BHSDG GRANT GUIDELINES

2010-11 Grant Application Form will be available sometime near end of July

Sample Budgets

Grant Report Form

Check Request Form

2009-10 Classroom
Needs Grant (Reimburses $200 with receipts)

The mission of the Berkeley High School Development Group is to support and strengthen the educational experience of all students at BHS, including B-Tech Academy and Berkeley Independent Study. Members of the BHS community may apply for funds in order to:
• Increase students’ opportunities for success
• Enhance the BHS community

How Does BHSDG Decide What to Fund?

Grants are made for a wide range of projects, including equipment and software, tutors and project coordinators, library books, theater and art projects, resource centers, school-wide guides and directories, and much more.

Grants are not made to fund regular classroom instruction, textbooks, or other district responsibilities. Proposals are reviewed by the full Board at monthly meetings.

Factors considered are: the size of the population served, equity, funds available/alternative sources of funding, project sustainability, and departmental or small school plan. Detailed security plans for equipment purchases are required.

Who May Apply?

Any teacher, staff member, or project leader may apply for funds if they can demonstrate need and provide administrative and departmental support for the project. Proposals from nonprofit educational support organizations must also provide both project and organizational budgets (income and expense), most recent year-end financial statements, and a board roster.

How Much Can I Ask For?

Most grants are for less than $3,500. Requests for amounts $3,500+ are extraordinary, and require additional time for board review. All applications are reviewed in the context of existing department or program fund balances, and the BHSDG may suggest that applicants draw down these funds to supplement or match grants from unrestricted funds. Before submitting a proposal, please check with your department chair, lead teacher, administrator about how your proposal relates to other departmental/program goals and projects and the availability of departmental/program funds to support your project.

What's the Application Timeline?

Proposals are accepted during the academic school year, and are reviewed at BHSDG board meetings which are typically held on the first Monday of each month during the school year.

Is there a proposal deadline?

YES! Proposals for grants must be received by the 15th of the month in order to be considered at the next board meeting.

Notices of grants awarded and other decisions regarding proposals are generally sent within a week following the board meeting at which the grant is first eligible for consideration. While the board may review a grant proposal over multiple meetings, it's a good idea to check to confirm that your proposal has been received if you do not receive any response by the end of the month in which you expected it to be reviewed. Grants are tied to specific school years, generally the year in which the associated application is received, and funds are required to be disbursed before the end of the school year for which the grant is made unless an extension is specifically requested and approved.

What’s the Application Process?

Application form links are in the left column of this page.

Applications must be in Word or PDF format only and must be emailed as an attachment to: grants@bhsdg.org . If you have any questions, please call Jennifer Burroughs at (510) 528-2987. Presentations from grant-seekers may be requested for larger proposals.

Can I Apply to BHSDG More Than Once?

BHSDG strives to distribute funds equitably and to provide the most benefit to the largest number of students, however some departments and teachers have received multiple grants in a single year, and BHSDG has funded some projects for successive years. If you are requesting funding for a start-up or pilot program, please note that the DG expects successful programs to seek institutional funding when established.

If I Get a Grant, Then What?

You will be notified about the board’s decision shortly after the meeting at which your proposal was reviewed. Grant payments are arranged with the board Treasurer. Reports are required from all grantees at the end of the school year (or project), and are required in order to be eligible for future funding. Project documentation in the form of pictures, student quotes, and statistics is encouraged. Grantees are requested to acknowledge BHSDG’s support whenever possible.

Please note that the Development Group will NOT reimburse expenditures made prior to grant approval and notification.