Every donation helps the the Basalt schools to deliver innovative, creative programming and experiences for every student-removing all school budgetary constraints, to provide students with the highest quality education possible. An investment in our schools benefits the entire community.
"I purchased a digital kiln with Basalt Education Foundation funds in 2006, and I'm still using it to fire students' clay creations today. I'm very grateful for BEF support through the years." - Lois Devine, BES Art Teacher
"Denver's Colorado Teen Literature Conference, funded in part by BEF, introduced students to high-quality, young adult literature and award-winning authors. Most had never attended a professional conference before, and the experience brought literature to life for them." - Kate Bradley, BHS Librarian
"The Basalt Band program has more than 200 BMS and BHS students playing instruments. Thanks to the Basalt Education Foundation and its financial support, we've been able to pay extra instructors to help each student get the attention he or she needs for a successful music education." - Nick Lenio, Basalt Band Director
Empowering Basalt public schools to thrive through community investment.
A group of committed, enthusiastic parents of children in the Basalt schools initiated the very first Taste of Basalt fundraiser in 1996. The objective was to raise funds to support full day kindergarten at Basalt Elementary School. By 2004 the grassroots group applied for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and became known as Basalt Kids, Inc.
In the first decade of 2000, money raised at the Taste of Basalt fundraiser was granted to the three Basalt public schools primarily to support the arts and outdoor education, as well as some technology initiatives that were not covered in school or district budgets. Teachers applied for funding for their specific classroom needs and programming; this method continues to be used today (though in the spring of 2014, school principals were also invited to apply specifically for "administrator grants.")
In 2011, the group renamed itself Basalt Education Foundation to better represent its mission of raising funds to enhance education in the Basalt public schools. Grants continued to support the arts and outdoor education, but expanded to include teacher professional development; technology such as iPads and Chromebooks; STEM learning experiences; and more experiential and interactive opportunities for students.
BEF further expanded and evolved into its current 18member board format in late 2013. In 2014, BEF added another major fundraiser to the mix: the Roaring Fork Charity Classic golf tournament. The same year, BEF granted funds directly to principals, the initial spring "administrator grants."
In 2015, BEF awarded its first-ever scholarships to Basalt High School seniors totaling $10,000.
In total, since 2014 BEF has raised over $800,000 for-and distributed directly to-Basalt's public schools.
Organization name
Basalt Education Foundation
other names
Basalt Education Foundation, BEF
2005
Tax id (EIN)
20-1638963
Category
Education
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
Basalt Education Foundation P.O. Box 1278Other
151 East Cottonwood DriveEagle County, CO, US
Pitkin County, CO, US