Christine Diemer Memorial Grant
About the Christine Diemer Memorial Grant
Christine Diemer was a dedicated teacher with 28 years of service. Her career began as an adaptive physical education teacher at the Cayce School. In 1986 she started her career in Richland School District Two teaching special education, third grade, and fourth grade until 2015 (Dent Middle, Windsor Elementary, Center for Achievement, North Springs Elementary, and Catawba Trail Elementary) when she chose to retire to take care of her mother who was diagnosed with cancer. She especially enjoyed her role as a special education teacher. Throughout her career, she was committed to supporting and empowering students with diverse learning needs, providing individualized attention, and creating inclusive classroom environments. Throughout her career, Chris's mindset and actions were always focused on helping every student reach their fullest potential. This work ethic inspired many other teachers she worked with, multiplying the impact she had on countless students and colleagues, earning her admiration and respect in the educational community. She understood the profound importance of building strong relationships, not only with her colleagues but also with her students and their families. Her commitment extended beyond the classroom, as she frequently attended sports games, recitals, and family events, fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Her unwavering dedication and compassionate approach left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.
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The Concept
The Christine Diemer Memorial Grant is being sponsored by the Diemer family through the Richland Two Education Foundation to meet needs present today in classrooms serving students with disabilities in Richland School District 2. Grant proposals will be considered for projects costing anywhere between $500 and $2000.
The Christine Diemer Memorial Grant was established to assist teachers by providing opportunities to support the development of students with disabilities. The purpose of this grant includes but is not limited to:
-Promoting social-emotional and behavioral supports for students with disabilities
-Providing students with learning opportunities outside of the classroom
-Providing resources for innovative lessons and teaching in the classroom
-Providing opportunities for learning experiences that focus on collaboration between general education students and students with disabilities within the school
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The Selection Process
Interested teachers/teacher teams should fill out the application carefully. All applications will be fairly reviewed and awards granted by a committee. A rubric will be used to assess applications based on the following criteria to determine funding.
Does the project support the development of students with disabilities?
Is the project both innovative, creative, and/or curriculum based (academic, social emotional or behavioral)?
Does the project lead to a sustained effort (benefits impact beyond implementation year)?
Is the grant application well-written (clear, concise and complete)?
This grant is available on an annual basis.
Application Deadline is October 3, 2025. Grant award recipients will be notified in October.
Click here to apply or scan the QR code.
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By the Numbers
$4,925
Awarded for 7 different projects across 7 different schools in Richland School District 2 in the 2024-2025 school year
Frequently Asked Questions
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A: No. The application form is one page and is due by October 3, 2025. Should you receive a grant, you will be asked to submit the following at the end of your project (no later than May 8, 2026):
A one-page final impact report detailing the outcomes of your project
A short video and/or pictures showcasing your project. Be mindful of confidentiality. Pictures/videos should not include student faces. Consider using emojis to cover faces or take pictures/videos from behind so facial features are not shown.
A copy of all receipts related to purchases for your project
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A: Innovative, curriculum-related (academic, social emotional, or behavioral) projects that directly involve and/or support students with disabilities. Examples of project proposals include (but are not limited to) alternative seating, sensory materials, field studies, etc.
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A: Immediately. Your check will be presented to you once it has received final approval from the Christine Diemer Memorial Grant Committee.
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A: Not necessarily. A large student impact is a plus, but is not the only factor considered.
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A: Unused money, along with your financial report, must be returned to the Richland School District Two Education Foundation (R2EF) at the conclusion of your project or by May 8, 2026, whichever date comes first.
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A: For questions about your grant and its impact on your building, please ask your school’s principal. If the question relates to the funding process or procedures, contact the R2EF at R2EdFoundation@gmail.com.
Elizabeth Mayberry & India Goodwin, North Springs Elementary
“With the kind assistance of the Christine Diemer Memorial Grant, we enhanced sensory access and inclusion for our students by acquiring a diverse array of sensory devices for use at home, in the classroom, and in the school-wide Sensory Sensation Club… This funding led to enhanced student engagement, strengthened peer relationships, and improved staff capability to meet sensory requirements across various environments. The influence of these materials has not only aided individual pupils but has also fostered a more inclusive and responsive school community.”
Mandey Collins, Round Top Elementary
“Receiving this grant has been an excellent opportunity for my classroom and school. My students use these materials daily during their independent reading time… Thank you for this opportunity to share materials with my colleagues, which will help improve the social-emotional well-being of the students at Round Top Elementary.”