The Maranacook Education Foundation raised more than $12,000 during the 2015-2016 school year, according to a news release.

The foundation serves children in Fayette, Readfield, Manchester, Mount Vernon and Wayne, and it awards grants to teachers and organizations that provide innovative educational opportunities not typically funded by the school district budget.

Christy Owens used a 2015 grant to buy a “buddy bench” and books for her kindergarten students at Mount Vernon Elementary School. She said the new books help teachers and guidance counselors teach social-emotional skills, according to the news release.

The release said the foundation has awarded more than $25,000 in grants since its inception in 2006.