Equity Grantmaking

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.

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Our Grant Pathways

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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.

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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.

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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.