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Beaverton's Choice Grants
Welcome to Beaverton’s Choice! We are excited to support your leadership on behalf of your students to provide hands-on learning opportunities that go beyond normal school funding. Beaverton’s Choice is an online crowdfunding platform available to all BSD staff. You design the project that engages your students in unique learning opportunities, and you let us help you raise the money through community donations!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Beaverton's Choice deadline to apply?
Beaverton’s Choice is available to crowdfund your innovative classroom project from September to May.
Is there a limit to the number of projects that can be funded through Beaverton's Choice per school? I think our school has already done a project this year.
There is no limit to the number of projects per school or even per teacher. At BEF, we evaluate each project on its own merits and alignment with our mission, and we encourage team and department collaborations!
Why should I use Beaverton's Choice instead of other national platforms like Donors Choose?
Beaverton’s Choice is a no-fee platform, and 100% of the funds raised go directly toward your project. Thanks to support from local business partners and our community, Beaverton’s Choice can often match funds, allowing your project to get a funding jump start. Our local BEF team is available to work with you to get your project funded as quickly as possible.
Is someone from BEF available to discuss my proposal with me?
We are happy to discuss your proposal idea and answer your questions by phone or email. You are welcome to run your idea by us before submitting your formal application by emailing: beavertonschoice@beavertonedfoundation.org
Are only teachers eligible to apply for Beaverton's Choice?
ANY Beaverton School District staff member may apply. However, you will need to discuss your project and get support from your principal before you apply.
Our school has a healthy PTO/PTC budget. Why should I pursue funding from BEF?
Part of BEF’s mission is to support innovation and collaboration across the BSD community, providing a platform to share ideas and programs. Educators throughout the District, and community members beyond the borders of one school, may be inspired by your project and want to support your work. Using Beverton’s Choice to help fund your project increases your opportunity for impact through project expansion (think team, school or even district-wide) and diversified funding.
Can I use Beaverton's Choice funds for staff and volunteer training?
While BEF recognizes that staff training is valuable, BEF funds may be used only for projects and programs that directly involve students.
Can I use Beaverton's Choice funds to pay for staff compensation?
A budget may include compensation to pay teachers and staff consistent with district policy and contracts. This is the perfect question to discuss with BEF before submitting an application for funding as there some considerations around staff compensation.
BEF will compensate for student contact time only. BEF will not compensate for planning time (can be listed as an in-kind contribution). Please contact the School District Human Resources Department, Payroll Department and/or Grant Accountant to assist you with determining classified and certified salary designations.
Can I use Beaverton's Choice funds to purchase technology equipment, books, etc. for the classroom?
BEF recognizes that books, equipment and/or technology can enhance student learning. BEF grants may fund materials that are essential to the goals and instructional needs of the program proposed in the application.
Is it okay if I use funds from additional sources for my project (like PTO or building funds)?
Yes, additional funding sources strengthen your application and reinforce the collaborative relationship between schools and the community.
What if I'm uncomfortable asking families and the community for money in this crowdfunding method?
Many individuals and local businesses in our community want to support your efforts, and BEF makes this possible. Depending on the project and overall budget, matching funds are often available that can be combined with PTO contributions to fund your project without having to rely on your students’ families. That’s why BEF works with you to place your project on a public platform that can be viewed by community members beyond your school network. We know donor support for student learning runs deep. Many are anxious for the opportunity to make a difference in our schools!
Is it okay to request funding for the same project each year? If I have an amazing project that really benefits students, I'd like to do it each year.
Beaverton educators are innovative, and Beaverton’s Choice awards honor thoughtfully designed, new initiatives that engage students. Our goal is to help launch an initiative but not to fund it annually. If you develop a project or activity that really benefits students and want to repeat the activity each year, we will work with you to think about how to find a sustainable method for funding your project long-term.
If I do receive funding through Beaverton's Choice, is there any follow up information I need to provide BEF after I finish my project?
Yes! Updates about your project help us communicate with donors so they know how their gift made an impact. You will receive a request from us for an Award Status Update — about 30 days after you receive funding. This report updates us where you are in the process of implementing your project. You will submit a final Award Outcomes Report 30 days after your project is completed.
Beaverton's Choice Application
Beaverton’s Choice is an online crowdfunding platform available only to BSD staff. We charge no fees and all funds raised go directly toward your goal.






