It’s a tradition in teaching to reach into your own pocket to cover classroom supplies and those fun ‘extras’ that make learning memorable. Educational grants can help. From pencils to white boards to field trips, these grants can offset your expenses and, in some cases, boost your school’s budget.
Unlike other types of funding, grants do not have to be repaid. Most grants require an application, and a report on how the money was spent. Some can be competitive. If you meet the criteria and the deadline, however, you’re on your way to earning free money.
We did a deep dive to discover some of the best and most innovative grants for educators, both on the national and state levels. Here’s what we found.
National
Colibri Special Project Grant
Up to $5,000
These grants fund projects that significantly advance student learning and create engaging student experiences. Grants are for grades K-12 in public schools. Please note however: these grants do not fund textbooks for schoolwide use, technology or A/V equipment, travel, admission fees, or field trips.
https://www.colibrigrants.org/
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
$4,000
Dollar General offers youth literacy grants to help students below grade level. The grants can be used to implement new or expand existing literacy programs, purchase new technology to support literacy initiatives, or to buy books, materials, or software.
https://www.dgliteracy.org/grant-programs/?#youth-literacy-grants
Kids in Need Foundation
Boxes of supplies
The Supply a Teacher program seeks to provide necessary resources for teachers in underserved schools. These grants are open to teachers at schools where 50% or more of students qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Applications are accepted year-round.
https://www.kinf.org/for-teachers/
NEA Foundation
$1,500 – $5,000
NEA Student Success Grants are meant to elevate and improve student development through project-based learning in public schools. Funds may be used for materials, equipment, transportation, or technology. To be eligible for this grant, you must be a member of the NEA.
https://www.neafoundation.org/educator-grants-and-fellowships/student-success-grants/
Pets in the Classroom
Award varies
Grants are available for PreK through 9th grade teachers to purchase and maintain small animals in the classroom. There is also a Dogs in the Classroom program that supports animal-assisted therapy.
https://petsintheclassroom.org/
Toshiba American Foundation Grants
Up to $1,000 (K-5) and $5,000+ (Grades 6-12)
These grants are for project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and math. Note however that the Foundation does not fund computers, laptops, or tablets.
Voya Unsung Heroes
$2,000 – $25,000
Voya funds innovative projects for K-12 classrooms, both public and private. Project areas span the curriculum, and include history, social sciences, psychology, economics, political science, career technical education, English, music, art, physical education, nutrition, and wellness.
https://www.voya.com/page/voya-unsung-heroesr
Arizona
Arizona School Boards Association
$500
Each quarter, the ASBA awards grants to enhance PreK-12 classroom learning. Teachers must describe how the project will impact student achievement and how it reflects the priorities of their district. Grant winners must attend a board meeting where they will be recognized.
https://azsba.org/awards/classroom-grants/
California
California Retired Teachers Association
$100
This organization provides funds for teachers to use in their classrooms however they like. There also are local CalRTA divisions that offer direct support for local schools.
https://calrta.org/teacher-grants/
Colorado
Professional Association of Colorado Educators
Up to $500
PACE Classroom Grants may be used for a variety of projects and materials, including but not limited to books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials. Awards are competitive and PACE members are given preference.
https://www.coloradoteachers.org/index.php/classroom-grant-application
Idaho
Idaho CapEd Foundation
Up to $800
These grants are for PreK-12 teachers in Idaho. The funding is to be used for specific and innovative educational classroom projects and school programs. Projects should enhance the state or district curriculum for the grade level.
https://www.capedfoundation.org/
Northwest Professional Educators
Up to $500
Grants may be used for books, software, calculators, lab materials, art supplies, audio visual equipment and other materials. Awards are competitive.
https://www.nwpe.org/index.php/member-benefits/scholarships-and-grants
Kansas
Casey’s Cash for Classroom Grants
$3,000 to $50,000
These grants cover physical improvements, material needs, professional development, and community engagement. Applicants must be a K-12 public or nonprofit private school in Casey’s 16-state footprint, which includes Kansas. Submissions are due in the fall and awarded in the spring.
https://www.caseys.com/community/cash-for-classrooms-grants
Kansas Association of American Educators
Up to $500
These grants may be used for a variety of projects and materials, including but not limited to books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials. Awards are competitive, and preference is given to members of the Kansas Association of American Educators.
https://www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/kanaae-classroom-grant-application
Oregon
Oregon Education Association Foundation
Up to $100
These grants are designed to help students meet basic, urgent, and immediate needs so they can succeed in school. Importantly, these needs must be unmet by any other source. California Casualty has proudly worked with the Oregon Education Association (OEA) as their exclusive auto & home provider since 1974, and regularly donates to the Foundation.
https://oregoned.org/foundation
Wyoming
Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium
Up to $500
This funding is available for Wyoming educator professional development, and can include attending workshops or seminars, hosting events or activities, purchasing materials for use in the classroom or out-of-school educational settings, continuing education, and other related activities.
http://wyomingspacegrant.org/k12programs/funding-for-k-12-stem-educator-development/
Provided by California Casualty
California Casualty Music & Arts Grant
$250
The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant was established to provide support for K-12 public schools negatively impacted by reduced budgets. To apply for this grant, you must be a member of an education association that partners with California Casualty. Learn more at the link below.
https://www.just4members.com/musicarts/
Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant
$1,000
This namesake program was established 2010 based on California Casualty Chairman, Emeritus Tom Brown’s belief that lessons learned through athletics – teamwork, trust, communication, and confidence – translate in the classroom and beyond. The program is open to middle and high school employees who are members of participating education association. Learn more and apply using the link below.
https://www.calcasathletics.com/
Do you have a grant that’s not mentioned here? Share it with your colleagues in the comments.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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