athletics fund

empowering:performance

The SchoolPower Athletics Fund was created to support innovation and excellence in our LBUSD sports programs, and enhance the experience of LBHS and Thurston student athletes as they develop, compete, and build life skills through sports. Coaches and booster groups can apply for grants to supplement team resources, while the fund also supports education and workshops for athletes and parents.

Athletics Fund Grant Eligibility

All LBUSD coaches and booster groups are eligible to apply for grants, as long as direct impact on LBHS and Thurston Middle School sports teams can be demonstrated. Proposals may be submitted by team staff, coaches, or booster reps. All grant applications must be approved by the team’s head coach before submitting to SchoolPower.

Grant awards are based on the demonstrated needs of the team and the funds available. In some cases, an award may cover only a portion of the entire projected cost. A detailed budget for the grant is essential for projected costs, including a description of how all funds will be spent.

For LBHS grants, a team’s booster budget must be presented in the grant application, including documentation if possible. Any necessary details on the athletic department budget and need for funds are also helpful in the grant description.

Following funding, all expenditures for equipment and supplies must be consistent with the description outlined in the application. All materials and equipment purchased with SchoolPower funds become the property of LBUSD.

Grants are not intended to pay for programs for which funds are otherwise available or to benefit private sports clubs or enterprises. Grants are neither intended to purchase materials which should be covered in the school’s athletics budget.

Grants will not be awarded for:

  • Food, beverage or gift certificate needs
  • In-season coach stipends
  • Any training during dead period
  • Coach-led summer camps

Please note that first-time grants may receive priority.

The SchoolPower Athletics Fund Committee, the Principal, the Athletic Director, LBHS Booster President and, in some cases, the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, Chief Technology Director or Director of Facilities will review each grant application. Criteria used to evaluate will include but is not limited to:

  • Need/Team Benefit
  • Goals/Objectives
  • Clear Plan (implementation and assessment)
  • Cost/Benefit Ratio
  • Reach (number of athletes/teams impacted)
  • Innovation/originality/enhancement of the existing program
  • Long-term impact
  • Durability of materials
  • Replication/expansion to other team levels or seasons (if applicable)
  • Whether SchoolPower is the best funding source

  • The Athletics Fund grant application process is now open and will continue to be open throughout the bulk of the school year.
  • The Athletics Fund grant application form is online. Applications will only be accepted via the form; no paper applications or emailed requests.
  • Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis with the goal of responding within 4 weeks.

Please note that due to limited funds, not all worthy applications are approved in any given year.

funding highlights

2024-2025

Coaches are awarded over $30,800 in grant funds for programs including: sound system for the baseball field, deep end fitness training for the surf team, beach volleyball equipment, and speed training for football and other athletes.

2019

SchoolPower presents its top honor, “The Hall of Fame Award,” to the Hexberg Family Foundation for long-term support of LBHS athletics.

2016

Thanks to the Hexberg Family Foundation, a new state-of-the-art scoreboard is installed at Guyer field that is used for football, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls lacrosse games, as well as track meets and the 20+ school “Trophy Invitational” track and field meet hosted annually at LBHS. The pool area also receives a new scoreboard for water polo and swimming.

2020

Stadium cameras are installed at Guyer field and in Dugger gym, making it possible to film and livestream sporting events.

2019

SchoolPower Endowment and Hexberg Family Foundation partner to introduce the Sparta force plate to LBUSD, putting LBHS athletics on the cutting edge of sport performance development and injury prevention.

2013

SchoolPower gives $35,000 (including $25,000 from the Hexberg Family Foundation) for pool area bleachers, girls locker room, and weight room equipment.

2019-2020

Two teacher grants provide a full set of 100 Garmin watches to the Thurston middle school PE teachers. The watches allow PE students to track their pace and distance, and keep students more active and engaged as they work toward personal goals and are accountable for their own activity level.

2019

A generous gift from Boaz Shonfeld helps fund yoga instruction for LBHS’s new yoga class. Supplemental yoga tools are funded by a teacher grant.

2017

The “Muscle Beach” weight training wall, made possible with a $50,000 from the Hexberg Family Foundation, expands weight training for all high school athletes.