Our Mission
The Brookline Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Brookline’s commitment to excellence in public education. The BEF raises private funds to support innovative teaching, administrative leadership, professional development, and community participation in the schools.
Excellence in public education does not only enhance the well-being of our students, but also that of our entire community. The Brookline Education Foundation brings together educators and private donors to support the mission of the Public Schools of Brookline, which is to ensure that every student develops the skills and knowledge to pursue a productive and fulfilling life, to participate thoughtfully in a democracy, and succeed in a diverse and evolving global society. Not only does the BEF enrich the lives of our students, but it also strengthens the Brookline community, today and in the future.
History
From its start in 1981 as one of the first private local education funds in the country, the BEF has raised over $6 million for the Brookline Public Schools. Supporters and donors include parents, citizens, and businesses who share the belief that strong public schools are essential to the quality of life and future well-being of the town. Now in its 40th year, the BEF is one of the largest and most innovative local education funds in Massachusetts.
The BEF Today
The BEF works closely with the Brookline School Department in a unique partnership, identifying needs and opportunities where its efforts can make a difference to teachers and children. BEF monies are available to educators currently working in the Public Schools of Brookline for new approaches to professional development and systemwide improvements that the schools could not otherwise afford. The BEF seeks out and supports innovation and leadership among teachers and administrators alike. It looks for leverage opportunities where its programs can generate funds from other public and private sectors.
Equity and Excellence for All
The Brookline Education Foundation (BEF) was founded on the principle of supporting excellence in our public schools. For 40 years, the BEF has supported teachers’ work on diversity and inclusion in Brookline classrooms, but still, more needs to be done. The BEF is committed to expanding our focus to ensure that this important work reaches and includes all members of Brookline’s diverse school community. We seek to elevate the voices of underrepresented communities, and we welcome grant proposals from Brookline educators designed to advance and foster our goal of creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environments.
Annual Reports
BEF NEWS
Where the education conversation happens…
March Featured Grant – Aegean & Mediterranean Seas!
At the March BEF Board meeting, members learned about a Collaborative Teacher Grant that was awarded to Lucy McNeil, Pierce 6th grade Science teacher, and Stephanie Goodman, Pierce 6th grade English teacher. The goal of the grant was to explore conservation centers in Greece and learn more about conservation efforts [...]
Community Reads At Lawrence School
Lawrence School held their first ever Community Reading Day on Monday, March 3, 2025. This engaging morning for students and teachers focused on celebration of community, culture and literature, built around a shared reading of picture books. The Community Reading Day titles for this year, one for our K-3rd grade [...]
2025 Green Apple Celebration
In January, the BEF held our annual celebration of the Green Apple Society, our opportunity to thank our donors and raise up the work of our grant recipients. This year we were fortunate to hear from Pierce ELA teacher Marlene Goncalves and BHS Head of School Anthony Meyer about their [...]
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