Imagine a world where every student’s potential is nurtured and supported through the transformative power of school grants. These grants are more than financial aid; they are lifelines that break down barriers to education, offering hope and opportunity to those who might otherwise struggle to pursue their dreams. Whether through merit-based scholarships or need-based assistance, each grant represents a story of empowerment and resilience. They not only fund education but also validate ambition, enabling students from all walks of life to envision brighter futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities. In a landscape where access to education can define futures, school grants emerge as catalysts for change, ensuring that talent and determination, not financial circumstances, shape tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

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Tips for Applying for Education Grants

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Research Thoroughly: Understanding the different types of grants and their specific requirements is crucial. This helps you identify which grants you’re eligible for and prepares you for the application process.

Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensuring you meet the grant's criteria is essential to avoid wasting time on applications for which you’re not qualified. It’s important to match your qualifications with the grant’s requirements.

Prepare a Strong Application: A well-prepared application that includes all required documents and a compelling personal statement can significantly enhance your chances of receiving the grant. This is your opportunity to stand out.

Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhering to application guidelines and deadlines is critical. Any mistakes or omissions can result in disqualification, so attention to detail is key.

Seek Guidance and Support: Getting advice from counselors, financial aid offices, or mentors can provide valuable insights and improve the quality of your application. Their experience can help you avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your submission.

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LIST OF SCHOOL GRANTS AND HOW TO APPLY

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American Theatre Wing - Classroom Resources

Description: Funding provided directly to under-resourced public schools for equipment, instruments, and other materials to enhance theatre programs. Grants can be used for production equipment, musical instruments, costumes, and other essential resources to build and improve theatre education.

Award Amount: Up to $50,000

Deadlines: 2024-2025 Applications now open

Eligibility: Any individual public K-12 school or a nonprofit parent group associated with a public K-12 school. Private/parochial schools, school districts, home schools, and pre-schools are not eligible. Parent groups must have an independent EIN and official 501c(3) status from the IRS to apply directly. If not, applications should be made through the affiliated school, with the PTA acting as the point of contact.

What Kinds of Project Proposals are Competitive? Teachers can apply for resources to enhance their theatre programs, such as musical instruments, lighting equipment, sound equipment, or costumes. Grant funding can cover essential theatre education resources but not capital costs, individual or family support, religious events, fundraising events, advertising, sports teams, media production, endowment or scholarship campaigns, continuing education for staff, or institutional overhead.

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Classic for Kids Foundation

Description: Funding provided for instruments including violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadlines: June 30, September 30, December 31, and March 31 (Applications are reviewed quarterly)

Eligibility: Ideal applicants are schools and nonprofit organizations that are focused on integrating quality instruments into their programs, can show a real need, and are committed to securing matching funds.

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Donors Choose - Public School Teachers Request

Description: Supporting teachers and students since 2000. DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America create classroom project requests, and you can give any amount to the project that inspires you.

Sponsor: DonorsChoose.org

Award package: Varies

Who qualifies: Teacher defined projects in schools 

Annual application deadline: Rolling

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Ellison Education Grants

Description: Grants designed to support and empower Washington State’s most effective and innovative K-12 public school teachers by funding academic enrichment curriculum development or professional learning experiences.

Award Amount: Between $1,000 and $10,000

Deadline: Applications accepted from January 8 through March 30, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be educators employed at a K-12 public or charter school in Washington State, hold current certification to teach in Washington State, possess the experience and background necessary to complete the project, have the support of their school administration, have direct and regular contact with students in grades K-12, and be open to collaborating with the Ellison Foundation and sharing their ideas with others.

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EJK Mini - Grant Application Overview

POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING 2025 

Description: The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation offers Mini-Grants to public school teachers and librarians for creative and innovative projects that enhance student learning experiences, either in class or in the community.

Award Amount: Up to $500

Deadline: Applications are due by September 30th, 11:59 p.m.

Eligibility: Open to public schools, public libraries, preschools, and Head Start programs in the U.S. and its territories. Private schools, parochial schools, charter schools, and not-for-profit organizations are not eligible. Only one application per institution is allowed.

Program Criteria: Projects must include preparation, activity, and outcome stages, cost $500 or less, be free of charge, and be implemented in the summer or school year following receipt of the grant. The funding cannot be used for admission fees, general operating costs, or materials not directly related to the program.

Application Instructions: Submit applications by the deadline. After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to your application. Keep this for reference. Include only items used directly in the project.

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Walmart Local Community Grants

Description: Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs, and Distribution Centers offer local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 each year to address the unique needs of the communities where they operate.

Award Amount: $250 to $5,000

Grant Cycle: The 2024 cycle starts on March 1, 2024, with applications accepted quarterly. Deadlines are March 1 – July 15, August 1 – October 15, and November 1 – December 31.

Eligibility: To apply, organizations must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits and be verified by Walmart’s third-party partner, Deed. Eligible entities include:

• Tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, listed on the IRS Master File, and Deed verified.
• Government entities such as state, county, or city agencies, including law enforcement and fire departments, requesting funds for public purposes and Deed verified.
• K-12 public or nonprofit private schools, charter schools, community colleges, state/private colleges or universities, or faith-based organizations with community-focused projects, and Deed verified.

Application Process: Applications are reviewed quarterly, and decisions are made before the start of the next quarter. Organizations can have up to 25 submitted and/or approved applications at any time during the calendar year. Approved grants are distributed via electronic payment.

Selection and Approval: Facility management reviews and makes initial recommendations on applications. Facility managers may adjust award amounts and determine the frequency of review. Funding decisions are communicated via email and are final. If funded, organizations must set up electronic payment to complete the process. Grants may be used for local recognition or formal events if desired.

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Toshiba America Foundation Grants for Elementary Teachers (K-5)

Description: The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants of up to $1,000 to elementary school teachers for innovative, project-based learning ideas aimed at enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in their classrooms.

Award Amount: Up to $1,000

Deadline: October 1st each year

Eligibility: Kindergarten through 5th-grade teachers who are implementing project-based learning with measurable outcomes in their classrooms.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted online through the designated links. Any application received after October 1 will not be considered but may be resubmitted the following year. Requests for computers, laptops, or tablets are not eligible.

Purpose: The grant supports teachers in bringing innovative STEM teaching ideas to life, with a focus on projects that have clear, measurable outcomes.

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Snapdragon Book Foundation

Description: The Snapdragon Book Foundation offers annual grants to school libraries in need of books and literary resources to enhance reading programs. Grant amounts range from $500 to $12,000, depending on the project's scope.

Award Amount: $500 to $12,000

Deadline: February 1. Applications are accepted from November through January each year. The 2025 application will be available at the end of October 2024.

Eligibility: School librarians serving disadvantaged communities.

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Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants

Description: Administered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), this grant provides funding for math teachers in PreK-5 with at least three years of experience and current NCTM membership. The grant supports professional development and classroom resources.

Award Amount: Up to $6,000

Deadline: November

Eligible Uses: Grant funds may be used for:

• College or university mathematics coursework
• Registration fees for professional conferences
• Classroom materials for teaching math
• Salary or stipend for in-service programs

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Voya Unsung Heroes® Awards Program

Description: Sponsored by Voya Financial, the Voya Unsung Heroes® Awards Program recognizes and funds effective and innovative classroom projects. Each year, 50 educators receive $2,000 each, with three top awards of $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000.

Award Amount: $2,000 to $25,000

Program Overview: The program, administered by Scholarship America®, supports full-time educators, administrators, and staff at accredited public or private K-12 schools in the U.S.

Requirements to Apply: Applicants must be full-time educators, administrators, or staff at accredited public or private K-12 schools in the U.S.

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Casey’s Cash for Classroom Grants

Overview: Casey’s Cash for Classroom grants are awarded to support physical improvements, material needs, teacher support, and community engagement within schools. This includes upgrading buildings and playgrounds, acquiring art supplies and technology, funding professional development, and supporting community engagement activities like field trips.

Amount Available: $3,000 to $50,000

Requirements to Apply: Nonprofit organizations, K-12 public schools, and nonprofit private schools within Casey’s 16-state jurisdiction are eligible to apply. Funds must be used within 12 months of being awarded. Each organization may submit only one application per cycle, but a school can receive multiple donations if submitted by different organizations.

Grant Priorities:

• Physical Improvements: Projects that update or enhance school facilities, including internal and external areas.
• Material Needs: Supplies, technology, and materials to enrich the learning environment.
• Teacher Support: Programs for professional development and training resources for educators.
• Community Engagement: Initiatives that connect students with the community, such as volunteer programs, camps, or field trips.
• Application Timeline: Applications are accepted from October to November.

Grant Eligibility:

• Tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, listed on the IRS Master File, conducting activities within the U.S.
• K-12 public or nonprofit private schools within Casey's 16-state area.

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Fund for Teachers Fellowships

About Us: Fund for Teachers supports educators in developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to enhance student achievement. By allowing teachers to design their own fellowships, the program recognizes and builds on teachers' professionalism and leadership. Since its inception in 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested $35 million in nearly 9,200 teachers, fostering growth for both educators and their students.

Overview: Fund for Teachers grants empower teachers to create personalized fellowships aimed at improving their skills and impact in the classroom. Grants support individual and team development efforts that directly benefit student learning.

Amount Available: $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for teams

Requirements to Apply: Full-time teachers from Pre-K through 12th grade who spend at least 50% of their time directly instructing students and have a minimum of three years of teaching experience are eligible to apply.

Application Timeline: The 2024 Fund for Teachers Fellowship Grant application has closed. Results will be announced via email on April 4th. The 2025 application period opens on October 1, 2024. For preparation resources, visit the Online Learning Center.

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Student Chapter Grants

Description: The ASM Materials Education Foundation offers grants to student chapters for outreach activities that align with their mission to develop and implement materials science content and instructional strategies. Five grants of $500 each are available.

Award Amount: $500 each

Proposal Requirements:

• Description of Project or Activity
• Timeline of Activities
• Costs Associated with the Project

Successful Proposals Must:

• Be submitted by the deadline
• Involve K-12 outreach
• Clearly outline objectives and methodology
• Indicate tangible outcomes
• Demonstrate creativity and likelihood of success

Deadline: Proposals must be received by November 15. Grants will be awarded in February.

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The NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants

Overview: The NEA Foundation provides grants to support teachers' participation in professional development programs, including summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad, and action research.

Amount Available: $1,500 to $5,000

Requirements to Apply:

• Eligibility: Must be a current member of the National Education Association (NEA) and work as a teacher, education support professional, or specialized instructional support personnel.
• Lead Applicant: Must be an NEA member and will be the contact for award notification, reporting, publicity, and other grant-related activities. Applications lacking lead applicant information will not be considered.
• Fiscal Agent: If using a fiscal agent for grant funds, provide the fiscal agent's details. If not designating a fiscal agent, the lead applicant's information will be used, and grant funds will be reported to the IRS as taxable income. Consult with a tax advisor if needed.

Application Components:

• Narrative: Detail how, when, and where the professional development will be accomplished.
• Need: Describe the professional and student needs addressed by the project and how they were assessed.
• Sustainability: Explain how the project will continue beyond the grant period and how knowledge will be shared with colleagues, students, and administrators.
• Budget: Provide a line-item budget totaling up to $5,000, including any additional support from other sources. The budget should be submitted as a Word, Excel, or PDF document and must be cost-efficient, realistic, and clearly related to the proposed work.

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Arts Education Impact Grant

Overview: Funded by proceeds from the "Support Education" Florida Education License Plate, this grant is available to visual arts classroom teachers in traditional Orange County Public Schools (K-12) for classroom supplies and materials.

Amount Available: Up to $500 per teacher

Eligible Uses: Art supplies, materials, equipment, and equipment repair.

Application Process:

• Judging: Applications are reviewed by community and education leaders, with preference given to creative and well-written proposals that clearly describe classroom and student needs.
• Vendor Requirements: Ensure that your budget aligns with OCPS ordering guidelines and that you use an OCPS-approved vendor. Confirm with the school bookkeeper that your materials and vendors are approved by OCPS before submitting your application.
• Resources: Review the "Impact Grant Writing Resource Materials" to enhance your application.

Application Timeline: The 2024-2025 grant application cycle will open in the Spring of 2024.

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Environmental Science Impact Grant

Overview: In collaboration with Walt Disney World Resort, this grant supports K-12 teachers in traditional Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) with supplies, materials, and/or equipment to start or expand programs in animal/insect science, gardening/horticulture, and sustainability/conservation.

Amount Available: Up to $2,000

Eligible Uses: Supplies, materials, and/or equipment for environmental science projects.

Application Process:

• Judging: Applications are assessed by community and education leaders. Preference is given to creative and well-written proposals that clearly describe classroom and student needs. New grant applicants are prioritized.
• Vendor Requirements: Ensure your budget adheres to OCPS ordering guidelines and that you use an OCPS-approved vendor. Confirm with the school bookkeeper that your materials and vendors are approved by OCPS before submission.
• Resources: Review the "Impact Grant Writing Resources Materials" to enhance your application.

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Good Sports Equipment Donations

Description: Good Sports offers a unique equipment donation opportunity for organizations and schools dedicated to serving youth in the United States. Through a five-year partnership, selected programs will receive support to meet their top equipment needs, helping them build a sustainability plan that extends beyond Good Sports' commitment. This long-term partnership aims to provide more predictable and impactful donations while allowing Good Sports to measure and share the impact effectively.

Application Window: Currently closed; will reopen in the fall. Organizations that submitted applications in May can expect to receive approval status by early July.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Direct Service: Your organization must directly serve youth aged 3-18 years old.
• High Poverty Areas: Must operate in high poverty areas.
• Participation Fee: Charges a participation fee of $299 or less.
• Access to Physical Activity: Provides consistent access to physical activity for kids (structured or unstructured).
• Schools Only: Must not charge tuition and more than half of the student body must qualify for free/reduced lunch.

Focus Areas:

• Equitable Access: Prioritizes serving girls, children of color from historically marginalized communities, and rural populations.

Ineligible for Donation:

• Short-term events (e.g., sports camps, tournaments).
• Individual athletes.

Accepted Organizations/Schools Will:

• Receive equipment donations that meet their top needs over a five-year period.
• Gain access to Good Sports’ inventory catalog.
• Be required to pay an annual administration fee based on the number of kids served (ranging from $150 – $3,000).
• Sign a release form and submit evaluations after each donation, as well as an annual impact report.
• Commit to publicizing Good Sports’ support through social media, photos, or local newspaper articles.

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Take the Next Step!

Imagine what you could achieve with the right support. School grants can help make your dreams a reality, whether you’re looking to enhance your education or pursue a passion. Take a moment to explore the grants we’ve listed—find one that feels like a fit for you. Reach out for advice if you need it, and don’t hesitate to apply. This is your chance to turn your ambitions into something real. Go for it—you deserve this opportunity!

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