Giver’s Gain Grant Funded to Bring Diversity to Art Schoolbooks

[Bradford, Vermont] – The Bradford Elementary School was recently awarded $1,000 of grant funding by the BNI Foundation to support their art program. This grant funded updated schoolbooks in the classroom to reflect a diversity of artists from different backgrounds who are masters in their mediums. The Bradford Elementary School is a student-centered community of learners who work together to support student growth academically, socially, and emotionally.

“I am very excited to be the recipient of the BNI Givers Gain Grant! As the art teacher at Bradford Elementary School, I am privileged to see each of my kindergarten through sixth grade students every week for art class,” said Al Morrow, Bradford Elementary Art Teacher for K-6.

“They are always excited to learn about new artists, and one of my favorite ways to introduce them to different artists is through picture books. Most of the books we have in the art room are

about thirty years old, and do not reflect the diversity of today’s art world. Because each year’s art budget is used to purchase art supplies for students, updating the books has had to wait. I am thrilled to be able to use the funds from the BNI Foundation Givers Gain Grant to finally be able to diversify and update the books in the art room! I know that the students of Bradford Elementary will be ecstatic to have access to these wonderful books”.

At Bradford Elementary School, we are seeing firsthand the urgent need to support educators in their ability to provide relevant materials for their students. We believe updating these books will have a significant impact on the students at Bradford Elementary

School as they continue their education by providing diverse, updated materials. The BNI Foundation works diligently to ensure that the grants we provide to educators will make the biggest impact on the largest number of students, and we are glad that we can assist Ms. Morrow in her endeavors to provide the highest quality education possible for her students.

 

 

Givers Gain Grants

Givers Gain® Grants Awarded to Five Deserving Organizations

This year’s winter round of Givers Gain® Grants have been awarded. Every year the BNI Foundation awards at least ten $1,000 grants to schools and educational organizations for projects that will benefit students. To qualify the school or organization must be associated with one of our Business Voices teams. Here are this year’s winners.

Swift Youth Foundation in Scottsdale, AZ

The Swift Youth Foundation was founded in 1980 to provide a camping experience to children who would otherwise be unable to afford it. The organization works to empower teens to make a positive difference in their own lives and communities by developing leadership skills and instilling a commitment to social action.

Horizon House in Philadelphia, PA

Started in 1952 as a support group for former mental health patients, Horizon House is committed to helping individuals live a fulfilling life in their communities. There PEACE program helps young people deal with early psychosis. 

Just for Girls in West Bradenton, FL

Just for Girls makes a positive impact on young women through prevention education, academic support, character development, and personal enrichment. They provide before and after school programs as well as education programs for K-8th grade that help girls map a new path to success, find their personal inspiration, and increase their grades. 

Investing in Kids, St. Augustine

INK works to provide scholarships, innovative programs and classroom resources to the students of the Saint Johns County public school system.

Carlson School 

Building Blocks School

Congratulations to all of the recipients. We look forward to learning more about the programs the Givers Gain® Grants will fund.

2018 National Conference

The BNI Foundation at the BNI National Conference

The BNI National Conference in Las Vegas is right around the corner and the BNI Foundation has been working hard to bring attendees a great program and to take advantage of this opportunity to do more for our community schools and students. Keep reading to find out what’s in store.

Givers Gain® Grants Awarded to Double in 2018

This year the BNI Foundation is striving to double the number of yearly Givers Gain® Grants awarded from ten to twenty. To do this we hope too attract more monthly donors with our Join the CLUB program. During the National Conference we will be holding a drive to bring in more Heroes and Super Heroes so we can get more grants out to worthy schools and educational organizations. The $1,000 Givers Gain® Grants are awarded to help fund specific programs. The BNI Foundation is striving to add ten additional Givers Gain® Grants to 2018 by attracting:

  • 20 New Heroes
  • 20 New Super Heroes
  • $20,000 New Direct Donations

The grants will be awarded as follows:

  • 5 Givers Gain® Grants in June
  • 5 Givers Gain® Grants in October
  • A Special Grant Cycle from November 15 to December 15th with 10 additional Givers Gain® Grants

The Heroes program designates those giving $50 a month as Heroes and those giving $100 or more every month as Super Heroes. Any individual or group can be a Hero or Super Hero. During the BNI National Conference in Las Vegas, the BNI Foundation will campaign to encourage BNI member, chapters and regions to Join the CLUB by becoming a Hero or Super Hero.

Students to be Speed Mentored at the BNI National Conference

At this year’s BNI National Conference in Las Vegas, the BNI Foundation will host a speed mentoring session with students from a local Las Vegas high school. During the event, students will talk to several entrepreneurs for a few minutes each and then take part in an open “networking” session. The successful speed mentoring program truly encapsulates the BNI Foundation’s mission to create a conduit between business and education to meet children’s educational needs. If you will be attending this year’s conference and would like to be involved as a mentor, please contact David Kauffman, foundation Vice-Chair, at Davidk@bnifoundation.org

Win Dinner with Beth and Ivan Misner and More

Attendees of the BNI National Conference will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win dinner with BNI Foundation founders, Beth and Ivan Misner, while simultaneously supporting the Foundation’s cause. Additionally, a 50/50 raffle will see one winner receiving half of the 50/50 raffle proceeds. Please reach into your pockets for a chance to win one of these great prizes, and more importantly, help the BNI Foundation continue its work helping schools and students around the world.

Please stay tuned for more by visiting our website, https://bnifoundation.org, where we will be posting 2018 BNI US National Conference updates including details about our Saturday morning Walk and Talk and other events we are working on. Also, be sure to visit our booth while at the conference.