Mini-grants of up to $500.00 per teacher are available to all Blaine County School District teachers. Thanks to the generosity of Atkinsons’ Family Markets, individual donors, and BCSD employee donations, funds are available to meet mid-year classroom needs aligned with the BCSD Strategic Plan and the mission and values of the BCEF. The grants are designed to fund innovative projects with clearly identified outcomes and measurements. The BCEF is commited to equitable education opportunities among all 8 schools in the district. Grants are evaluated by school committees and given final approval by the BCEF board. See your school principal or front office for information on the grant deadline and where to submit grant applications.  Download the grant application here.

Teacher Magnet Fund grants may be available for down payment assistance and professional development.  The down payment assistance program provides forgivable loans of up to $10,000 for qualified teachers purchasing their first home in Blaine County. The BCEF is currently out of funding for the Teacher Magnet Fund grants.  But, for information on the down payment assistance program, contact  Executive Director Mike Burchmore at mburchmore@blaineschools.org.

Can Do Fund may be available for students with financial needs to pay for school related expenses.  This fund was created to help meet the needs of students and families who are struggling financially.  The best source of information is school social workers, principals and secretaries.  All of the requests are confidential.

CSI Summer Spanish Institute
BCEF has provided over 20 scholarships to paraprofessionals and educators to attend CSI’s Summer Spanish Institute. The week-long intensive program provides a rich opportunity for teachers to develop Spanish language proficiency and to explore Spanish speaking cultures through music, art, cooking and history.

According to BCSD key findings, the Latino student population in the district grew by 50% in the last four years. Teachers and paraprofessionals recognize that connecting meaningfully with students from all cultures benefits the entire educational process. One grant recipient wrote, “Any way that I can show an interest in my students and their families strengthens my relationship with them.” Click here for an application.

For more information, please contact Mike Burchmore, BCEF Executive Director, at 578-5449 or email him at mburchmore@blaineschools.org.