The Foundation for Wareham Education (FWE), a nonprofit established to provide small grants to teachers, is gearing up to begin fundraising and accept donations this spring.

The FWE, created in response to the district's 2009 strategic plan, is a way to help close the gap between school funding and the financial needs of educators, said Jeff Hathaway, president of the foundation and retired Wareham Public Schools technology director.

"We want to concentrate on what we can do to support education, to enrich it," Hathaway said.

Teachers will be able to apply for grants to help fund music and art clubs, pay for field trips, and purchase supplies that aren't otherwise supported by the school budget, Hathaway said.

These grants will "help classroom teachers enhance their curriculum," said Wareham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Barry Rabinovitch.

Rabinovitch said he expects that the FWE will be able to raise about $5,000 this year and will give out a number of "mini" grants totaling $500 or less. As funding increases, the foundation will offer grants of up to $2,000 each.

Hathaway said the foundation is trying to keep its costs low so as much money as possible can go to teachers. The board of directors is not salaried.

"All of our money will go back to the school system," Hathaway said.

A sock hop and silent auction fundraiser is planned for May 1. Hathaway said teachers will be able to begin applying for grants this fall.