SPARK Awards

Supporting-Possibilities-Achievement-Resources-Knowledge
formerly Classroom Grants

The Education Foundation provides classroom funding to educators in Billings Public Schools to encourage innovation and excellence in the classroom. Since 1997, the Education Foundation has made over 1,000 grants totaling more than a million dollars to teachers and school personnel. Just last year, we awarded over $150,000!

The purpose of the SPARK Awards is to provide BPS educators & staff an opportunity to implement innovative and creative curriculum, special activities, and classroom projects that could not normally be accommodated by the school budget.

A SPARK Award can make learning exciting for teachers and students. Awards provide funds for many different opportunities – academic achievement, technology improvements, education innovation, student attendance, parental involvement, school climate, etc.

NEW THIS YEAR: We will be awarding funds THREE times per year! there is only one application, regardless of the amount you’re applying for or if you apply as an individual or as a collaboration. We will primarily award requests between $500 and $5,000. The application is refreshed this year and hopefully easier to fill out.

The next cycle of funding will open in August 2026, with funds being awarded in Oct. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Apply for a SPARK Award Download How to Apply General SPARK info

Why SPARK Awards for teachers?

The Foundation and our community believes that directly supporting teachers is one of the best ways to help students achieve and succeed. SPARK Awards are designed to meet the following goals:

Increase student engagement, motivation, and exposure to new concepts and ideas
Create opportunities to allow all students to reach their full potential through enriched learning environments
Strengthen teaching tools and strategies in core academic subjects, including the arts
Encourage collaboration and professional development among teachers
Increase parent and community involvement in our schools

Tips to help your project shine in the SPARK Awards

1. Start With a Clear, Student-Focused Idea – Think about a challenge, need, or opportunity in your classroom. The strongest applications always answer: “How will this improve learning or engagement for my students?“ Try starting with:

“My students would benefit from…”
“This project will help solve…”
“This will help students by…”

2. Explain the Project in Plain Language – No jargon. No fancy grant speak. Pretend you’re explaining your idea to a teacher from another grade level.

3. Show Your Impact – Reviewers look closely at the “student impact” section. Strong responses include:

Specific outcomes (“students will be able to…”)
Meaningful engagement (“students will participate in…”)
Equity or access benefits
Grade levels and approximate number of students
Why the project matters to YOU

4. Keep Your Evaluation Plan Simple – You are NOT expected to conduct research. Examples of simple evaluation tools:

Student reflections
Short surveys
Before/after observations
Photos or sample work
Quick check-ins or exit tickets

5. Make a Clear, Realistic Budget – Your budget should match your project goals. Include:

Item names
Exact costs, including shipping
Links or screenshots

Tip: Budget accuracy helps reviewers understand your thinking.

6. Double-Check Your Timeline – Your project should be doable within the school year. If your project depends on a specific date (e.g., field trip), apply early so you fall into the right cycle.

7. Ask for Help Anytime – You’re never bothering us, the Foundation is here to support you. If you’re unsure, email or call for guidance. We’re happy to read drafts or help shape ideas.

8. Final Tip: Authentic projects rise to the top – You don’t need a huge or complicated idea. Projects full of heart, creativity, and student focus are consistently the strongest.

Download examples of Successful Applications:

Finding Equity in Literature Packet Brave Spellers and Authors in Kindergarten

SPARK Award Guidelines & Evaluation

All teachers, principals, and school personnel of Billings Public Schools are eligible to apply for a teacher grant. Applicants may apply as individuals or as part of a group. Educators within specific grades as well as across grade levels, subjects and schools are encouraged to collaborate.

NEW THIS YEAR: We will be awarding funds THREE times per year! there is only one application, regardless of the amount you’re applying for or if you apply as an individual or as a collaboration. We will primarily award requests between $500 and $5,000. The application is refreshed this year and hopefully easier to fill out.

SPARK Awards Application Process

Universal Requirements

Applicants must be Billings Public School personnel.
Applicants must use the online application process and each section of the grant application must be completed for consideration. If you have not created an account, you will need to do so. Search Spark Awards to begin your application.
The project administrator is responsible for implementing the grant at his or her school.
Completed applications must have the appropriate authorization.
Grant applications for the first cycle are currently closed. The next cycle will open in August 2026, with funds being awarded in October. Applications can be submitted at anytime.

Criteria

Grants are intended to enhance and supplement the adopted District curriculum.
Priority is given to projects with direct student involvement.
Priority is given to projects that are able to be utilized in/adapted to other classes or schools.
More than one grant proposal can be submitted from each school. An educator may collaborate on more than one proposal for separate/independent projects.
Grant funds are NOT available for projects already completed.
Salaries and stipends are not eligible for funding.
Replacement technology is not eligible for funding.
Extra-curricular requests are not eligible for funding.

Selection & Notification

A screening committee composed of EFBPS Board Members and community volunteers will review the grant requests for selection and final approval.
Notification and other correspondence will be directed to the project administrator.
Notification of awards will occur in April 2026.

Final Evaluations of Project

The project administrator will be required to complete a final evaluation form. The form must be completed online by the date indicated in the award winner notification letter.

Receipt of Grant Money

The Foundation is implementing a new ordering system using a platform called ClassWallet. Upon notification of an award, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your funds. No money will be distributed to any district accounts. You can shop through approved vendors. Click here to see the list of approved vendors. If your vendor is not included in the ClassWallet platform, the Foundation will work with you to order directly from the vendor.

Collaborative Classroom Grants will stay at the home school where the original grant was awarded if a teacher who is a part of the grant transfers schools. Individual Classroom Grants typically move with the transferring teacher. Please contact the Education Foundation with any questions.

All materials purchased through each grant are the property of School District 2. You will have one year to spend the funds from your award. After one year, funds will be returned to the Education Foundation.

Apply For a SPARK Award Complete Your Evaluation