The Kids In Need Foundation, a national, non-profit organization dedicated to providing free school supplies to economically disadvantaged school children and under-funded teachers, announces its third year partnering with LOFT, to support the Kids In Need Teacher Grants program. LOFT, known for feminine, versatile, stylish and affordable fashion, will provide the grant from the company’s LOFT Loves Teachers program for approximately 100 teachers, so they may purchase supplies needed to conduct innovative projects in their classrooms.

Funding from $100 to $500 is available for original classroom projects. Grant requests may be submitted online at www.kinf.org through December 9, 2011.

“The Teacher Grants program recognizes the creativity of teachers, as well as alleviating the need for teachers to reach into their own pockets to pay for materials to do special projects,” said Dave Smith, executive director of the Kids In Need Foundation. “We are proud to partner with LOFT Loves Teachers on this Best In Class Grants program, which allows teachers to create innovative experiences in their own classrooms.”

LOFT Loves Teachers is dedicated to honoring the daily commitment teachers make in and out of the classroom and the intricate role they play in children’s lives. To further teachers’ efforts, LOFT has pledged $50,000 to the Kids In Need Foundation in support of the LOFT Best In Class Grants.

“Our brand is committed to supporting educators in their efforts to enrich the lives of our nation's children. LOFT is proud to continue our dynamic partnership with the Kids in Need Foundation through the LOFT Best In Class Grants, dedicated to providing teachers with necessary classroom tools.” said Deborah Cavanagh, SVP, LOFT Brand Marketing.

Kids In Need is encouraging teachers to register for LOFT’s teacher appreciation program at LOFTLovesTeachers.com and learn about all the perks LOFT offers educators, including an everyday 15% discount on full price merchandise, exclusive sweepstakes, style guides just for teachers, and more. For official rules and to enter, visit LOFT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LOFT.

“The purpose of the Kids In Need Foundation is to get free school supplies into the hands of kids who need them,” said Dave Smith. “The materials necessary to do these exceptional projects would not be available to students if it were not for the Kids In Need Teacher Grants program and the companies that sponsor it, so we are greatly appreciative of  LOFT’s participation.”

For more information, visit www.kinf.org.