Programs
Berkley Education Foundation
Innovation-Grant Program
The Berkley Education Foundation offers Innovation-Grants to any staff member in the Berkley School District, Building Blocks through Adult Transition. These grants are offered in the Fall and Spring.
The BEF funds innovative project requests, special materials to enhance lessons, field trips to new places, and educational technology. Innovation-Grants are for more than basic classroom supplies. They are an opportunity for staff members to be creative, push the envelope and expand learning for students. Grants are awarded via committee to as many applicants as possible. The annual Innovation-Grant budget is $15,000.
Staff Innovation-Grants
Berkley Education Foundation Innovation-Grant Program: Spring 2024
The Berkley Education Foundation is offering innovation-grants to any staff member in the Berkley School District, Building Blocks through Adult Transition. These grants allow for funding of ideas that may have generated after teaching began and after exploring the year with students.
Think BIG. The BEF wants to fund innovative project requests, special materials to enhance lessons and educational technology. Innovation-grants are for more than basic classroom supplies. They are an opportunity for staff to be creative, push the envelope and expand learning for students. Grants will be capped at $500, and will be awarded via committee to as many applicants as possible. The BEF is happy to work with other support organizations like PTA to co-fund any requests exceeding the $500 limit.
Fill out this online Mini-Grant application today!
Innovation-Grant Purpose
- To bring innovative materials, resources and activities into the classroom that are not available through the school budget.
- To enhance the educational experience for students in and outside of the classroom
Time Frame
- Deadline for submitting grant applications: 4/5/2024
- Grants Awarded: 4/12/2024
Application Process
- Submit applications by Friday, April 5, 2024. Please indicate if your grant needs approval by the District’s Technology Department.
- All grant applications will be reviewed by a BEF committee.
- Grant recipients will be notified by Friday, April 12, 2024.
Innovation-Grant Guidelines
Applications should be completed using the following guidelines
- Clear and concise description of materials/activity/technology requested. Technology requests should also include a project description including connection to the curriculum.
- Clearly stated desired outcomes, including connections to curriculum
- Timeline for grant implementation
- Detailed budget request
- Approximate number of students who will benefit from the grant
Innovation-Grant Requests May Not Include
- Compensation of experts who come to work with students (e.g. Music Therapy, Reading Interventionist)
- Substitute teacher pay
- Basic classroom supplies
Innovation-Grants Deadline
All Grants must be spent by May 10, 2024.
BEF Enrichment Programs
Berkley Education Foundation Enrichment Programs
The Berkley Education Foundation offers funds for club and activities that enhance the educational experience of our students. BEF Enrichment Funds can be used to purchase supplies to start a club and provide pay for club sponsors.
Some BEF Enrichments include Taste of History, Lego Club, Fiber Arts Club, and Chess Club. If your student participated in a BEF Enrichment and you'd like to make a donation, please visit our BEF Donation Site.
If you are a Berkley Schools Staff member who is interested in offering an Enrichment at your school, please speak with your building administrator.
Dollars for the District Giving Program
DOLLARS FOR THE DISTRICT
The Berkley Education Foundation was formed in 2000 to serve as the fundraising arm of the district. Past support has allowed us to provide enhanced opportunities to improve the student experience across the district and to supplement educator programs, technology, and enrichment activities, including a teaching iPad® in every classroom and annual teacher grants.
We raise funds throughout the year with proceeds from honorariums, employee payroll contributions, our signature event “Off to the Races,” and more. However, the biggest part of our funding comes directly from you, our generous stakeholders, and we hope you’ll consider giving to the Berkley Education Foundation.
Whether a gift within your means is $25, $2,500 or somewhere in between, please be assured that your tax-deductible donation will go directly back into the classrooms.
To make a donation:
- Write a check to the Berkley Education Foundation. Mail it to BEF, 14501 Talbot, Oak Park, MI 48237
- Use your credit card – visit the BEF's donation page to make a one-time donation or set up a monthly deduction/withdrawal.
Your gift to the Berkley Education Foundation is 100% tax deductible to the extent of the law.
Commemorative Brick Pavers
Bricks are available in two sizes with all proceeds going to the Berkley Education Foundation. The purpose of the BEF is to help maintain and enhance educational opportunities and programs for Berkley students.
A 4” x 8” brick has 3 lines with 14 characters in each line. The cost is $60.00.
An 8” x 8” brick has 6 lines with 14 characters in each line. The cost is $120.00.
If you wish to order a commemorative brick paver, they can be purchased online by completing the form below or click print and you can complete the form and mail it in.
Grocery Shopping Program
IT'S AS EASY AS 1. . . 2. . .3!
The Berkley Education Foundation has formed a partnership with Kroger where customers can generate proceeds from their grocery purchases to benefit the mission of the Foundation. . .to enhance the educational opportunties for all students in the Berkley School District.
Join the Kroger Community Rewards Program to benefit the BEF. Simply register your Kroger Plus Card online and select "Berkley School District Education Foundation" as the non-profit organization to receive proceeds from your grocery purchases. Each time your Kroger Plus Card is scanned at check-out, the Foundation will receive proceeds from Kroger Corporation for your grocery purchase. This is a quick, easy way to support Berkley students in and out of the classroom.