Biddeford Education Foundation: Investing in tomorrow's future today!

Our Mission

The Biddeford Public School Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to manage and distribute funds raised to enrich the educational experience for the students of Biddeford. Through partnerships with the community and district, the Foundation provides resources outside the normal school budget to address food insecurity, rent relief, clothing, and to augment teaching to encourage academic excellence, and maximize opportunities for students from Pre-K through Grade 12.

Click Here to donate or learn more about the Foundation's support and funding below.

Supporting the Whole Child

Trauma-Informed Practices

To date, the BEF has utilized grant funding to strengthen staff professional development in trauma-informed practices and student resilience building. We recognize that secondary trauma affects educators as they support students experiencing difficult circumstances.

In alignment with Biddeford's commitment to addressing "the impact of what happens outside of school," we acknowledge that truly educating the whole child means responding to trauma, housing instability, and student mobility. Through our school partnerships, we are creating safe environments with engaging, sustainable programming for underserved youth. This work emphasizes the critical importance of strong relationships as the foundation for student success.

Backpack Program & Kids in Need

Homelessness and food insecurity continue to be barriers for many of our students. In partnership with YouthFull Maine, Good Shepherd Food Bank, Apex, and many generous community partners, the Foundation helps support students' hunger needs through our Backpack program. In addition, the Foundation's Relief Fund purchases clothing, books, and personal hygiene products, and staff assist families in identifying resources to aid in securing affordable housing.

Teacher Mini-Grants

The Foundation continues to support teacher mini-grants allowing educators to think outside the box for innovative learning opportunities that would otherwise not be covered in the normal school budget. To date, the BEF has supported $15,321 in teacher mini-grants. To learn more click here.

Mini-Grant Application

Fundraisers

Pillars of Pride:
Held each fall, the Annual Biddeford Education Foundation Pillars of Pride event honors and recognizes community partners who have been longtime contributors of learning to the Biddeford School Department and signifies pride in this community. Support may be for K-12 schools, the Regional Center of Technology, or athletic programs, and it must have made a positive impact on our school community. The inaugural Pillars of Pride dinner and silent auction was held on October 29, 2016, and continues to remain the primary fundraiser for the Foundation.

Education Foundation Fund:
Donors may choose to donate to the Education Foundation Fund. Funds received will go to support all identified priority areas. A donor to this fund also has the option to select a specific area to support.

Memorial Funds:
Families may choose to establish memorial funds as a tribute to their loved ones. The funds may be designated to a specific program or where the need is greatest to support students in need.