Supporting Educator-Led Innovation for Over 40 Years
For over four decades, the Berkeley Public Schools Fund has supported innovative, equity-focused ideas from within our public schools. Through our Equity Grantmaking, we invite BUSD educators to bring their ideas to life—uplifting projects that respond to real needs and build lasting change for every Berkeley student.
From school-based initiatives to district-wide collaborations, these educator-led efforts fill in the gaps traditional funding can’t—expanding opportunities, building belonging, and strengthening our schools from the inside out.
Our Focus
Equity Grants support projects that align with the Schools Fund’s core values:
- Essential Needs
- Safety & Belonging
- Love of Learning
Whether it’s strengthening family engagement, expanding culturally responsive teaching, advancing literacy efforts, or launching wellness initiatives, these projects reflect the creativity and care of BUSD educators—and the power of community support.
Our Grant Pathways
LEARNING for Equity Grants
Up to $10,000 – School-Based Projects
Supports projects tailored to the unique needs of an individual school community. These might include affinity groups, family engagement initiatives, or wellness programs developed by site educators.
LEADING for Equity Grants
Up to $15,000 – District-Wide Projects
Supports initiatives that impact multiple schools or the entire BUSD system. These projects often aim to scale successful pilots, develop educator pathways, or address systemic inequities in meaningful ways.
``The Schools Fund really makes BUSD special. It allows any staff member to use their creativity and energy to improve all facets of schooling. If you have an idea, the Schools Fund will help you make it happen!``
``The Berkeley Public Schools Fund is such a great resource. What makes it special is that it gives ALL educators—certificated or classified—the opportunity to create what they believe will benefit the students and families we serve.``
``Immeasurable value! The Berkeley Public Schools Fund, helps fund so many critically important initiatives. It allows those of us who have a large vision to tap into more support for creative and necessary additions to the existing work within BUSD.``
``Educators need the power to make change within the systems we work in. By supporting programs designed and implemented by educators, the Schools Fund is empowering educators to better educations directly.``
Be Part of the Change
Great public schools are built by educators, families, and a community that believes in every student.
When you support the Berkeley Public Schools Fund, you help bring powerful ideas to life. Through our Equity Grantmaking, these projects create more inclusive classrooms, stronger school communities, and opportunities that reach far beyond the school day.
This is how we create stronger schools. Together.