Lowe's throws down for schools

Lowe's has donated $2.3 million in grants for public schools via the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation.

The Lowe's Toolbox for Education grants, aimed at funding school-improvement projects for K-12 public schools, will go to 515 schools in 46 states during the program's fall 2014 grant cycle.

"The Lowe's Toolbox for Education program delivers on Lowe's commitment to improve the educational environment for students across the country," said Maureen Ausura, chairwoman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "We're honored to work with schools in our communities to support the needs of our local students, teachers and families."

Some specific applications of the grants include technology and safety improvements, library renovations, walking trails and outdoor learning environments.

Grant recipients for this past fall include Metcalfe Elementary School of Gainesville, Florida, which received $20,000 for a new playground; Jewell Elementary School in Aurora, Colorado, where $5,000 is going toward a Parent Resource Center; and Priest Elementary School in Detroit, which got $3,000 for an outdoor classroom.

Lowe's has awarded $4.7 million in grants to more than 1,100 schools this past year.