Applications for the next $1,000 mini-fund grant are due November 30.
For many years, the MASBO Positive Impact Fund (PIF) has benefited students, families, and staff in our members’ school districts. The fund provides mini-grants to support educational and recreational projects, or programs that directly support students.
Last spring, MASBO awarded a $1,000 mini-grant to the Athol-Royalston Regional School District to subsidize the cost of students in grades 5-8 participating in field trips to Nature’s Classroom in Charlton, MA.
Nancy J. Konisky, Business Manager for the school district, applied for funding through the Positive Impact Fund last fall to ensure that no student would miss the experience because of financial hardship.
“A significant number of our students face challenges due to economic barriers, which often limit their exposure to experiences outside their immediate environment,” Nancy wrote in her application. “We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom, and that connecting students to nature plays a vital role in fostering curiosity, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.”
Nancy said the Nature’s Classroom field trips “provide our students with the opportunity to explore nature in a hands-on way, gaining skills that will not only deepen their academic knowledge but also contribute to their overall personal development.”
Nancy is a longtime MASBO member who has worked in school finance and operations for 15 years.
She said, “We greatly appreciate the funds from MASBO that help us give our deserving students the opportunity to explore, discover, and grow.”
The application process for the 2025 Positive Impact Fund is now open to any MASBO member. The completed application form and budget proposal are due November 30, 2025. The winning application will receive a mini-grant of $1,000, and recipients have 12 months to carry out the objectives of the grant.
PIF is supported through the MASBO budget (not including member fees), as well as corporate and private sponsorships. The fund has contributed to vital programs in art, music, drama, sports, science, field trips, technology, and much more.
The selection criteria prioritize submissions that:
- are consistent with MASBO's mission;
- impact the school district or community organization;
- reflect an effective and timely implementation plan for the proposed project or program;
- incorporate responsible leadership and management of the proposed project or program;
- connect to a previously-funded MASBO research project (e.g., Smart Budget, Drop Out Prevention, Early Childhood).