Beyond the Books Educational Foundation awards 42 grants to District 87 and Unit 5 educators

 

May 5, 2025

 

BLOOMINGTON —Beyond the Books Educational Foundation (BTBEF) announced Monday its annual grant winners for the Unit 5 and District 87 school districts. This year, BTBEF will award $73,000 - funding 42 grants to be implemented during the 2025-2026 school year.    

 

Since 1992, BTBEF has invited educators from both school districts to submit proposals to fund innovative educational projects.  

 

The grant winners were announced today via a Facebook video (Video available at https://youtu.be/eJKfVpqjXqk)  and were later congratulated in person at the schools by board members. This year’s grant proposals ranged widely, from using eye-gaze communication technology for special needs students, to equipping a multi-use media studio, to bringing robotics to life with hummingbird kits.

 

There are three levels of grants – mini (max $800), standard (max $5,000), and Beyond the Box (max $10,000). For the 2025-2026 season: 

 

• 25 mini grants were awarded, totaling $14,403

• 16 standard grants were awarded, totaling $48,603

• 1 Beyond the Box grant was awarded, totaling $9,994

 

This year’s Beyond the Box grant winner is Chiddix Junior High School, submitted by Jillian Meszar, a music teacher. The proposal will receive nearly $10,000 to fund audio equipment for the drama club. A student-led approach to learning will encourage students to become audio engineers for performances, developing skills for future careers. 

 

“What we loved about this proposal was the fusion of technology and the arts,” said David Anderson, president of BTBEF. “Students will learn the basics of sound engineering – a great skill for the future – and theater performances at the school will be greatly enhanced.”

 

BTBEF funds grants thanks to donations from individuals, businesses and other community organizations. Among the larger donations: The Shirk Family Foundation has been a significant contributor for the past 15 years for the Beyond the Box grant; the Ingold family, in memory of Jack and Ann Ingold, provides an annual donation; and Rivian Automotive, Inc., donates money annually to support STEM-related grants.  

 

The full list of grant winners for the 2025-2026 school year is posted on the Foundation’s website at 2025-2026 Grant Winners under the Awards tab.