Bluejacket Education Foundation Grants is a grant from the Bluejacket Education Foundation, a partner fund of the Initiative Foundation, that funds programs benefiting students in the Cambridge-Isanti school district in Minnesota.

The Foundation invests in local students as the future leaders, caregivers, business owners, tradespeople, and educators of the community, with the goal of building a stronger local community through educational investment. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations whose programs serve Cambridge-Isanti Schools students. Grant applications are reviewed twice annually, with review dates on April 30 and October 31.

Award amounts vary by project scope and available funding.

Bluejacket Education Foundation - Initiative Foundation Partner Funds Grant Application Open - Grant Review Dates April 30 and October 31 Annually Bluejacket Education Foundation A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation Follow this fund for news and updates Local students are the future of the community. They’re tomorrow’s leaders, caregivers, business owners, skilled tradespeople, educators, technicians, and more.

Investing in Cambridge-Isanti students today lays the foundation for a stronger local community tomorrow. The Bluejacket Education Foundation was created to invest in students served by the Cambridge-Isanti Independent School District, financially supporting educational and enrichment opportunities through annual grants funded by the generosity of our community.

The Bluejacket Education Foundation is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As a program of the Initiative Foundation, all Bluejacket Education Foundation contributions are professionally managed and stewarded for the benefit of the community now and long into the future.

Years Awarding Grants in Cambridge-Isanti Schools Awarded in Grants in Region The vision of the Bluejacket Education Foundation is to invest in endless opportunities for generations of Cambridge-Isanti students through ever-increasing educational grants fueled by generous community donors. By cultivating local generosity, the fund is able to more fully support the education and enrichment of Cambridge-Isanti students.

Created in 2022, the Bluejacket Education Foundation is a permanently endowed charitable investment account in which the principal contributions are never spent; only the earnings are used to provide a flexible, dependable funding stream to support important initiatives that help our students grow and thrive.

Advisory team members believe that the investments made today, in the endowment and in students, build a lasting legacy for our students and our community. Applications for grants may be submitted at any time. To be considered for grants awarded in the fall, applications must be received by Oct.

31. For grants awarded in the spring, the deadline is April 30. Grant applications should address the following priority areas: To increase opportunities and expand educational horizons for Cambridge-Isanti students, from the youngest learners to soon-to-be graduates, by funding supplemental and/or innovative learning experiences.

To support programs, activities and experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, that support student learning, achievement, growth and well-being. To be eligible for a grant, you must meet one of the following criteria: Be a member of Cambridge-Isanti School District faculty, staff or administration. Coach, lead or coordinate an activity or program that is officially sponsored by the Cambridge-Isanti School District.

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or local unit of government that serves students of the Cambridge-Isanti School District. Grant awards range from $500 to $2,000 each. The advisory team will review the applications and provide grant recommendations to the Initiative Foundation.

The Initiative Foundation will then send funds directly to the school district, local government or applicable 501(c)(3) nonprofit. If you have additional questions, you are encouraged to send an email to the Bluejacket Education Foundation. CIHS SPED students will participate in a work-based learning service project, making fleece tie blankets to donate to community members in need.

Engaging Orff ensemble instruments will help CIS music students learn and practice the early stages of music literacy. Gardening tools and materials will allow CIHS students to restore and maintain the 35-year-old Japanese Peace Garden outside the school entrance. A classroom set of ukuleles will help IIS 5th graders to learn to play an instrument and introduce them to stringed instrument technique.

Whiteboard easels and Wipebooks will bring Math to the Walls, so CIS students can gather around a shared work space and develop their math practices. New Chromebooks with Google Admin Console will increase technology access and coding opportunities across multiple STEM grade levels.

Magnetic whiteboards will create daily hands-on learning opportunities for CPS kindergarten students, including building words with magnetic letters and engaging with math manipulatives. Two covered sandboxes will help IPS pre-K & kindergarten students enhance sensory development, creativity, imagination, fine motor skills, social development and problem solving.

Flexible seating will allow IPS kindergarten students to engage in natural movement and feel more comfortable and grounded, which will help increase focus and readiness to learn. The District Gallery Project will celebrate student artwork and create a welcoming feel at the Education Services Center by showcasing two student pieces from each C-I School every year.

New auto-darkening welding helmets will increase opportunities and access for CIHS students to safely gain valuable welding skills that prepare them for future careers. The Early Childhood Library for Tough Topics will provide children’s books on difficult topics like death, divorce, sibling relationships, deployment, etc. to support families in our community.

Fun and engaging math board games will help C-I STEAM students improve their skills, cultivate social interactions and reduce math anxiety, supporting their academic success. The CIS & IIS/STEAM media centers will rearrange and label books by genre, to foster a love of reading by making it easier to find books that are relevant, interesting, and accessible to each student.

An egg incubator and brooder box will give IPS Preschool students a bird’s eye view of hatching eggs & baby chick development, building science, math, and responsibility skills along the way. Modern, safe weight room equipment will support CMS students’ increased interest in cardiovascular fitness and strength training, increasing well-being and building lifelong fitness habits.

TVs in the CIHS culinary kitchen will provide students with clearer views of cooking techniques & demonstrations, enhancing their engagement, comprehension, and confidence. A Character Kiosk retail cart will support behavior incentive programs by enabling CIHS students to earn and redeem points for demonstrating the 5 C-I Schools character traits.

New user-friendly pipe clamps will allow CIHS students to gain experience with modern tools & techniques, preparing them for future career or hobby opportunities in woodworking. Sensory tools will help the growing population of Early Childhood Special Education students calm their bodies and get ready learn, helping them be more successful in the classroom.

A safe, age-appropriate outdoor learning space at CPS will allow Early Childhood students to practice large and small motor skills, imaginative play, social interaction, and sensory exploration. Flexible seating in the CIS media center will provide more comfortable opportunities for students to collaborate on projects or study independently, increasing focus and productivity.

A new 3D printer at IIS & STEAM will engage students with personalized, hand-on learning opportunities across multiple subjects and learning styles. CIHS Students will engineer and build a wooden stand-up paddle board to learn collaboration and construction skills throughout the year.

READ@CMS literature circle books will instill a culture of reading all year, with engaging activities and a Battle of the Books during February’s I Love to Read Month. Modernizing materials in the CIHS media center will increase student productivity and decision-making by providing reliable, trustworthy and up to date reference materials.

Drone video cameras will allow Bluejacket Broadcasting students to explore new skills and provide professional level video productions for the school and community at large. Grow lights will let 3rd graders at CIS to learn about the science of growing plants earlier in the school year and increase successful propagation from seed.

Bows, arrows and block targets will bring archery into CMS and IMS physical education classes, allowing students to learn a popular new sport in a safe environment. Sensory items and flexible seating will help students at CMS practice self-regulation, decreasing time our of the classroom, which will increase their learning opportunity.

Students will use specialized Legos to solve real life problems affecting the world, providing hands-on and engaging learning opportunities, especially in math and science. DSLR cameras and lenses will enhance learning opportunities for CIHS photography students by giving them the ability to gain experience with more professional cameras.

Mobile STEM cart fosters critical thinking and perseverance skills while giving students a taste of STEM careers. Mobile grow carts and lights will bring plant biology concepts to life at CIHS, all year long. New kiln shelves enable new pottery glazing techniques by CIHS artists and provide more opportunities for hands-on learning.

Cross-country skis will provide outdoor learning opportunities and support physical health at CMS/IMS. New chemistry materials will expand “Mole Day” outreach by CIHS students to get CIS/IIS 3rd graders excited about science. Students will engineer and construct a cedar strip canoe to learn collaboration and building skills at CIHS.

Distinguished Bluejacket Award 2025 Distinguished Bluejacket Award Winner BJEF is thrilled to honor Son Duong (’75) with the 2025 Distinguished Bluejacket Award. Son has had a distinguished career as a machinist, welder, plant manager and instructor, currently working as the Assistant Production Manager at Arrow Tank while teaching welding and blueprint reading classes at Anoka Technical College.

He believes strongly in giving back to the community that welcomed him in when he arrived here from Vietnam, and the schools that helped him overcome his language barrier and support him in reaching his goals.

Over the past five decades, Son has taken on active volunteer roles with the Cambridge Jaycee’s/ Toys for Tots and Faith Lutheran Church, while also coaching numerous youth sports teams and chaperoning or volunteering with many activities in the Cambridge-Isanti school district.

In 2021, Duong retired from the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department after 22 years of service, and he was also part of the Isanti County Safety and Rescue for more than 19 years. Son has won numerous awards for his community service, most recently a Lifetime Achievement Award from the MN State Fire Department Association.

Previous winner: Christine Miller, Class of ‘67 Make a Nomination for the Distinguished Bluejacket Award For decades, Bluejackets have used their Cambridge-Isanti Schools education and experience to do amazing things in their careers and their communities. The Distinguished Bluejacket Award honors our alumni and their remarkable accomplishments.

If you know someone who has distinguished themselves through remarkable career/work, community service or personal accomplishments and you believe they should be considered for this award, we encourage you to nominate them for the Distinguished Bluejacket Award. Nominees who meet the selection criteria will be asked to provide additional information about their accomplishments to complete the nomination and application process.

Nominees must … be a graduate of Cambridge-Isanti High School or Cambridge High School have distinguished themselves through remarkable career/work, community service, or personal accomplishments demonstrate one or more of the Bluejacket Way character traits in the pursuit of their achievements be in good standing in their community, past and present Nominees are not required to currently reside in the Cambridge-Isanti area.

Award may be given posthumously. Donate Online: When you give to the Bluejacket Education Foundation, your gift establishes an enduring legacy that will benefit the students of Cambridge-Isanti for years to come. Give now !

If your employer makes matching donations, be sure to inquire on the process before making your gift. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated! Mail a Check: To make donations and payments more secure and to streamline processes, the Initiative Foundation partners with Bremer Bank.

Please write the check to Initiative Foundation-BJEF , note the purpose of your contribution on the memo line, and mail to this address: Initiative Foundation – 446122 While the mailing address may be in St. Paul, the Initiative Foundation continues to maintain its headquarters in the heart of Central Minnesota at 405 First St. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345.

Give Through Your Will: Planning your estate has never been easier—or more accessible. Through an Initiative Foundation partnership with FreeWill , you can create your will online at no cost, and it only takes about 20 minutes. This simple step offers peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are documented and your future plans are secure.

Make a Planned Gift: If you would like to contribute another type of gift, please contact a member of the Bluejacket Education Foundation advisory team or call the Initiative Foundation at (320) 632-9255. An Initiative Foundation staff member will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Leave a Charitable Bequest Making a charitable bequest in your will is often the easiest way to make a significant gift and leave a lasting legacy. Gifts large and small are important. It is simpler than you might think to make a meaningful difference to future generations of Cambridge-Isanti students!

If you would like to leave Bluejacket Education Foundation in your will, make another type of planned gift, or contribute an appreciated asset, please call the Initiative Foundation at (320) 632-9255 and a staff member will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Through an Initiative Foundation partnership with FreeWill , you can create your will online at no cost, and it only takes about 20 minutes.

This simple step offers peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are documented and your future plans are secure. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. In partnership with the Bluejacket Education Foundation, the Initiative Foundation owns and manages financial contributions for the Bluejacket Education Foundation.

Join the Advisory Team or Volunteer Contact us learn more about joining the advisory team or volunteering. Engage With the Bluejacket Education Foundation " * " indicates required fields FREE Service: Make Your Will Planning your estate has never been easier—or more accessible. Through an Initiative Foundation partnership with FreeWill, you can create your will online at no cost, and it only takes about 20 minutes.

This simple step offers peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are documented and your future plans are secure. By including this Partner Fund in your will, you can play a vital role in strengthening Central Minnesota. Your legacy can help build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a spirit of generosity that lasts for generations.

Not ready to finalize your plans? Use FreeWill to outline your wishes before meeting with an attorney. Take control of your legacy today—it’s quick, easy, and impactful.

Make Your Will for FREE Today! Local volunteers serve as advisory team members to advance the mission of the Bluejacket Education Foundation. The partnership with the Initiative Foundation combines local knowledge and leadership with additional professional expertise, oversight and guidance to identify community needs, serve donors and manage endowed fund investments.

Superintendent/Ex-Officio Christina Thayer Anderson Ascension Roofing & Siding John & Karen (Stamm) Bartz Marvin Jr. & Carlene Bartz John and Melissa Bettendorf Gregg Boster in honor of Marlyn Boster & Darlene Pearson Matthew & Jessica Braaten Cambridge High School Class of 1974 Cambridge Isanti Early Childhood Carstensen Team-Re/Max Results Educators Financial Services Education Minnesota – Cambridge-Isanti Raymond & Laurie Hoheisel Kelby & Kirsten Jennissen Carolyn Kampa & Sean Stevens Stephen & Christine Miller Minuteman Press – Cambridge Fred Nolan & Ellen Siewert Team Lundeen Re/Max Results Have a question about the Bluejacket Education Foundation?

How is an education foundation different from a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or Parent Teacher Association (PTA)? PTOs and PTAs enrich the educational experience with a single-school focus by supporting students, teachers, and the school community through a variety of collaborative efforts.

They do this by fostering communication; organizing and fundraising for near-term events and activities; and by supporting teachers and staff through teacher-appreciation activities. Education foundations have a longer-term and district-wide focus. Led by local volunteers, education foundations engage community volunteers to raise larger donations that are then permanently invested.

Earnings from these investments are used to award classroom grants and support the school district for generations. While a PTO or PTA typically consist of parents and teachers, an education foundation can be supported by any community member interested in fulfilling the foundation’s mission. Is this education foundation part of the school district?

The education foundation operates separately from the school district. It is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation, a regional community foundation headquartered in Little Falls. The Initiative Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity that serves all of Central Minnesota.

The education foundation is guided by an agreement and championed by an advisory team made up of community volunteers. Education foundation members can be parents, grandparents, school staff members, teachers, and anyone connected to the community. What is an Initiative Foundation education fund?

This fund is one of several education funds held and managed by the Initiative Foundation to benefit local public school initiatives. This fund is part of a family of funds endowed to the Initiative Foundation through an originating document (agreement) and includes donor-advised funds, community funds, scholarship funds, and more.

The fund serves local students now and into the future, and is rooted in an agreement that allows local volunteer advisors to make classroom-enriching granting decisions while the Initiative Foundation carries out the fiduciary responsibilities of managing a charitable endowment.

As part of the Initiative Foundation’s family of funds, the education foundation and its advisory team benefit from a professional fundraising team that can help with larger and more complex gifts. Financial specialists at the Initiative Foundation ensure compliance with all rules, laws and regulations, and oversee the completion of an annual independent audit to elevate community trust and transparency.

The Initiative Foundation’s investment and audit committee works with an experienced third-party professional to invest the endowment for long-term growth. An endowment is an investment in tomorrow. Once established, only the earned interest and growth is used to award grants.

The core investment and any subsequent donations are not spent but rather invested for growth. Advisory team members work diligently to raise funds to increase the endowment’s value and work with potential donors to help them understand how those funds will be used. Advisory team members believe an endowment is an excellent way to offer ever-increasing support to the school district for generations to come.

Get the Bluejacket Education Foundation Newsletter /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */ Are you looking for how to engage with the fund, leave a legacy, or donate? Contact a member of the fund’s advisory team or reach out to the Initiative Foundation.

We’re here to help Central Minnesotans build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity. Call the Initiative Foundation Ask to speak to someone about the Bluejacket Education Foundation. Initiative Foundation – 446122 Looking to leave a legacy in Central Minnesota?

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