The Great Bend USD 428 Education Foundation recently awarded $15,633.49 in minigrants to educators in local schools. The Foundation awarded 27 minigrants ranging from less than $100 more than $1,500. In addition, the foundation funded three projects that did not meet the specific requirements for minigrants, bringing the total financial contribution to nearly $17,000.Teachers apply for grants that help provide for innovative teaching supplies that are outside the normal school budget.“This is one way we can support and give back to our local educators,” said Paul Snapp, foundation president.