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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES OPEN JUNE 1
By TEAM BCPS
The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., is on a mission to contribute to a brighter future in which all students, teachers, schools, and offices have the resources they need for success. Providing innovative grant opportunities centered on increasing achievement for all students, enhancing the experiences of the school community, and providing a variety of pathways to prepare students for college and careers is just one way the foundation is fulfilling its mission.
Read below to find the grant that matches your passion, and get ready to apply starting June 1, via the foundation’s website.
In fall 2023, the foundation was selected by the Little Free Library organization to participate in the first Read in Color Cohort was able to distribute10 Little Free Libraries and thousands of diverse books that provide perspectives on racism and social justice, celebrate BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized voices, and incorporate experiences from all identities for all readers. The foundation was then invited to participate in the Little Free Library’s Expansion Project and planted another 26 Little Free Libraries in spring 2024.
Schools and organizations interested in joining the foundation’s network of Little Free Libraries can apply beginning on June 1.
The Fall 2024 Little Free Library Read in Color Expansion Grant Timeline:
According to the National Education Association, more and more students and educators are reporting anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, and other mental illnesses. When students are not well, they cannot learn. When teachers are not well, they cannot teach. To support the academic success of our students and the professional success of our educators, we must provide them with avenues to strengthen their social-emotional well-being. Yoga is an activity proven to help students and educators regulate their emotions; hone concentration, attention, and memory; reduce anxiety and tension; build resilience; decrease negative behaviors; improve physical, mental, and overall wellbeing, and enhance the culture in buildings offering yoga.
The Yoga for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) grant, in partnership with The United Way of Central Maryland and Breathe for Change, will train staff to become yoga instructors and SEL facilitators. Apply to join the first Yoga for SEL cohort.
The Yoga for SEL Grant Timeline:
During the 2024-2025 school year, the foundation, in partnership with First Financial Federal Credit Union, will provide $10,000 in Putting Students First grants to BCPS schools. (Grants will be up to $1,000 each.)
Grant funds may be used to:
The Putting Students First Grant Timeline:
During the 2024-2025 school year, the foundation will provide $30,000 in 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grants, awarding individual grant opportunities up to $2,000 to BCPS schools, and central offices.
The 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grants fund projects that contribute to the essential knowledge and skills students must have to be successful in life and employment in the 21st century. The projects should address at least one of the following instructional themes:
The 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grant Timeline:
Clean Green 15: Litter Challenge Grant | Baltimore County Government
Since the 2013-2014 school year, BCPS has partnered with the Baltimore County Executive and the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability to host the Clean Green 15: Litter Challenge, a competitive environmental literacy grant opportunity.
Through this program, BCPS schools and their community supporters conduct quick 15-minute litter clean-ups and compete to see which school communities can log the most clean-ups, involve the most volunteers, and collect the most trash.
The Education Foundation awards grants to the top winning schools to fund school-based instructional projects emphasizing the theme of environmental literacy. Awards are granted in June, grant recipients’ funding proposals are due December 1, 2024, and funds must be disbursed on or before May 23, 2025.
The Clean Green 15: Litter Challenge Grant Timeline:
Fast Funds Grant | The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc.
Stay tuned for more information about Fast Funds Grants to be available November 1, 2024 – March 28, 2025, or as long as funds are available.
Projects must address an identified need that is aligned with the BCPS commitment to fast forwarding the excellence of our programs and operations to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of students as they prepare for college and careers.
Project funds may not replace normal funding from tax-based sources. The proposals should describe a quantitative and/or qualitative method to evaluate the project's success. Funds may cover travel, participation in events/activities, consulting fees, and speaker honorariums. Funds may not cover personnel or any related expenses for BCPS staff, including gift cards and food/beverages. If food is purchased for students, it must align with USDA health regulations. Projects must be conducted and supervised by BCPS professional personnel who work directly with students, including teachers, school counselors, media specialists, nurses, etc.