Educational Enrichment Fund

Educational Enrichment Fund HOW DID THE EEF BEGIN? The idea for this fund originated in 2005 from a long-time resident of Black River Falls, Al Lahmayer, who recognized this need.

The purpose of the Educational Enrichment Fund (EEF) is to provide funds for programs and extracurricular activities within the Black River Falls School District that are not able to be funded through the district's budget. He and his wife Jeanette were willing to donate $25,000 to a fund to help schools and he presented the idea to the Black River Falls High School alumni Association. From this,

a group of interested alumni, educators and friends of the Black river Falls School district formed an EEF Committee. They researched the possibility of starting a fund and began a fund-raising campaign targeted to Black River Falls High School Alumni. Soon, a Board of Trustees was formed and a designated fund was established through the Black River Falls Area Foundation with a goal to raise $400,000. Over $200,00 was raised from the initial fun-raising campaign and grants have been awarded. An additional $200,000 is needed to reach the goal, which would substantially increase the number of grants and dollar amounts awarded to satisfy more needs. HOW ARE THE FUNDS ADMINISTERED AND DISBURSED? Only the earnings on the principal are available for disbursement each year through grant requests from the schools. The EEF Board of Trustees oversees the fund and annually reviews grant requests and makes recomendations to the Black River Falls Area Foundation trustees for funding. Grant applications are evaluated with consideration to the request of the donors, other resources available to meet the educational need, the number of students served, and past support provided by the EEF. Final approval comes from the Black River Falls Area Foundation Board of Trustees.

5/14/2026FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEBlack River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund Announces 2026 Grant AwardsBlack River Falls...
05/15/2026

5/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund Announces 2026 Grant Awards
Black River Falls, WI — May 2026 — The Black River Falls

Educational Enrichment Fund (EEF), a component fund of the Black River Area Foundation, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 grant awards. Established to support innovative educational opportunities within the Black River Falls School District, the EEF awarded a total of $42,116.80 this year to fund projects benefiting students across multiple grade levels and programs.
The EEF is guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees made up of local community members who review grant applications submitted annually by district staff. The fund continues to support projects that enhance classroom learning, encourage creativity, improve accessibility, and expand opportunities for students throughout the district.

This year’s funded projects include:
• Aaron Svicek, Middle School – Tech Ed Program Equipment CNC Router
• Brittany Bush, Forrest Street – Sun Canopies
• Emily Herman, Forrest Street – STEM Tools, Materials, and Supplies
• Melanie Cassidy, Forrest Street – Sensory Table Materials
• Kaye Quall, High School – Ellison Machine Upgrades
• Kim Penza, High School – Coffee Shop Program
• Jessica Pehl, Middle School – Assistive Reading Pens
• Julie Jeske, Middle School – Acoustic Mural for LGI
• Nate Wildenberg, High School – Vernier GO Sensors for High School Science
• Jacob Schafer, High School – Sport Wheelchairs for Adapted Physical Education
• Ashley Milnthorpe, High School – Wipe Books
• Julie Tiedens, High School – Photography Upgrades at BRFHS
• Tara Prestwood, Forrest Street – Flexible Seating

The EEF remains committed to supporting impactful projects that provide meaningful educational experiences and resources for students and staff throughout the Black River Falls School District.
The Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund welcomes donations from individuals and organizations interested in investing in local education. Contributions help continue opportunities like these for future students and educators. For more information or to donate, please visit:

Black River Area Foundation – Educational Enrichment Fund
About Black River Area Foundation:

The Black River Area Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Black River Falls area by providing opportunities for charitable giving and by awarding grants and scholarships to support local initiatives.

About Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund:
The Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund, a component fund of the Black River Area Foundation, supports educational initiatives and projects within the Black River Falls School District, fostering innovation and excellence in education.

5/15/2025FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEBlack River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund Announces 2025 Grant AwardsBlack River Falls...
05/15/2025

5/15/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund Announces 2025 Grant Awards

Black River Falls, WI — May 15, 2025 — The Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund (EEF), operating under the auspices of the Black River Area Foundation, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 grant awards. Dedicated to supporting educational initiatives within the Black River Falls school district, the EEF has allocated a total of $17,817.98 this year to fund projects aimed at enriching student learning experiences.

The EEF, guided by a committed Board of Trustees made up of twelve local community members, invites teachers to submit grant applications annually. After thorough review, the Board carefully selects projects that demonstrate creativity, impact, and alignment with the district’s educational goals.

This year, in a competitive pool of applications, the EEF has awarded grants to a variety of innovative projects across multiple schools:

• Dan Anderson, High School – Enhanced Learning and Engagement Resources for Outdoor Classroom

• Eli School, High School –Dremel Tools for Woodworking Projects

• Nick Valentino, High School – Competition Apparel for Job Olympics Participants

• Jeron Cassidy, High School – Mobile Logic Controller Trainers

• Troy Tande, Middle School – Brass & Woodwind Instruments (Tubas)

• Jennifer Krista, Middle School –Math Enrichment Subscription

• Libby Secard, Katy Baciak, Carmen Heard, High School/Red Creek – Big Paws/Little Paws Youth Mentoring Program

• Stephanie Herman & Emily Bartels, Forrest Street – Playground Communication Board to increase Language Development, Social Interaction and Literacy Skills

• Kristin Breining, Red Creek – Beginning Chapter Books and Reading Whisper Phones

• Melanie Cassidy & Sydney Ernst, Forrest Street – 4K and Early Childhood Play-based Educational Toys/Materials

• Jennifer Tjoflat, High School – Headphones for Reading Inclusion

• Eli School, High School – SkillsUSA Competition Apparel

• John Thurow, Red Creek – GaGa2Go in Physical Education

The EEF remains committed to encouraging innovative, student-focused projects that have a lasting impact throughout the district.
The Fund welcomes donations from individuals and organizations interested in further enhancing educational opportunities in the Black River Falls community.

For more information on how to donate or get involved, please visit https://www.brfareafoundation.org/brf-education-enrichment-fund/.
________________________________________
About Black River Area Foundation:
The Black River Area Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Black River Falls area by providing opportunities for charitable giving and by awarding grants and scholarships to support local initiatives.

About Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund:
The Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund, a component fund of the Black River Area Foundation, supports educational initiatives and projects within the Black River Falls school district, fostering innovation and excellence in education.

5/7/2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEBlack River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund Announces 2024 Grant AwardsBlack River Falls,...
05/07/2024

5/7/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund Announces 2024 Grant Awards

Black River Falls, WI — April 22, 2024 — The Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund (EEF), operating under the auspices of the Black River Area Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2024 grant awards. Established to support educational initiatives within the Black River Falls school district, the EEF has allocated a total of $44,123.77 to fund various projects aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students.
The EEF, overseen by a dedicated Board of Trustees comprising twelve local members, invites teachers to submit grant applications annually. After careful consideration, the Board of Trustees evaluates the proposals and makes recommendations for grant awards.

This year, amidst a competitive pool of applications totaling over $110,317, the EEF has selected a diverse range of projects to support. The grants will benefit schools across the district, providing essential resources and opportunities for both teachers and students.

Among the recipients of the 2024 grant awards are:

• Stephanie Cowles, Middle School – School Musical
• Julie Jeske, Middle School – Ceramic Program Supplies
• Jennifer Krista, Middle School – Engagement Resources (headphones, kits, calculators, lap tables)
• Paula Neuzil, High School – Marimba
• Ashley Henrickson-Ott, High School – Small Business Production Class Start-Up
• Jacob Shafer, Middle and High School – Adapted Sports League Start-Up
• Wendy Everson, Forrest Street – Classroom Rug; Fine Motor Kits
• Ashley Wright, High School – Tables Chairs (Math classroom); iPad, Apple pencil for Math Teachers
• Mary Wilson, Forrest Street – Classroom Rug
• Sarah Halverson, High School – Sewing Notions and Fabric; Complete Living Wall; Early Childhood; FCCLA Clothing Class Dress Forms
• MaKyla Burkwalt, High School – Raise your Voice Club (Mental Health Awareness)
• Sean Newbury, High School – Smart Board (Special Ed Department)
• Megan Kundinger, Red Creek – Geared Clocks
• Ashley Mattison, Red Creek – Tiger TV Equipment
• Arielle Hall, Red Creek – Robotics Club Storage
• Kayden Daggett, Red Creek – Life Size Skeletons

Despite the difficult decisions involved in the selection process, the EEF remains committed to supporting innovative and impactful projects that benefit students throughout the district.
The EEF welcomes donations from individuals and organizations interested in contributing to the enhancement of education in the Black River Falls community. For more information on how to donate or get involved, please visit https://www.brfareafoundation.org/brf-education-enrichment-fund/.

About Black River Area Foundation: The Black River Area Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Black River Falls area by providing opportunities for charitable giving and by awarding grants and scholarships to support local initiatives.

About Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund: The Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund, a component fund of the Black River Area Foundation, supports educational initiatives and projects within the Black River Falls school district, fostering innovation and excellence in education.

We are very thankful for this donation by Co-Op Credit Union!
07/14/2023

We are very thankful for this donation by Co-Op Credit Union!

We are dedicated to supporting local community organizations, such as the Educational Enrichment Fund (EEF), who make important impacts within our communities.

With our recent $1,000 donation, EEF provides funds to area schools that support educational and extracurricular opportunities for students within our community that are not in the school's budget.

Thank you to EEF for all you do within our community.

5/10/2023Black River Falls Education Enrichment Fund Announces 2023 Grant RecipientsBlack River Falls, WI - The Black Ri...
05/10/2023

5/10/2023

Black River Falls Education Enrichment Fund Announces 2023 Grant Recipients

Black River Falls, WI - The Black River Falls Education Enrichment Fund (EEF) is proud to announce its 2023 grant recipients. The EEF is a local fund that generates funds to provide grants to educators in the BRF school district. The grants provide funding for needed programs and materials not available due to budget constraints.

The EEF functions within the Black River Area Foundation and is made up of 11 local Board of Trustees. The trustees oversee the funds, and each March, teachers submit grant applications to the EEF Board of Trustees. The board of trustees makes recommendations for grants to be awarded. The funds come from a combination of accounts including the General fund, Schallemberg Fund, Music Fund, and Business Paul Millis Fund.

In 2023, the EEF awarded $20,562.68 in grant awards. This year, the EEF is proud to announce the following recipients:

Red Creek School:
-School garden – Written by Arielle Hall

High school:
-Weight room equipment – written by Steve Markee
-Piano Keyboards – Written by Paula Neuzil
-FCCLA Jackets – Written by Sarah Halverson
-Living Wall – Written by Sarah Halverson

Forrest Street:
-Bikes for Kids – Written by John Thurow
-Contra Bass Bars in Music room – Written by Stephanie Cowles
-Learning Lab – written by Rachel Hendrickson
These grants will provide necessary funding for the recipients to create engaging programs and purchase materials for their classrooms.

In response to the Grant Awards, Dr. Severson, Superintendent of Schools for the School District of Black River Falls spoke about the benefits of the Education Enrichment Fund:

“The Educational Enrichment Fund is the epitome of what community support for education looks like! This group of volunteers commit their time to finding ways to elevate the experiences for our students throughout the District. They raise funds and facilitate a grant process that gives opportunities for staff to think of some of the "nice to have" items as opposed to being limited by the "must have" items from our budget. I appreciate the staff's creativity in some of the initiatives that have come out of this grant process, and am so appreciative of the individuals that volunteer to serve with the EEF! The old adage that talks about it taking a village couldn't be more true. We are grateful for this village of support for public education!”

The EEF welcomes donations to continue its support of educators and students in the BRF school district. For more information, please visit https://www.brfareafoundation.org/brf-education-enrichment-fund/

‼️‼️BRF Teachers‼️‼️There are still two weeks to submit applications for grants for Educational Enrichment Fund grants f...
03/17/2023

‼️‼️BRF Teachers‼️‼️

There are still two weeks to submit applications for grants for Educational Enrichment Fund grants for your classes!

The deadline is March 31, 2023!

Apply and learn more at the following link:

Announcement Title for Grants This is the announcement! Get your stuff in NOW! About the Educational Enrichment Fund What Is The Educational Enrichment Fund (EEF)? The EEF functions within the Black River Area Foundation and is made up of 11 local Board of Trustees. The EEF generates funds to provid...

Happy Homecoming, Black River Falls Tigers!
10/14/2022

Happy Homecoming, Black River Falls Tigers!

11/15/2020

It could be raining grant funds for you, BRF educators. There will be grants issued in 2021. Start thinking about what you need.

Address

Black River Falls, WI
54615

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Educational Enrichment Fund posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Educational Enrichment Fund:

Shortcuts

Share