BEAR Grant

In 2014, the BEAR Legacy Grant was created by the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) to encourage initiatives focusing on innovation, creativity, community and global projects. The purpose of the grant is to support White Bear Lake Area School District students, staff and community members working with students. In keeping with the WBLAEF mission of enhancing education for all students, the grant provides an inclusive, flexible and expedient means for applicants to apply for funds.

Applications will be reviewed on a continual basis throughout the school year (September 1 - August 31) until the maximum of $10,000 per year has been awarded. Projects will be funded for twelve months after which unused funds will revert to the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation.

Applicant Eligibility & Grant terms

Deadline: Ongoing (September 1 - August 31)

Who May Apply:

  • White Bear Lake Area School District Employees

  • Students attending the White Bear Lake Area School District

  • Community members in the White Bear Lake Area School District

Eligible Projects:  All projects must enhance the learning experience or personal growth of White Bear Lake Area School District students, as per the WBLAEF mission, and develop opportunities that compliment the district mission and/or strategic plan. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Innovation Grants in math, science, technology, STEM, robotics, and problem solving

  • Creativity Grants in the fine arts, music, theater, and dance

  • Citizenship Grants in communication (World Language, composition, journalism), leadership, community, International Baccalaureate, health and fitness

Projects that fall under the Brosious Grant, Glasrud Fellowship, E3 Grant, Ryan Art Grant, Gayle Sundt Creative Arts Support Fund, or the John McCormick Environmental Educational Grant will not be considered for a BEAR Grant. Please refer to the descriptions of each.

Selection Process: The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation’s Program Committee will review BEAR Legacy Grant applications.

Award Range: Applications will be reviewed on a continual basis throughout the school year (September 1 - August 31) until the maximum of $10,000 per year has been awarded. Projects will be funded for twelve months after which unused funds will revert to the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation.

Terms:

  • Expenses are reimbursed after submitting a reimbursement form with original receipts to the WBLAEF office. CLICK HERE to submit the reimbursement request.

  • Evaluation: A written results-based evaluation of the project or a 3 to 5 minute presentation to the Foundation Board is required within two months of the project’s completion. Evaluations or presentations must be submitted or arranged with the WBLAEF office. CLICK HERE to submit the evaluation.

Questions? Please contact the WBLAEF office at 651-407-7696.

APPLY HERE

Complete the online application below and submit. If you are district staff, please have your building principal review the project prior to submitting this application, with agreement that the project aligns with district goals.