5-24-2024 11:06am

COUNTY GRANTING

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES OPEN JUNE 1

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.

Want to increase access to diverse books? Apply for the fall 2024 Little Free Library Grant.
Want to support the social-emotional well-being of your colleagues and students? Apply for the new Yoga for SEL grant.
Do you have another passion you’d like to explore with your school community? Apply for a Putting Students First or 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grant.

Read below to find the grant that matches your passion, and get ready to apply starting June 1, via the foundation’s website.

THE FALL 2024 LITTLE FREE LIBRARY | READ IN COLOR EXPANSION GRANT

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:

Application process open: June 1 - August 23, at 5 p.m.
Optional information session: June 6, from 5-6 p.m. | Meeting ID: 253 197 608 289 | Passcode: eYBfpP
Programs and allocations committee review: August 26 - September 6
Grant recipient notification: September 11
Required LFL steward orientation: September 18
Website updated and media release: September 20
Project summary submission: on or before November 30
Reimbursement/disbursement of project funds: on or before November 30
Submission of recipient grant survey and storyboard: on or before November 30

THE NEW YOGA FOR SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING GRANT | UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MARYLAND BREATHE FOR CHANGE

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:

Application process open: June 1 – September 6, at 5 p.m.
Optional information session: June 12, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Meeting ID: 221 766 200 596 | Passcode: EmZXS2
Programs and allocations committee review: September 9 - 20
Grant recipient notification: September 25
Required LFL steward orientation: October 2
Website updated and media release: September 30
Project summary submission: on or before May 23, 2025
Reimbursement/disbursement of project funds: on or before May 23, 2025
Submission of recipient grant survey and storyboard: on or before May 23, 2025

THE PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST GRANT | FIRST FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

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:

Purchase classroom resources, such as books.
Purchase basic but necessary materials and supplies to meet the academic, health and wellness, social-emotional, and/or therapeutic needs of classrooms or students.
Purchase classroom resources such as audiovisual/technology supplies to impact the delivery of instruction. (Must be aligned with the school system’s specifications.)
Plan opportunities/experiences, such as field trips, to enhance learning.
Pursue innovative professional development or new teaching initiative such as hosting a presenter or an assembly. (Must be aligned with the school system’s specifications.)

The Putting Students First Grant Timeline:

Application process open: August 1 – September 27 at 5 p.m.
Programs and allocations committee review: September 30 - October 11
Grant recipient notification: October 16
Grant recipient celebration: October 30, at 5 p.m.
Website update and media release: October 25
Project summary submission: on or before May 23, 2025
Reimbursement/disbursement of project funds: on or before May 23, 2025
Submission of recipient grant survey and storyboard: on or before May 23, 2025

THE 21ST CENTURY INSTRUCTIONAL INITIATIVE GRANT | THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF BCPS, INC.

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:

Arts and culture
Civic literacy
Environmental literacy
Financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy
Global awareness
Health literacy
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)

The 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grant Timeline:

Application process open: June 1 - October 25, at 5 p.m.
Programs and allocations committee review: October 28 - November 8
Grant recipient notification: November 13
Grant recipient orientation: November 20
Website update and media release: November 22
Project summary submission: on or before May 23, 2025
Reimbursement/disbursement of project funds: on or before May 23, 2025
Submission of recipient grant survey and storyboard: on or before May 23, 2025

OTHER GRANTS AVAILABLE DURING THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

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:

Submission process open: through April 30, 2025
Programs and allocations committee review: May 1, 2025 – May 15, 2025
Grant recipient notification and celebration: June 2025 (TBD)
Website update and media release: June 2025 (TBD)
Grant recipient funding proposals due: December 1, 2024
Project summary submission: on or before May 23, 2025
Reimbursement/disbursement of project funds: on or before May 23, 2025
Submission of recipient grant survey and storyboard: on or before May 23, 2025

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.

GENERAL GRANT INFORMATION

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.