Grant Requests - Additional Information

What kinds of projects does BHSDG fund?

BHSDG funds a broad range of projects within our mission, particularly those that support equitable access, resource allocation, and educational outcomes; support academic excellence; foster emotional well-being, inclusion, and belonging; and center student agency and input. See more about BHSDG funding priorities and evaluation criteria, below. 

Please see our Granting Priorities for a more detailed explanation of the types of projects we fund and criteria we consider when evaluating proposals.

Our grantmaking areas include academic excellence and enrichment, college and career readiness, health and wellness, school culture and community building, professional development and staff retention. Examples of recent grants include technology support for special education classrooms, subsidized prom tickets for students facing financial barriers, talks by authors and other distinguished guests, T-shirts for students in the Green Dot program, and a staff planning retreat for the multilingual program, to name just a few.

When should I apply for a grant?

Applicants are advised to apply as soon as a need or opportunity is identified and after other fundraising sources have been pursued.

Application deadlines are on the 8th of every month, August to April. BHSDG board meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. In order for grant applications to be considered at a meeting, they must be received by the 8th of the month preceding the board meeting.  For example, by October 8 for the November meeting. Our last deadline of the year is April 8 (for the May meeting). 

IMPORTANT NOTE: BHSDG does not fund expenses retroactively. Please ensure that your project or purchase takes place after the board meeting at which it is being considered. Funds must be used in the current school year.

Who can apply?

Any Berkeley High School, Berkeley Technology Academy, or Berkeley Independent Study teacher, student, or staff member may apply.  If the applicant is a student, a BHS staff person must approve the project before you can apply.

What are BHSDG's funding priorities and evaluation criteria?

BHSDG prioritizes projects that are strong in the following areas:

Compelling Need or Opportunity 

• Does the request reflect a clear and compelling unmet need or opportunity at the school? 

• Is the project aligned with school-wide and district goals and supported by school leadership?

Mission Impact: 

• Does the project serve at least one of the following priority areas?

• Equity – in access, resource allocation, and educational outcomes. Does the project help to level the playing field or close opportunity disparities for historically marginalized groups, including students of color, low-income students, English learners, LGBTQ youth, and students with disabilities, among others?

• Academic Excellence and Enrichment – Does the project support excellence in teaching and learning, promoting academic growth, enrichment,or achievement? Does the project equip students to succeed in college and/or in future careers? 

• Emotional Well-Being, Inclusion, and Belonging - Does the project foster student emotional well-being and resilience? Does the project foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school community where all members—students, teachers, and staff—feel they belong? 

• Student Agency - Does the project center student initiative and voice, for example, through student clubs,student-led activities, or student input?

• Will the project have a measurable impact? How many students will be served, and if the number is small, does the project demonstrate meaningful impact for those students?

Project Feasibility and Cost Effectiveness

• Is the project well-designed, for example, with a clear description, timeline, and implementation plan?

• Is the project cost-effective with a coherent budget? 

• Has the applicant explored and exhausted all other funding sources?

• For returning projects: Were past reports submitted, and was there clear, measurable evidence of benefit?

Special considerations for professional development requests:

• Do the learning goals align with BHS’ WASC-aligned curricular goals?

• Does the proposal include a plan to share key learnings with other staff members in a way that is school-supported? Is there a plan to gather teacher feedback, observe implementation in classrooms, and/or use student data to assess effectiveness?

• Is there a strategy to ensure that professional learning is applied in classrooms and sustained over time?

Note regarding social activities and parties: BHSDG receives many requests for these types of activities and recognizes their value. At the same time, given significant school needs in other areas, funding for social activities and parties may not be as highly prioritized as other projects. Requests will be most successful when they are to fill a gap, after all other funding sources have been exhausted, and when they support at least one of the priority areas listed above.

What does BHSDG NOT fund?

• Food as a standalone expense (e.g. not connected to an event)

• Alcohol

• Staff salaries

• Projects or programs that do not align with BHSDG’s mission, goals, or priorities 

• Projects or programs with existing resources to support the same function

Are there cost guidelines for field trips, conferences, and guest speakers?

Yes. Please review these guidelines to be sure that your request complies.

Is there a maximum amount the BHSDG board will approve?

Yes. The maximum allowable amount for a monthly grant is $10,000. Please contact Principal Raygoza about grant requests above this amount. Due to limited funding, BHSDG may approve partial funding for your request. 

How will I be notified?

After receiving your application, the BHSDG Grants Committee may reach out to you for clarification or more specifics as needed before presenting your request to the Board. Applicants are generally notified of their request status via email within 48-72 hours of the board meeting at which the grant is considered. The Board occasionally reviews a grant proposal over multiple meetings. To check the status of your application, email grants@bhsdevelopmentgroup.org  after our monthly board meeting, which typically occurs on the first Monday of the month.

How will I be reimbursed?

Complete the General Fund Payment Request Form online.

What if I don’t spend all of my grant money?

Grant funds must be spent before the end of the school year for which the grant is made, unless an extension is requested and approved; no funds roll over for use during the following school year. Unspent funds return to the BHSDG general fund.

Can I apply more than once?

Yes. BHSDG often provides the support needed to launch a new project or initiative, and at the same time, supports returning projects, when they demonstrate impact and align with the BHSDG mission and priorities. For all projects we encourage applicants to seek additional funding sources to ensure financial sustainability. 

What are the reporting requirements?

Grant Reports are required within 30 days of the end of the project/grant. If you received a grant in the past, you must submit a report to be eligible for future funding.