Funding
Funding
Quick Reference: Funding Sources
Whenever possible, Title 1 funding should be used first before tapping into Foundation funds.
Funding Contacts
Community Schools/ Title 1 funds: these terms are interchangeable. This is federal money that has strict guidelines for use. Work with your principal to access.
Change in 2026-27: We can not use Title funds for attendance incentives of any kind, or food as an incentive. We can use them for light refreshments at a parent engagement event. Examples: materials for parent engagement
Foundation Accounts: private dollars raised by Boise Schools Foundation or your individual schools. Most often used to fund start-up projects such as the first round of a new student enrichment opportunity, or purchasing materials for an ongoing opportunity.
Examples: drums for weekly drum lessons, payment for teachers of dance class
Larisa Bolek for documentation questions
Andrea Geraghty for approval before spending, for brainstorming, or for problem solving
Jenn Henderson for questions specific to Foundation Funds
Additional Funding Info
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Whenever possible, use the principal’s pcard or ask Larisa to assist with ordering items. In the rare instance that you find yourself paying with personal funds and seeking reimbursement, follow these guidelines:
Personal Reimbursements & Invoices
Use the Foundation Reimbursement form for:
- Invoices from vendors already approved by the Foundation.
- Reimbursing employees who used personal funds (requires pre-approval from Andrea Geraghty for non-standard items).
- Principal signs off and forms sent to Larisa Bolek.
OR the 103 for Title 1 Reimbursement Form for:
- Expenses that are eligible for Title 1 funds
- Signed by principal
- Send to Larisa Bolek
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Gift Card and Gas Vouchers
Gift cards/vouchers for basic needs may come as a donation directly to the schools. The donated gift cards or vouchers are intended to be used in urgent situations with no other options to resolve the situation or as incentives for participating in programming.
When a gift card/voucher is donated to a school:
- Record the donation on the new inventory form
- Keep gift cards/vouchers in a locked desk or lock box.
- Family completes Store Card/ Voucher Agreement when they receive a card. Keep for your own records.
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Non-Monetary Donations
When receiving physical items or gift cards IF the donor requests Non-Monetary Donation Form:
- The Donor completes the "Donor Estimated Value" (leave blank unless it's a gift card).
- The Coordinator completes the Non-Monetary Form, gives the original to the donor, and keeps a copy.
- Best Practice: Always send a thank-you note.
Musical Instruments
You must follow a specific vetting process before accepting instruments:
- Request Permission: Contact the Foundation Executive Director and the Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts.
- Details: Provide photos, model info, and the intended use.
- Logistics: The Supervisor decides if it enters district inventory and handles transport/maintenance.
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Boise Schools Foundation can help pay for opportunities that no other funding or donation sources are available for. Examples of opportunities that Foundation has funded in the past include:
- Purchase of drums and several weeks of drumming instruction to start a drum club for students (based on student request)
- Paying a dance instructor for 6 weeks of cultural dance lessons
- Paying for gymnastics instruction at school
These funds are not meant for long-term support. Instead, they’re meant to try something new and ideally build a way to sustain using other resources over time.
To have a project approved and funded, Foundation will consider the following factors:
Does the project fit with your Community Schools Plan?- What is the potential impact of the project?
- How might the project continue after funding ends? (for example can we continue drumming after the drum instructor leaves or can a parent step in to run the dance class, ect)
To request funds for a new project, Complete This Form and Andrea Geraghty will let you know if it’s approved.