The Initiative Grant encourages innovative training and curriculum development by providing grants to educators/learners of the Birchwood School District that support achievement of the Foundation’s Mission:  

ENGAGE COMMUNITY.     EXPLORE POSSIBILITIES.     INNOVATE FOR THE FUTURE.     INSPIRE LEARNERS AND EDUCATORS.

Initiative Grants may be used for staff/student development projects, curriculum revision or training efforts beyond normal contracted hours. All applicants must consider and address the following criteria within their applications:

• The proposal is consistent with the goals and mission of the Foundation.

• Proposals must support staff in their efforts to help students excel in technology, fine arts and unique educational experiences.

• The proposal is supplemental to the regular school district’s budget for staff training and curriculum development.

• The proposal shows a clear benefit to the school’s students, including long-range benefits, and the more students that benefit, the better.

• For those who were awarded funds last year, a folder of photos, videos, quotes & synopsis will need to be submitted.

Here is the process: 

Birchwood staff and students submit grant requests to the EFB for innovative educational programs, projects and experiences not funded through the school district. 

As our budget allows, the EFB provides entire or partial funding for those qualifying requests. 

We are continually inspired  by the thoughtful, enterprising requests designed to give Birchwood students a wider view of their world. We see requests for grants that supplement in-classroom curricula and proposals that take our kids beyond the walls of the school to explore nature, art, music, technology, the business world and more!  

These opportunities support the growth of the “whole person” through cognitive, physical, behavioral, social and emotional development, leading to students who are happy, healthy, engaged and challenged, empowering them to chase and achieve their goals.    

Why should this matter to you? These students will be the future influential directors of our villages, counties, states and beyond. Who knows which of them will be your employee, your caregiver, teacher, lawyer or kind neighbor?

The EFB is grateful to the exceptional Birchwood staff for taking their students on educational adventures to spur their love of learning. Of course, grant funding is only possible through donations and partnerships with individuals and businesses that prioritize education, so we thank all of our loyal supporters from the Birchwood community and beyond!