Q: What is BEF? 

Founded in 1988, the Beaverton Education Foundation raises money to provide hands-on, innovative, academic enrichment and advancement programs & projects that go beyond normal school funding at all 54 Beaverton public schools and is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit organization. BEF mobilizes community resources to fund innovative classroom, summer, and after-school programs. Our mission is to directly connect our community and classrooms to provide all Beaverton students access to the people, tools and experiences that expand the depth, breadth and relevance of their academic journey. 

Q: What’s the deadline to apply?

Beaverton’s Choice is available year-round to help you crowdfund your innovative classroom project, although May 1 is a good target date to submit final applications for the school year.  This will provide you time to gather donations, implement your project, and complete the post-project survey. 

Q: 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.

A: No, there is no limit 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!

Q: Why should I use Beaverton’s Choice instead of other national platforms like Donors Choose?

1. Beaverton’s Choice doesn’t tack on additional fees or service charges. All money raised goes to your project. 
2. With the support we have from local business partners, Beaverton’s Choice can usually offer matching funds from the beginning allowing your project to fund quicker.
3. You also have a local BEF team who work with you to get your project to ‘yes.’
   
   

Q: What if I’m not on social media?

That’s ok! The most effective messages are through email, weekly updates, or newsletters to your students’ families.  You can ask the school to promote the project on their social media pages and your PTO to share on their platforms.

Q: What if I’m uncomfortable asking families for money?

We understand! Individuals and local businesses in our community want to support your efforts, and BEF makes this possible. Depending on the project and overall budget, many times matching funds are 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.

Q: Our school has a healthy PTO/PTC budget. Why should I pursue funding from BEF?

A: Part of BEF’s mission is to support innovation and collaboration across the BSD community, providing a platform to share ideas and programs. Using Beaverton’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.

Q: I’m super busy. I have a project that I need help funding, but I just don’t have time to go through the process to apply. Help!

A: We will work with you to help complete the application and promote the project. Contact beavertonschoice@beavertonEDfoundation.org to get started.

Q: This seems too good to be true.  What’s the catch?

Beaverton’s Choice is a crowdfunding site, so we want your project to go viral! We want the world to know Beaverton teachers and staff are going the extra mile for their students. That’s why it is important that your project is shared widely.

Q: I’ll be teaching some supplemental classes this summer in BSD. Can I request funding for a summer school project? Or is this just for the regular school year?

A: Summer program support is possible. Please contact beavertonschoice@beavertonEDfoundation.org to discuss how this works. 

Q:  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.

A: Beaverton teachers are innovative, and that is what the Beaverton’s Choice grants honor.  If you develop a project or activity that really benefits students and want to repeat the activity each year, we suggest communicating with your principal to find a sustainable method for funding your project

Founded in 1988, the Beaverton Education Foundation raises money to provide hands-on innovative academic enrichment and advancement programs & projects that go beyond normal school funding at all 54 Beaverton public schools and is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit organization. BEF mobilizes community resources to fund innovative classroom, summer and after-school programs.

FAQs

Q: How does the BEF raise money?

A: BEF receives no public funds but relies on more than 2,500 tax-deductible contributions annually from individuals, local businesses, and BSD staff and families. Contributions come from business promotions, annual events, mailings, and through Beaverton’s Choice crowdfunding projects on FundRazr and our BEF website.

Q: Where does the money go?

A: Funds donated to BEF pay for programs not mandated or funded by the state but ones our community and dedicated educators consider necessary for a quality education. State funding for education in Oregon is inadequate for many basic programs, insufficient to fund enrichment programs, and unavailable to underwrite innovative programs. The Foundation directly supports hands-on student programs; equipment and materials purchases, teacher stipends for student-engaged experiences, and helping offset transportation and facility fees.

Q: How is the BEF different from my child’s school PTO?

A: BEF’s mission is to support innovative, hands-on academic programs and projects that help students to reach their highest potential. BEF grants often fund pilot programs that are tested, proven and refined before being scaled up across multiple schools. Think of BEF as the start-up funding for innovative ideas.  Through BEF’s Beaverton’s Choice ,  an online crowdfunding resource, we can help staff in Beaverton’s public schools fund their school or classroom projects. Beaverton’s Choice is…

• Fast – projects usually fund in hours or days and typically receive matched funds, increasing impact.
• Collaborative – BEF, teachers and PTOs work together to leverage resources and FUND more while teachers are in control selecting the project and materials.
• Free and sharable – No fees, no extra $ to raise – all money raised goes directly to the project. And, projects can be shared across your favorite social media platforms to fund faster!

Q: How can I give?

A: Make a tax-deductible donation – our schools rely on every member of our community to educate the next generation of leaders and concerned citizens. Your support makes that possible. Contributions can be made by check or credit card or by monthly or quarterly installments. Contributions to the Foundation are exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) as allowed by law and our Tax ID number is 94-3076723. You can use our secure website to make a donation now by clicking here .

Q: Community Partnerships

A: The Beaverton Education Foundation’s Community Partner Program invites you to join our growing network of local leaders to support quality public education – while encouraging thousands of parents, educators and other potential customers to support our local businesses. Learn more

Q: How can I get more information?

A: Please contact us using the information below or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram to keep up-to-date on events, announcements and the latest happenings.