Q: Who are the Belmont Boosters?

The Belmont Boosters, LLC is a parent-run, volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable organization that has been in operating since the 1940’s and is committed to promoting and supporting Belmont High School athletics. In accordance with its by-laws, the Boosters mission is: "to receive and administer funds for educational and charitable purposes to be used to promote and support the athletic programs and related educational programs of the Belmont (MA) High School, and to carry on such other related charitable and educational activities as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith.”

The Boosters are committed to funding the annual purchase of the BHS Varsity fleece pullovers for every first-time BHS varsity letter-winner.

Q: What types of purchases can be funded by the Boosters?

The Boosters’ mission is to support the Belmont High School Athletics program. Ideally, we prefer to fund the purchase of meaningful items that tend to have a longer-term impact on individual programs rather than services or other intangible items or “recurring” cost items (for which the Boosters can not guarantee funding in future years). However, the Boosters will seriously consider the needs of any BHS athletics team or program on a case-by-case basis, even if they don’t fall squarely in our preferred-purchase categories. The Boosters does not fund things like annual team banquets and team clothing purchases.

By way of example, the Boosters has committed funding in the recent past to, among others, the following programs and projects:

• The BHS Fitness Center renovation
• The White Field House renovation
• The Wenner Field House floor/court replacement
• Protective netting at Harris Field
• Video equipment and a skate sharpener for BHS Hockey
• A sideline communications system for BHS Football
• Softball Pitching Machines/Batting Cages
• Fins and swim-socks for the BHS swimming program
• A wrestling mat for the BHS Wrestling program
• Funding in support of the BHS Ski program
• Belmont Pride Spirit Flags and Championship Banners
• Funding in support of the Press Box at Harris Field

Q: Who can apply to receive a Boosters Grant?

Typically Boosters’ funding requests are made by the Head Coach of an athletic program and a Grant Application Form must be completed and submitted to the BHS Athletic Director. In some instances, the completion Grant Application Forms are spearhead by a parent or other organizational officer or leader, such as an officer of a parent “Friends of” group. We encourage collaboration among coaches and programs whenever possible, but especially when larger Grant Applications are being made. All Grant Applications must be approved first by the BHS Athletic Director before being considered by the Boosters.

Q: How large are the Grants?

We encourage applicants to seek funding commitments for reasonable needs that are important and essential to the success of their program. When evaluating a Grant Application, the Boosters considers things such as, among others, (i) the magnitude of the funding request; (ii) whether other funding sources are available or being solicited; (iii) the applicant’s ability to raise money independently of the Boosters; (iv) the number of BHS student-athletes potentially impacted by the Grant: and (v) the Boosters’ level of unrestricted (“available”) funds at the time of the request. Generally Grant Application range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, but all Grant Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and take into account all of the criteria described above

While most Grant Applications can be approved by the Boosters Board of Directors, which meets no less than monthly, individual Grant Applications in excess of $7,500 must be approved by the entire Boosters’ Membership, which meets no less than 4 times during the school year.

Q: When is the Grant Application Form submission deadline and when will I learn if I have been awarded a Grant?

Submissions are year round. During the school year, the Boosters Board generally meets on a monthly basis and considers most Grant Applications within 30-45 days from the time they are received. If a Grant Application requires the vote of the broader Boosters’ Membership, a Grant Application could take up to three months to be considered. Typically, Grant Applications are not considered during the summer months. When a request has been approved, the applicant typically receives notice from the BHS Athletic Director or a Boosters Board member.

While most Grant Applications can be approved by the Boosters Board of Directors, which meets no less than monthly, individual Grant Applications in excess of $7,500 must be approved by the entire Boosters’ Membership, which meets no less than 4 times during the school year.

Q: When must Grant monies be spent?

The Boosters’ gives consideration to the timing of projects on a case-by-case basis, but ideally, prefers to fund Grant Applications during the school year in which the funding commitment was approved. In most cases, the Boosters tells Grant recipients use the funds allocated to them within one year from the date upon which the Grant Application Form was approved.

Q: Where can I find a Grant application?

Grant Application Forms are on the Boosters website or a paper copy can be obtained from the BHS Athletic Department.

Q: How do I submit a Grant Application Form?

Applicants must thoroughly complete a Grant Application Form and seek the pre-approval (via signature) of the Belmont High School Athletic Director prior to a Grant Application Form being formally considered by the Boosters, or, in certain cases, the Boosters Membership. Applications can be scanned and emailed to the BHS Athletic Director (preferred) or paper version can be mailed.

Q: Who do I contact with questions about the Grant Application Process?

Contact the BHS Athletic Director Jim Davis – contact information is found on the Boosters website. Contact information is also included on the Grant Application Form.

Other general inquires can be made by emailing your questions to belmontMAboosters@gmail.com