BCEF Grant Program (Mini-Grant)

BCEF Grant Program Overview

Organization: Blount County Education Foundation (BCEF), a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

Mission: Enhancing excellence in education for the children of the Blount County School system.

Geographic Scope: Blount County Schools (BCS), Tennessee

Program Purpose

The BCEF Grant Program is a revamped mini-grant initiative designed to be more responsive to school needs. It provides funding to support innovative ways to meet critical needs that promote student learning and well-being.

Eligibility

• Applicants: Any staff member of Blount County Schools (teachers or staff members)
• Application Structure: Individuals or academic teams may apply
• Prior Funding: Applicants with program funds from the prior grant cycle must complete a grant report before submitting for the current cycle
• Application Limit: Applicants may only submit one grant per application period

Acceptable Grant Requests

• Anything that enhances BCS students' educational experience
• Anything that enhances BCS students' environment to create a better learning environment

Not Funded

• Anything that does not benefit the student body or staff of BCS

Key Dates (Annual Cycle)

• July 21 - August 15: Grant application period (no late applications accepted)
• August 15 - 29: Grant committee reviews applications
• September 15: Applicants notified of approval/denial
• Late September: Funds issued/delivered
• March 31: Grant recipients expected to provide status update
• End of School Year: Final grant report due

Note: If dates fall on a holiday/weekend, deadline will be moved to next business day

Selection Process

• Applications are anonymously screened by an experienced review committee of independent qualified educators (not BCEF board members)
• A rubric is used for scoring applicants
• Final selection may include follow-up contact with applicants
• Grant requests are approved/denied by the BCEF Grant Committee

Payment & Execution

• Payment is issued within 2 weeks of Grant Approval
• Payment is made to the school, designated for the teacher account
• Teachers/school staff are responsible for purchasing items requested to fulfill the grant
• All funds must be spent by end of school year or returned to BCEF

Grant Reporting

• Grant recipients must recap grant success with a report by end of school year
• Recipients are invited to showcase grant success in Spring
• Documentation such as videos, photographs, writings, artifacts, testimonials, and instructional data findings are welcome and encouraged

Important Notes

• Limited funds available; funding subject to availability
• Late applications will be denied

Application Submission

1. Complete the online grant application form
2. Submit via the online portal at https://bceftn.org/grant-application-online
3. Applications must be submitted by August 15 (no late applications accepted)
4. Each applicant may only submit one grant per application period

Required Materials

• Complete online application form
• Rubric and grant information (available on Grant Info page)
• Reference the Grant Q&A video for tips, tricks, and peer questions

Review & Approval Timeline

• August 15-29: Grant Committee reviews submitted applications using a rubric
• September 15: Applicants are notified of approval or denial
• Late September: Approved funds are issued/delivered

Grant Execution

1. Funds are deposited to school account designated for teacher
2. Teachers/staff purchase items requested in grant proposal
3. All funds must be spent by end of school year or returned to BCEF

Grant Reporting

1. By March 31: Provide status update on grant
2. By end of school year: Submit final grant report recapping success
3. Invited to showcase grant success in Spring presentation
4. Include documentation such as videos, photographs, writings, artifacts, testimonials, and instructional data findings

Virtual Q&A Session

• Typically held in July to answer applicant questions (contact BCEF for specific date/registration)