Building Hope IMPACT Awards Program

Geographic Scope: National (United States)

Focus Areas: Charter school excellence in three main categories plus leadership and volunteer recognition

Background: Building Hope's awards honor charter schools and leaders who are making outstanding contributions to learners, families, and communities. The program recognizes excellence in areas such as innovation, leadership, student empowerment, and community engagement.

1. Community Engagement

• Focus: Schools excelling in engaging families and serving family needs; bringing resources into schools and sharing school resources with neighborhoods
• Grant Amounts: Typically $20,000 (1st place), $10,000 (2nd place), $10,000 (3rd place)
• Number of Winners: 3 schools annually

2. Student Empowerment

• Focus: Schools laser-focused on giving students tools to succeed in school and in life; supporting students and hearing student voices
• Grant Amounts: Typically $20,000, $10,000, $10,000
• Number of Winners: 3 schools annually

3. Educational Innovation

• Focus: Schools creating programs that serve unique student needs and prepare students for an ever-changing world
• Grant Amounts: Typically $20,000, $10,000, $10,000
• Number of Winners: 3 schools annually

4. S. Joseph Bruno Charter Leadership Award

• Focus: Charter schools that lead in the charter school movement; schools that excel in Educational Innovation, Student Empowerment, and/or Community Engagement
• Eligibility: Single locations and small networks
• Grant Amounts: Typically $20,000, $10,000, $10,000
• Number of Winners: 3 schools annually

5. Shellie-Ann Braswell Shine Brighter Award

• Focus: Charter school volunteers demonstrating commitment to leading with love; volunteers who are backbone of school culture and family engagement
• Grant Amounts: $5,000 per award
• Number of Winners: Varies (3 in 2024, 3 in 2022)

Eligibility

• Open to charter schools (primary focus)
• Schools must be demonstrating excellence in at least one of the core categories
• Volunteer awards available for individual school volunteers

Contact Information

• Email: info@bhope.org
• Phone: (202) 457-1999 or (888) 402-3222
• Address: 1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20006