Foundation for Belmont Education


How do I know if my idea qualifies for a FBE grant?
Making a difference in the lives of Belmont's children by enriching their educational experience has been the Foundation for Belmont Education's goal since 1993. Consider the impact of your idea: Does it benefit many students? Is it a long-term project or a one-time program?

Collaboration with other teachers and administrators is welcome and encouraged! You might review the list of grants approved in the past to get an idea of previously approved projects.

Please contact the VP of Programs, Karen Gray, (programs@fbe-belmont.org) Steve Mazzola, Director of Technology, (smazzola@belmont.k12.ma.us) or the appropriate Belmont Public School Curriculum Director to receive feedback about your ideas.

I’m not sure about my grant writing skills – are there any suggestions?

Here are some tips for writing a successful proposal:

• Brevity is appreciated, but be sure to answer all questions on the application and provide any relevant supporting materials
• Address the number and type of students who will be affected
• Highlight how the proposed project will enrich the students' educational experience. Clearly identify the need(s) to be met by the project and link it to the curriculum
• If applicable, discuss the program's reputation, experiences of others with the program, if any, and any connection to existing school programs
• Complete the budget sheet carefully; this provides the FBE with critical information and demonstrates your readiness to successfully implement the project. Clearly state assumptions used to estimate costs. For larger grant requests, provide relevant back-up documentation and price quotes where appropriate for major items. List any additional funding sources.
• If applicable, explain how the project will be sustained beyond the grant period (how any equipment or other asset purchased with FBE funds will be maintained, how staffing and resources will be devoted to follow up)

What size grants are available?
The FBE supports grants of many sizes. Small grants provide up to $1,000 for projects typically benefiting a single classroom. Major grants, whose benefits are spread over a larger number of students, are available up to $5,000.

Funding is subject to availability, as well as a comparison of other grants during the cycle. Based on funding, partial grants may be awarded. It is permissible to resubmit grants to the FBE that have been denied for various reasons.

What if my idea has already been funded?
The FBE frequently accepts repeat grants, especially in cases where the repeated grant builds on the original idea. If you are applying for a repeat grant, be sure that your application form documents the outcome of the original grant and specific benefits that have resulted from it.

What if my grant is not approved?
Grants may not be approved for a variety of reasons – the teaching philosophy is not in line with the policies of the Belmont Public Schools; the benefits are not clearly evident; the number of students impacted is low; the number of deserving applications is high compared to the funds available in any one grant cycle, etc.

The FBE attempts to fund grants that serve a variety of purposes and populations, so occasionally a grant may be rejected if several grant applications overlap in subject or target recipient.

In some cases, the FBE may feel some parts of the rejected grant need to be reworked. The Program Committee will suggest changes and encourage the applicant to apply in the next grant cycle.

If I have questions about the grant application process, who do I contact?
Please contact: VP of Programs, Karen Gray at programs@fbe-belmont.org, or contact the Program Committee liaison for your school or subject area.