Orlando, FL – A Gift for Teaching is pleased to announce a $183,000 grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, led by philanthropist and New York Mets Owner Alex Cohen. The grant will directly support classrooms across Central Florida by providing essential school supplies, enhancing teacher shopping experiences, and expanding access to free musical instruments for underserved youth. 

The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation visited A Gift for Teaching on the Giving Tour, a Foundation initiative to visit changemaking nonprofits across all 50 states. This grant will help bridge the resource gap for thousands of children to access opportunities for quality academic and music education. 

Impact of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation’s Grant: 

• Cost and freight of supplies: Funds will not only cover the cost of shipping for supplies from nationwide partners but also underwrite the cost of core school supplies for an entire school year – increasing the amount of essentials teachers can bring back to their classrooms each month for their students. 

• Teacher shopping equipment: After more than two decades of daily use, 100 iconic red shopping carts will be upgraded as well as a new installation of cart return stations will be added to enhance the Free Teacher Supply Store shopping experience for teachers throughout the year. 

• A Gift for Music: Replacing aging inventory, new instruments will be purchased to foster musical talent and creativity in aspiring young musicians. This includes 70 violins, 5 violas, 5 cellos, 1 double bass, and essential accompanying music accessories such as rosin, rock stops and instrument string. 

• The Great Big Backpack Build: Funding will further support the assembly and distribution of 25,000 backpacks stocked with supplies for underserved schools to give their students the confidence and tools needed to be “Ready for Back-to-School” next school year. 

“This grant exemplifies the power of collaboration and community support to strengthen education in our community,” said Jane Thompson, president of A Gift for Teaching.

“Thanks to Alex Cohen and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, more students will have the tools they need to succeed as future leaders in Central Florida.”