317532012
Website:
Project Name:
Rooted in Community: A Montessori Garden, Coop & Farm Stand Project
Project start and end dates:
June 1, 2026
September 30, 2026
Amount Requested:
$
5000
Project Description:
Petoskey Montessori will create a small, student-led “farm” as part of our 2026 summer program, serving approximately 60 children. This project includes a chicken coop, expanded garden, and student-run farm stand.
Students will raise chickens (currently incubating in the classroom), care for them daily, and learn responsibility through hands-on experience. Grant funds will support the purchase of a safe, durable coop and supplies after a planned used option fell through.
We will also expand our garden beyond containers to grow a variety of produce. Older students will harvest and sell goods at a farm stand, building skills in math, communication, and entrepreneurship.
Proceeds will be reinvested into the classroom, reinforcing stewardship and community connection. While we are pursuing additional funding for broader growth, support from the Hestia Women's Giving Circle will directly fund this meaningful, student-driven project.
Goal of the Project
How many people will you reach?
120
What percentage are female?
70
If your program serves both males and females, how will Hestia funds specifically target women and girls?
Our program serves both boys and girls, and Hestia funds will intentionally strengthen outcomes for women and girls by deepening a classroom culture rooted in female leadership, equity, and empowerment. All of our educators are women who model confidence, leadership, and intellectual curiosity every day, providing our female students with consistent, visible examples of what is possible.
At the same time, we believe it is equally critical that our male students develop a deep respect for women’s capabilities and leadership. Guided by the philosophy of Maria Montessori, our classrooms emphasize shared responsibility, independence, and real-life skills for all children, challenging outdated gender norms.
Hestia funding will support materials, programming, and experiences that amplify women’s contributions, center female voices, and nurture self-efficacy in girls. By cultivating both belief and respect across all students, we are building a future where girls grow into confident leaders, and boys grow into strong allies.
How are recipients identified or selected to receive services? Is financial need considered?
Students are identified through open enrollment and eligibility for programs such as DHHS, Tri-Share, and GSRP. Financial need is a consideration, with qualifying families receiving tuition support to ensure access. At the same time, we welcome families of all income levels, intentionally fostering socio-economic diversity. This creates a stronger classroom community where children build empathy, respect, and a broader understanding of the world around them.
What do you hope to achieve? What difference will this make in the lives of women and girls?
How will this project meet Hestia's mission statement?
Through the development of our chicken coop, farmstand, and expanded garden, we aim to cultivate confidence, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose, especially for the young girls in our care. These spaces provide hands-on opportunities for students to take ownership, practice decision-making, and experience the pride that comes from contributing meaningfully to their community. We would love to see these girls eventually find purpose through groups like Hestia, supporting their community.
They will help care for animals, grow and harvest food, and participate in running a small farmstand, building real-world skills tied to responsibility, collaboration, and early financial literacy. These experiences foster independence and self-efficacy, directly supporting Hestia’s mission of promoting economic self-sufficiency and well-being for women and girls.
Just as importantly, this work nurtures a culture of care and community. Girls see their efforts valued, their voices heard, and their contributions making a tangible difference. This early foundation helps shape confident, capable young people who understand both how to lead and how to give back, creating lasting impact not only in their own lives, but in the broader community.
How will you evaluate or measure your success:
We will measure success through both observable outcomes and community impact. Indicators include children demonstrating pride, responsibility, and engagement in caring for the garden, chickens, and farm stand, as well as increased participation from families and the broader community. We will also look for growth in confidence and leadership as they take on meaningful roles.
Success will be reflected in stronger connections between school and community, visible to those passing by and engaging with our work. Ultimately, we aim to nurture a sense of belonging, stewardship, and leadership in our students, planting the seeds for future community-minded leaders, including the next generation of Hestia women.
Grant Project Budget Form
REVENUES
Revenue Item
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
TOTAL REVENUES
Proposed Revenue
Pending or Confirmed
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
EXPENSES
Expense Item
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
TOTAL EXPENSES
Proposed Expense
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$