ANNUAL GRANT GUIDELINES

Please read these guidelines carefully before completing the application form.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 

WHAT WE DO FUND?

Grant proposals are prioritized based our mission and on the following criteria:

  1. Enhancing the educational experience at BHS.
  2. Expanding what can be accomplished within the school’s budgetary constraints.
  3. Impacting a large number of students, educators, and/or families.
  4. Impacting students from traditionally under-resourced communities.
  5. Addressing needs identified by school leadership, staff, students, or families (e.g., equity initiatives, student mental health).

PTO grants support educators’ effectiveness and creativity in meeting student needs. Examples of recently funded projects include:

  • Expanding the Queer Student Program to better support the social, emotional and academic needs of LGBTQ students at BHS.
  • BHS Student Book Clubs that foster community across different grade levels creating an environment free from academic pressure where the students can share their love for reading.
  • Community Events to enable RISE students to build their skills acquired outside of school in the community.
  • Field trips and community experiences for English Learners and other student groups that build belonging, strengthen peer connections, and create shared experiences outside the classroom.
  • Hands-on learning materials for science classes, such as molecular and physiology model kits, that allow students to explore complex biological processes through collaborative, inquiry-based activities.
  • Cultural enrichment experiences that bring global traditions into the classroom through food tastings, guest artists, and performances, helping students deepen their understanding of world cultures.
  • Opportunities for students to engage with professional artists, writers, and performers through workshops, performances, and interactive classroom visits that bring academic subjects to life.

Proposed activities and requests should be consistent with the vision, goals, and priorities of a BHS department, program, or the school as a whole.

Applicants should discuss their proposal with the appropriate department or program head before submitting.

WHAT WE DO NOT FUND

PTO grants will not support:

  • Teacher time for in-school instruction during the school day
  • Teacher professional development (contact the BEF)
  • Teacher time for curriculum development (contact the Innovation Fund)

If you have a question as to whether your request is eligible, please contact the PTO co-presidents at copresidents@bhs-pto.org

WHO CAN APPLY?

  • All BHS staff members (teachers, administrators, program coordinators, deans, staff, etc.) are encouraged to apply for funding to support projects, activities, or materials that enhance or extend the academic or social experience at BHS.
  • Individual staff members may apply for funding, and collaborative or cross-department requests that benefit multiple staff members and many students are also encouraged.

PROCESS TIMELINE

1
Application Period

April

Apply in the spring for funding to be used in the following school year.

2
Review

Early May

The Grants Subcommittee reviews applications and may follow up with applicants, department heads, or BHS administration.

3
Budget & Approval

April & May

Total amount available for annual grants depends on fundraising and is approved by the full PTO Board. The PTO Board then approves full, partial or no funding for each grant request based on fund availability.

4
Notification

By Early June

All applicants are informed of decisions. We strive to fund as many eligible projects as possible.

5
Implementation

September

Funding deployment begins for the new academic year.

WHAT DO WE EXPECT FROM YOU?

For most grants, funds are provided on a reimbursement basis.

In some instances, the PTO can pay invoices directly, if necessary.

Grant recipients are required to:

  1. Acknowledge PTO funding, including in any public communications related to the grant.
  2. Provide a brief summary of the program’s effectiveness or impact on students at the conclusion of the grant, before a new application will be considered.

For questions, please email us at: copresidents@bhs-pto.org

SIZE OF GRANTS

  • Grants are awarded at a wide variety of funding levels.
  • To support as many projects as possible, partial funding may be granted.
  • Approved grants typically range from $150 to $4,500

APPLY HERE