Educator Grants
Academic Excellence: BCEF granting processes and guidelines
All grant funds distributed support the mission of BCEF, to promote academic excellence, equitable education and a healthy and sustainable student environment. The Blaine County Education Foundation awards Innovative Grants to BCSD teachers, staff and students to encourage collaboration and inspire student learning.
- Grants up to $1000 must be approved by your building administrator.
- Grants over $1000 must be approved by the superintendent or designee.
- Grants over $5000 must be approved by the BCSD School Board. The policy and approval form is attached below.
Applications must be submitted through the online application form on the BCEF website.
Timeline for BCEF Grants:
Fall Cycle: Innovative, Classroom and Schoolwide Grant applications due by September 30th, funds awarded by November 1st .
Spring Cycle: Classroom and Schoolwide Grant applications due by February 15th, funds awarded by March 15th .
Essential Resource Grants: Rolling submission, committee review and funds awarded within 2 weeks of completed application
Required END OF GRANT REPORT: To be submitted no later than June 1st
Types of Grants
Innovative Ideas Grants
The Blaine County Education Foundation awards Innovative Ideas Grants to BCSD staff to support academic excellence, encourage collaboration and inspire student learning. Grants awarded for Innovative Ideas are meant to be first time funding only. These grants are meant to fund projects in which teachers are seeking to take a truly innovative approach to teaching and learning and may cover supplies or materials needed for unique learning initiatives. All Innovative Ideas must align with BCSD curriculum and must be approved by administration as per BCSD policy 830. After an initial grant is awarded in the Innovative Ideas category, a staff member may request consumables and maintenance supplies for up to three years. After 3 years the staff member should include necessary supplies in its classroom or building budget. Innovative Ideas Grants are reviewed during the Fall Grant cycle only. Up to $2500 for an individual or $5000 for a team.
Classroom / Department Grants
Classroom grants are grants awarded to individual teachers for a wide variety of classroom needs. All Classroom Grants must align with BCSD curriculum and must be approved by administration as per BCSD policy 830. A teacher may submit similar requests for a maximum of 3 years. After 3 years the staff member should include necessary supplies in its classroom or building budget. Classroom Grants are reviewed during both the Fall and Spring grant cycles. Up to $1000 for an individual teacher or $2500 for a team.
Schoolwide Grants
Schoolwide grants are grants awarded for subscriptions or needs that will benefit the entire school. Similar requests may be submitted for a maximum of 3 years. After 3 years the building administrator should include necessary supplies in its building budget or make a request to the district. Up to $5000 per school. Only one schoolwide request to be accepted per cycle.
Essential Resource Grants
Essential resource grants are reviewed on a rolling basis and can be distributed immediately. These grant requests are meant to fill immediate, often unforeseen needs. Essential Resource Grants can be requested for up to $250 and can be for basic supplies needed for instruction