History
BKAF was founded in 2019 by volunteers from the Kennedy community with the sole purpose of fundraising to support student engagement in extracurricular activities.
Guiding Beliefs
Kennedy students who engage in extracurricular activities develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills that lead to more confidence and greater academic and professional success.
Kennedy benefits from the strengthened community that is created among students, teachers, families, and administration through extracurricular activities.
Fundraising in support of ALL student activities through a central grant-making intermediary like BKAF creates more efficiency and equity.
Goals
Provide grant programs that are open and accessible to all students
Promote diversity and innovation within student activities at Kennedy.
Work collaboratively to support the work of Kennedy administration and active booster clubs.
Our Background
Over a period of several years, both participation fees and the cost to run programs have increased and extra-curricular activities have been subject to district budget cuts. This has put pressure on individual teams and parents to raise funds and/or increase individual team booster club fees in order to cover required expenses not provided for by the school district. At the same time, Kennedy has seen an increase in the number of students whose families do not have discretionary income or time. We expect this trend to continue.
The Covid-19 pandemic also affected activities funding by stopping or slowing many of the fundraising opportunities available to groups and individuals.
Our Structure
Bloomington Kennedy Activities Foundation is a tax exempt charitable corporation, organized to raise funds principally in the name of Kennedy Activities Group. BKAF will also promote activities in the Kennedy community, and provide funding to enhance its programs.
“BKAF works hard to provide opportunities to kids and families to have access to sports and activities that they might not otherwise have. ”
HOW WE FUND
BKAF has established three grant programs to help fund registered activities and students at Kennedy High School. The group grant program awards grants of up to $1000 to be used for uniforms, equipment, transportation, group projects or programs, and other activities that are not funded or fully funded by the district. There are three group grant cycles per school year. Registered groups include sports, performing arts, and extra-curricular clubs.
Individual grants of up to $200 per student are available to individual students to assist with fees, equipment, or other costs not covered by the district.
An Impact grant of up to $5000 may be awarded to help fund unique or highly exceptional opportunities for Kennedy High School students.
Reaching New Heights in 2023-24
The maximum annual individual grant award increased from $150 to $200. Fifty-nine individuals received grants of up to $200.
Twenty-four unique groups received grants of up to $1000 which is an increase from twenty-one last year. Six groups received funding for the first time.
Funds were awarded to groups focusing on athletics, performing arts, culture, leadership & service, and academic enrichment.
To learn more about our 2023-2024 accomplishments, read our annual update here.