Bluejacket Education Foundation - Initiative Foundation Partner Funds

Bluejacket Education Foundation

A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation

About the Fund

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.

Impact of the Fund

2

Years Awarding Grants in Cambridge-Isanti Schools

74

Founding Donors

$20,000

Awarded in Grants in Region

Vision

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.

Apply for a Grant

Applications for grants may be submitted at any time. To be considered for grants awarded in fall 2024, applications must be received by Oct. 31.

Grant Priorities

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.

Eligibility

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 Amounts

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.

Distinguished Bluejacket Award

Engage With the Fund

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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.

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Students in Gym, Bluejacket Education Foundation

Advisory Team

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.

Fred Nolan

Board Chair

Roger Anderson

Member

Jean Anderson

Member

Michelle Carr

Member

Carrie Gibbs

Member

Kirsten Jennissen

Member

Ryan Lundeen

Member

Donna McNear

Member

Timery Spencer

Member

Kyle Volker

Member

Shari Wiltrout

Member

Nate Rudolph

District Superintendent and Ex-officio Member

Past Grants

Fall 2023

  • Jim Godfrey – 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.
  • Kelly Hajek – Grow lights will let third graders at CIS to learn about the science of growing plants earlier in the school year and increase successful propagation from seed.
  • Susie Kaspar – 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.
  • Ryan O’Donovan – 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.
  • Hanna Pagel – 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.
  • James Sullivan – DSLR cameras and lenses will enhance learning opportunities for CIHS photography students by giving them the ability to gain experience with more professional cameras.

Spring 2023

  • Tracy Hare – Mobile STEM cart fosters critical thinking and perseverance skills while giving students a taste of STEM careers.
  • Tricia Hennen – Mobile grow carts and lights will bring plant biology concepts to life at CIHS, all year long.
  • Jessica Miller – New kiln shelves enable new pottery glazing techniques by CIHS artists and provide more opportunities for hands-on learning.
  • Ryan O’Donovan – Cross-country skis will provide outdoor learning opportunities and support physical health at CMS/IMS.
  • Derrick Rink – New chemistry materials will expand “Mole Day” outreach by CIHS students to get CIS/IIS 3rd graders excited about science.
  • Jeremiah Semler – Students will engineer and construct a cedar strip canoe to learn collaboration and building skills at CIHS

Founding Donors

  • Allina Health Cambridge
  • Allison Adkins
  • Christina Thayer Anderson
  • Roger & Jean Anderson
  • Ascension Roofing & Siding
  • John & Karen (Stamm) Bartz
  • Marvin Jr. & Carlene Bartz
  • Tom Bartz
  • BCI Construction, Inc.
  • Dr. Bill & Cherie Berg
  • John and Melissa Bettendorf
  • Gregg Boster in honor of Marlyn Boster & Darlene Pearson
  • Matthew & Jessica Braaten
  • Andrew & Amelia Buschena
  • Cambridge Bar & Grill
  • Cambridge High School Class of 1974
  • Cambridge Isanti Early Childhood
  • Michelle Carr
  • Carstensen Team-Re/Max Results
  • Chilson Jewelers
  • Country Camping & RV
  • Steve & Mandy Crittenden
  • Brenda & James Damiani
  • JoAnn & Dennis Doran
  • Educators Financial Services
  • Education Minnesota – Cambridge-Isanti
  • First Bank & Trust
  • Chris & Carrie Gibbs
  • Raymond & Laurie Hoheisel
  • Honeycomb Marketing
  • Hungry Farmer
  • Nick & Sarah Izzo
  • Kelby & Kirsten Jennissen
  • Neil & Amy Jennissen
  • Shawn & Shannon Kirkeide
  • Jojo’s Photos & Studio
  • Carolyn Kampa & Sean Stevens
  • Stephen & Christine Miller
  • MinnStar Electric
  • Minuteman Press – Cambridge
  • Allen & Mary Mork
  • Terry & Kelly Nelson
  • Timothy & Kelly Nelson
  • Fred Nolan & Ellen Siewert
  • Justin & Crystal Kennedy
  • Lakeberg Farms
  • Larsons Cycle
  • Karen Lee
  • Jim & Pam Lepping
  • Julia & Willy Lines
  • Clint & Michelle Lundeen
  • Donna & Roger McNear
  • Jan Medin
  • Jessica & Jeremy Miller
  • Sean & Jody Okerlund
  • Bjork & Lindsay Ostrom
  • Larry & Vicki Ostrom
  • Scott Peterson
  • Nate & Gina Rudolph
  • Jennifer & Eric Ryberg
  • Paul Ryberg
  • Sage Cleaning LLC
  • John & Bonnie Schlagel
  • Scout & Morgan Books
  • Mark & Kelly Solberg
  • Steve’s Tire, Inc.
  • William Stickels III
  • Team Lundeen Re/Max Results
  • Kyle & Kelsie Volker
  • Jan & John Wheelock
  • Eric & Shari Wiltrout
  • Mark & Cathy Ziebarth

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Questions?

Do you want to know how to apply for a grant or how you might leave a lasting legacy to support this fund? Contact a member of the fund’s advisory team (above) or reach out to Community Philanthropy Manager Amy Gray or Carl Newbanks, vice president of philanthropy. We’re here to help Central Minnesotans build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a lasting culture of generosity.

Community Philanthropy Manager

Amy Gray

Community Philanthropy Manager (320) 631-2062
Vice President of Philanthropy

Carl Newbanks

Vice President of Philanthropy (320) 631-2042

Start a Fund

Looking to leave a legacy in Central Minnesota? Start a Partner Fund with the Initiative Foundation and maximize your tax benefits while supporting important causes and organizations.