The Brookline Education Foundation (BEF) Collaborative Grants are intended to encourage professional collaboration across disciplines, grade levels, and schools within Brookline. These grants aim to foster teamwork, innovation, and cooperative learning opportunities that align with the BEF’s core value of promoting collaborative relationships. Grants can fund projects up to $20,000, supporting initiatives that enhance teaching and learning within the district. Applicants with project budgets of $8,000 or more must submit a Concept Paper by January 31, 2025, to evaluate the proposal’s fit within the BEF grants program. For smaller budgets under $8,000, submitting a Concept Paper is optional but recommended to strengthen the proposal.

The application process opens in December, with the final deadline for full applications on March 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applicants are required to download, complete, and upload their applications in PDF format through the provided submission portal. Grant writing workshops, offered in partnership with the Office of Teaching and Learning, are available prior to the deadline to help applicants develop strong proposals. Applications are reviewed by the BEF Teacher and Collaborative Grants Committees, which include Brookline educators and BEF Board members. Notifications of funding decisions are sent out by mid-April.

All grant-related work must occur between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Grant recipients are required to submit a final evaluation form upon project completion to document outcomes, challenges, and successes. Links to evaluation forms are provided for both the FY25 and FY26 grant cycles. Recipients are also expected to include a brief acknowledgment of BEF’s support on any printed or online materials resulting from the grant.

Examples of previously funded Collaborative Grants include participation in the ASHA National Conference 2023, projects focusing on therapeutic approaches in art education, and efforts to improve district-wide school psychological services and practices. These projects highlight the diverse ways in which BEF Collaborative Grants can support meaningful professional development and innovation in Brookline schools.

The BEF encourages teachers to utilize available resources, including the grants calendar and FAQ page, for important dates and guidance throughout the application process. For questions or additional support, applicants can contact BEF representatives via email or phone. This program provides a valuable opportunity for educators to work together on impactful initiatives that enhance the quality of education in Brookline.