What is BREF?

BREF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 2003 to support educational excellence in Blue Ridge Schools.  BREF grants finance educational opportunities outside the scope of the school operating budget and target areas such as innovation in curriculum and instruction, extra curricular programs, student services and professional development.

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Who runs BREF?

A voluntary Board of Directors comprised primarily of members of the Blue Ridge communities  runs BREF. The board is made up of a diverse group of individuals who bring a wide variety of skills and professional expertise to the BREF Board, and who are nominated by current board members to serve for terms of two or more years.

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How is BREF funded?

BREF depends primarily on the tax-deductible contributions of Blue Ridge  residents, businesses, alumni, and others interested in supporting Blue Ridge Schools. BREF’s current year grants and operations are funded by its fundraising activities.

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What is the relationship between BREF and Blue Ridge Schools?

While independent of the school district, BREF works closely with Blue Ridge Schools to ensure that BREF grants not only further BREF’s mission, but also reflect school system goals and are implemented effectively in classrooms.

In addition, the Superintendent of Schools, serves the Board in an ex-officio capacity.

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What is BREF’s Classroom Grant Program?

Program Grants:  Classroom Grants fund dynamic classroom and curriculum projects, as well as professional development opportunities for educators.   Grants are available to teachers, staff, administrators and touch on all facets of life in a school.

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How are grants awarded?

BREF considers grant applications from Blue Ridge School educators, including classroom teachers, specialists, and administrators. Their ideas are inspired by any number of sources, including their own experiences, study, reading, reflections, and discussions with colleagues.

The grant review committee of BREF Board and an Advisory Board of teachers and administrators reviews each grant application extensively and discusses each application in- depth. BREF evaluates each application to determine whether the proposed grant meets BREF’s funding criteria, and is an effective use of its limited funds. Following this grant review, BREF awards grants based on merit and availability of funds.

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What kinds of projects does BREF fund?

Projects range from small initiatives involving a single teacher in a classroom to major programs touching  every grade across the school system.  Grants cover all academic areas, as well as technology, art, music, physical education, social competency and matters affecting student life.  While the subject areas in grants awarded vary from year to year based on the applications received, the basic mission remains the same: to enhance educational excellence in Blue Ridge Schools.

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How can I support the Foundation?

There are various ways to give: by making a donation to the STAR (Staff, Teacher Appreciation & Recognition) Program in honor of a teacher or staff member; by supporting local businesses that are Project UKNIGHT Community Sponsors, or by supporting the various fundraisers throughout the year such as the Homecoming Porkchop dinner or sales of Gondola sandwiches at basketball games.  Support may also be provided by directing a gift to the Annual Fund or the Endowment Fund.   Businesses are also invited to make donations through Project UKNIGHT Community Sponsorship Program, which includes corporate sponsorship opportunities. All donations are tax-deductible.

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How do I know my donation is used wisely?

BREF has a fiduciary responsibility to use donors’ money in compliance with its mission. To that end, BREF has established a rigorous system to ensure that it funds only those proposals that meet its grant criteria, show a logical relationship between budget and planning, and have merit. BREF engages in an ongoing dialogue with administrators and teachers to better understand the needs of the system, and works with teachers to help them with the crafting of their proposals.

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How can I be part of BREF?

BREF depends on volunteers for all aspects of its operations, and it’s a great way to get to know more about BREF. Volunteer opportunities are available in publicity, fundraising, events planning, publications, website design and management  and more. In addition, at times future board members are identified by serving in a volunteer capacity for BREF.

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