The generosity of donors like you enabled BCEF to partner with the Blaine County School District to extend free and reduced price meals for the 2022-2023 school year. Many households in Blaine County are above the federal guidelines for free and reduced school meal prices, yet struggle with food insecurity due to socio-economic factors. Your recurring or one-time donation to BCEF can help us continue this partnership for years to come.
Students In Need
Blaine County Education Foundation supports students who can’t afford to participate in school and/or after school activities.
Can Do Fund
The Can Do Fund ensures that all students have the same opportunities regardless of financial barriers. Few people realize that nearly 36% (over 1,240 students) of Blaine County School District’s students are on the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program, meaning their families struggle to meet basic needs. Recommendations for students to receive benefits from the Can Do Fund come from social workers, counselors, principals, and teachers. The Can Do Fund is used to support any academic need students have ranging from instrument repair for an aspiring musician or health insurance to participate in school sports.
Back to School Program
Under the Can Do Fund, Blaine County Education Foundation collaborated with The Advocates and Kiwanis Club for a Back to School Campaign. The 2015-2016 Back to School Campaign provided 150 backpacks filled with 100 percent of school supplies to students in need. This even included scientific calculators. In 2017 and 2018 many volunteers helped us stuff backpacks for over 300 students in need. A backpack of school supplies provides an economically disadvantaged student with the same opportunities as their peers. BCEF works with social workers and schools prior to school ending to raise awareness of the backpack program. Applications can be completed on our website, or hard copies are available through The Hunger Coalition Bloom Truck or through St. Luke’s.
Academic Excellence
The BCEF Academic Excellence Program is to support students participating in Academic or School Events that may need additional funding to ensure equal opportunities regardless of financial barriers. BCEF believes that Academic Clubs enrich a student’s learning opportunities.
Innovative Grants
The Blaine County Education Foundation awards Innovative Grants to BCSD teachers, staff and students to encourage collaboration and inspire student learning. All grants should support the mission of BCEF, which is to promote academic excellence, equitable education and a healthy and sustainable student environment. Applications must be submitted through the online application form on the BCEF website.
Innovative grant requests are reviewed and evaluated by the BCEF board of directors, depending on availability of funds. Grant applicants are required to set objectives and report outcomes, accomplishments and challenges. BCEF will publicize successful innovative grants on our website and through social media.
Teacher Grants
Teacher Grants are for classroom enrichment materials to enhance student learning. A maximum of $1,000 can be awarded to a single teacher, or teachers and administrators can work collaboratively to combine amounts for larger requests. Applications for the 1st grant cycle are due September 30th. Applications for the 2nd grant cycle are due February 15th.
*Please note Spring 2023 cycle is cancelled*
School-Wide Grants
School-wide Grants are large-impact, collaborative grants to a school or across multiple schools, and provide opportunities for students beyond what the district offers. A maximum of $5,000 can be awarded. Applications for the 1st grant cycle are due September 30th. Applications for the 2nd grant cycle are due February 15th. Applicants should demonstrate an effort to engage community resources, in addition to BCEF, to carry out the proposed activities (for example, local businesses and/or non-profit organizations).
*Please note Spring 2023 cycle is cancelled*