Government Grants for Teachers – Educational Grants For Teachers, Teachers and educators realize the potential value of educational resources and supplies better than anyone else. While school districts cover basic supplies and infrastructures, educators and teachers may need extra funds to teach students. Fortunately, teacher grants are available from government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations that help them to bear the cost that students’ parents, or school systems generally do not cover. These grants are a lifesaver for needy teachers. This guide will throw light on different grants for educators that you can apply based on your needs and circumstances.
Highlights of this Post
What Are Teacher Grants?
A teacher grant is a free monetary assistance which does not require any repayment. They are distributed to eligible educators based on their financial need and merit. Government teacher grants are quite competitive and so they come with stringent eligibility criteria and application procedure.
The federal government offers different grant awards to eligible applicants; however, in case you fail to qualify for assistance from the federal government you can turn to state and local government which comes with less competitive criteria. There are also teacher grants available from charitable organizations, schools, and private companies.
Following is the list of different types of teacher grants
- STEM Grants
- Humanities Grants
- Funds for Classroom Enrichment/Student Achievement
- Professional Development Grants for Teachers
Who Is Eligible For Teacher Grants?
Every teacher grant has its own eligibility and application criteria. The common eligibility criteria require candidates to be student-facing educators at K-12 schools however some may also allow administrators, paraeducators, or education-associated nonprofit organizations to apply for the grants. These grants are available to public or private school teachers with a large population of students coming from low-income backgrounds.
These grants require teachers or educators to submit a well-designed plan explaining how they want to use the grant money. The guidelines of the program require candidates to use the grant money specifically for books, supplies, materials, professional development educational projects, field trips, or other purposes.
How To Apply For Government Grants For Teachers?
The eligibility as well as the application criteria for government grants for teachers may differ depending on your location and the type of program you are applying for.
Locate Suitable Teacher Grants
The eligibility criteria for teacher grants range from open-ended and broad categories to hyper-specific programs. Therefore you need to research every grant program that is available and read the qualification, restrictions, and guidelines carefully before applying.
Identify Your Needs
The next step is to identify the specific needs and requirements for your grants such as whether you are willing to expand your skill sets around teaching STEM or classroom management. You also need to determine whether you are looking for financial assistance for a research project that will be conducted outside the classroom hours or for any other needs.
Explore Different sources of Funding
The next step is to find a suitable funding source or organization that can support your teaching education. For instance, you need to find an organization that would help you strengthen your skills and expertise in teaching English language learners or helping students with behavioral problems. You can locate support at the federal, state, and local levels. Further, you can also look for private companies and local institutions.
Provide Relevant Documents
Once you find a suitable source of funding the next step is to give proof of your eligibility. Granters would want to know how you are planning to spend the funds received through grants. You may need to provide verifiable evidence or proof of documents along with your application. For instance detailed budget proposals, proof of income, proof of residency, proof of citizenship, and so on.
What Are The Different Sources For Availing Teaching Grants?
Following is the list of resources that would help you to avail teaching assistance as per your areas of interest or needs.
U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education is a top resource when it comes to teaching grants. The department offers upfront funding in the form of grants to lower the cost of higher education, and career development.
The National Education Association Foundation
Financial assistance, fellowships, and grants are provided for educators by the National Education Association foundation that emphasizes school leadership, student equity as well and classroom innovation.
National Environment Education Foundation
Grants and financial assistance are provided for educators who want to advance STEM education or environmental action within their communities.
Grant.gov
It is a searchable database where you can avail teaching grants with more resources, grant terms, and alerts.
GrantWatch
GrantWatch is a searchable database that filters teaching grants as per your profession and geographical region.
DonorsChoose
There are crowdfunded initiatives where funders support and choose proposals that they deem the fit. The platform chooses to offer a way for both granters and seekers to match one another based on similar goals and interests.
Moreover, there are additional teaching grants that are provided by particular US counties, states, cities, and municipalities. You can search your State Department of Education’s official website to find more opportunities and resources.
What Are The Different Government Educational Grants For Teachers?
Following are the different types of educational grants for teachers.
Professional Development Grants for Teachers
If you’re looking for professional development grants for teachers and educators then take a look at the below-mentioned resources.
The NEA Founldation Learning and Leadership Grants
The NEA Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that offers grants for educators to sponsor their participation in professional development programs like conferences, summer institutes, action research, travel abroad, and seminars.
The NEA Foundation Learning And Leadership Grant Award may differ between $1500 to $5000. Applicants should be National Education Association members who are working as education support professionals, teachers, and trained instructional support personnel.
Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program
The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program is funded by the US Department of State and enables educators based in the United States to provide international perspectives to their schools and also funds their participation in professional learning opportunities for one year and international exchange which lasts for a few weeks. Applicants should be full-time K-12 educators working at public private or charter schools in the US.
McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Teacher Development Grants
The McCarthy Dressman Education Foundation offers grant funding to eligible educators and a group of teachers educators and a group of teachers who are willing to bring in fresh and unique pedagogical strategies. The intervention must include observations about how the strategies are positively impacting students.
The grant funding through this program may differ between $10,000 to $20,000. The recipients of the program must be licensed K-12 educators who are employed at accredited private or public schools.
STEM Grants For Teachers
STEM grants for teachers coming from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics backgrounds can make a huge difference in the lessons they provide to their students. From math integration projects to science lab supplies these grants provide a great resource for technology educators who are looking for ways to help students connect with the subjects uniquely.
STEM Fund
A Spotlight Fund Opportunity created by Adopt A Classroom is the STEM Fund which is given to STEM teachers in partnership with the office supply store known as Staples. Educators can apply for a STEM Fund program to cover materials such as calculators or lab supplies and teach STEM subjects in the classroom to students in an engaging and new way. The financial assistance received through this program to eligible teachers is $1000.
Toshiba America Foundation Grant
The Toshiba America Foundation grant is sponsored by a technology company known as Toshiba which assists teachers in bringing unique STEM learning ideas into the classroom. Middle and high school teachers who can fulfill the eligibility criteria of the program are eligible to receive assistance.
Eligible teachers can receive assistance up to $5000. Eligible teachers teaching at public or nonprofit private schools in the United States can qualify provided they are creating and implementing unique and innovative STEM projects.
Verizon Foundation Education Grants
The education grants by Verizon are used for enhancing STEM programming concepts at school throughout the United States of America. The education grants include funding for integrated programming of extracurricular activities and for funding teaching education. The funds are not to be used for purchasing any equipment or classroom computers. K12 teachers are eligible to apply for this program.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation Classroom Grant Program
The AIAA offers classroom grants to meet the needs of the learning projects related to airspace technology. K-12 teachers who are members of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation are eligible to receive assistance through this program. The funding is paid to the eligible school. Eligible projects are required to make a significant impact on the learning journey of students.
Gravely and Paige Grants for STEM Teachers
The AFCEA Educational foundation funds the Gravely and Paige Grants for STEM teachers to promote activities, tools, and education that promote stem learning. The project should include cyber clubs, robotics clubs, or school activities related to the STEM field.
This program covers applicants from schools comprising students with robust financial needs. The grant assists up to $2000. STEM teachers who are teaching at elementary and middle schools throughout the country and eligible to receive assistance.
ASM Materials Education Foundation Grants
The ASM Foundation makes sure to familiarize students with the necessary materials. Teachers can use ASM Materials Education Foundation grants for practical and curriculum-based projects to demonstrate the significance of ceramics, metals, polymers, or other materials in the classrooms.
Financial assistance of up to $500 is provided through this program. K-12 teachers who are working on projects that combine student teamwork and observation with science and math skills and help them increase their awareness about the above-mentioned materials can qualify.
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program
The US Department of Energy sponsors the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program which invites K-12 STEM teachers to spend 11 months of their time with federal agencies like the National Science Foundation and NASA or with any other US foundational officers. Teachers who bring their classroom experience and knowledge to federal agencies and work on national educational programs receive assistance.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The NCTM offers many grants for teachers that you can apply for. The grant ranges between $3000 to $10,000 and has its own limits and benefits restricted by grade and the purpose for which you can use the grant.
NWA Sol Hirsch Education Fund Grants
The National Weather Association aims to encourage the value of meteorology in middle elementary and higher school grants to teachers that demonstrate a dedication to enhancing the standard of schooling.
ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant
The American Chemical Society External link provides innovative Chemistry instructors the chance to put their thoughts. The ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant has been created to encourage creativity. This award from ACS is meant to fund thoughts and strategies to support chemistry. Teachers can ask up to $1,500 to fund their thoughts and help them develop a love of chemistry among students.
IRA Regie Routman Teacher Recognition Grant
The International Reading Association External associate awards grants to colleges that are exceptional teachers. You have to work with school students in grades K-6, and 60% of the school students must be qualified for reduced-price or free lunches.
Some more STEM Grants are as follows:
- Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants
- Lemelson-MIT Program (LMIT)
- Toyota Tapestry Grants for Science Teachers
General Teachers Grant
If you’re looking for general grants for teachers and educators then take a look at the following resources.
TEACH Federal Grants
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants are provided by the federal government to students who are pursuing the teaching profession.
The grant offers assistance up to $4000 annually provided students agree to serve a maximum of four years as full-time elementary or secondary teachers in a high-need field serving low-income students. In case you fail to fulfill the terms and conditions of the grant the financial assistance will be converted into a loan which you need to repay.
Association of American Educators (AAE) Foundation
The Foundation offers grants to teachers so that they can cover the cost of their lab materials, software, art supplies, math manipulatives, projects, and so on. The financial assistance received by the foundation is up to $500. Full-time teachers who have not received loans or scholarships from the foundation over the past two years can apply.
LEF, The Literacy Empowerment Foundation Book
Financial assistance of up to $20,000 is provided to eligible K-12 teachers through the Literacy Empowerment Foundation Book. The Book Matching Grant was designed by LEF school to increase their purchasing ability and get funding for their books.
The books are made available at different grades and the reading level should be used for English curriculums. Once your school gets approval for the grant the organization will assist you with $20,000 that you can spend on books for your classroom.
American Councils Exchange Program
American Councils provides a program called “Educational Seminars” that pays for U.S. teachers to take part in short-term teacher-exchange applications in different nations. The program assists teachers to expand their horizons by learning about societal morals, teaching methodologies, educational systems and the civilization in various nations.
Humanities Grants For Teachers
A database for locating scholarships, fellowships, grants, and a vast selection of aid to people. We feel that scholarship in the humanities is vital in pushing the boundaries of their knowledge and comprehension of the planet forward. In addition, we think that customs, material, and abilities of the humanities are all essential to culture that is American. Among other advantages, involvement with the humanities provides a blueprint for complete, informed participation in civic life; instructs the tendency of thinking deeply and widely, ensuring we ask questions about background and circumstance when making significant decisions; and develops abilities.
Funds For Classroom Enrichment/student Achievement
Target Field Trip Grants
The Target Field Trip Grants offer assistance up to $700 for K-12 teachers. The retail giant Target sponsors these grants and has been operating since 2007 to send eligible classrooms on field trips so that they can explore more learning opportunities. The funds are used for transportation, tickets, meals, and many more purposes.
Donors Choose
Educators who are looking for funding can post their needs on the Donors Choose website and big-name retailers like Best Buy or Amazon and private individuals will decide which request they want to fund. Applicants are required to be frontline teachers or educators at public or charter schools.
Voya Unsung Heroes
The Voya Unsung Heroes are sponsored by the Voya Financial organization which funds innovative and effective projects for full-time educators, staff, and administrators at accredited private or public K12 schools in the United States of America. The financial assistance received ranges between $2000 to $25,000.
Casey’s Cash for Classroom Grants
Teachers looking for grants to fund buildings, playgrounds, physical school environments, art supplies, technology, personal development, teacher support or material needs including community engagement activities like volunteer efforts and field trips can apply for this grant that range between $3000 to $50,000. Eligible recipients are K12 public schools, nonprofit private schools, and nonprofit organizations.
Fund For Teachers
The Fund For Teachers Program assists individuals with up to $5000 and teams with up to $10,000 to design unique fellowships and develop knowledge, confidence, and skills for student achievement. K-12 teachers who spend more than 50% of their time and efforts in providing instruction and guidelines to students and have a three years of teaching experience can qualify for assistance.
Beacon Technology Teacher Grant
The Beacon Technology Teacher Grant is designed for teachers who need additional funding for classroom supplies, student applications and educational subscriptions. Beacon provides a grant of $1000 one or two times a year. Teachers need to submit a tech-focused lesson plan to qualify.
Elmer’s Teacher Tool Kit Grant
The Children in Need Foundation is a leading Company that offers students necessary school supplies, through these grants. The Teacher’s Tool Kit Grant allows Kids in Need Foundation with free school supplies. It has partnered with the product company Elmer’s to design grants specifically for this purpose.
Teach Earth Conservation Research Grants
Earthwatch provides field enrichment excursions to educators in grades K-12. Over 90 destinations are available in other nations and in the United states. You will get to work with specialists in your area. Along with study, teachers take part in improvement and science instruction. Know more by checking its website here.
Librarian And Supply Grants
Librarians are looking for funds to keep the library in their school furnished with good and up-to-date books and other materials you can apply for a lot of library grants. Teachers may crowd-fund the supplies through organizations like Donors Choose or Adopt A Classroom or apply for the following grants.
The Laura Bush Foundation Grant
The foundation assists highly needed schools so that they can keep their libraries well stocked. Public schools are encouraged to apply for this grant to keep their libraries updated with necessary materials and books. The grant is provided to high-need schools where a significant percentage of students qualify for reduced or free lunch programs.
Supply a Teacher
An ongoing project designed by the Kids In Need Foundation is Supply a Teacher which offers assistance to educators ranging between $100 to $500 to fund supplies. Eligible teachers receive boxes filled with classroom supplies for the whole semester.
You need to create a list of necessary school supplies for your classroom and the foundation will make it available for your school. K12 public school teachers who are in high need can receive assistance.
Student Success Grants
Student Success Grants are designed by the National Education Association to help educators and teachers buy materials, technology, and supplies for their classrooms. The financial awards range between $2000 to $5000 respectively.
Funds can also be used to meet transportation needs. The main preference is given to STEM-focused projects. K-12 public school teachers who are teaching at NEA-affiliated schools are eligible to receive assistance.
Great Public Schools (GPS) Fund Grant
The National Education Association administers the Great Public School grant through which it offers funding to eligible teachers so that they can create innovative schoolwide programming. The priority is given to specific areas in the USA that focus on early career educators. K12 public school teachers are eligible to receive assistance provided the schools are affiliated with the National Education Association.
Some Additional Grants For Teachers
Additional Free Government Grants For Educations are accessible to teachers outside a major subject area. For instance, you can find assistance to make your classroom more welcoming and diverse, for a musical field trip, or to restock your supplies after a disaster.
Disaster Relief Funds
In case your classroom or school has been impacted heavily due to a disaster you can apply to Adopt A Classroom Spotlight Fund. Disaster Relief Funds will replenish the damaged supplies and provide necessary supplies and meals to eligible students when the schools are closed. The funding is provided to eligible K12 teachers.
International Literacy Association
The main aim of the International Literacy Association is to improve the overall quality of literacy across the globe so the association offers awards and grants to eligible communities and teachers who are taking steps to improve literacy in exciting, engaging and unique ways.
Jordan Fundamental Grant
A division of Nike known as the Jordan Brand supports the Jordan Fundamental Grant and offers funding to eligible schools so that they can improve academic outcomes, school communities, teacher development, and teacher-student relations. The eligible candidates are K-12 public school teachers. The maximum financial assistance that you can receive is up to $10,000.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grants
These grants are given to organizations, public libraries, and schools with the objective of assisting or those who are having difficulty reading. They’re meant to finance literacy program, such as technologies and to encourage growth or literacy plan implementation.
Walmart Community Grants Program
Walmart awards yearly grants ranging between $250 to $5,000 to a wide variety of community-focused organizations like K–12 colleges.
Teacher Grants For Arts Education
Teacher grants for arts education have been successful in improving the overall learning and success among students however instructors teaching art education face a difficult time securing funds for their programs. Art grants help to bridge the gap and enable them to provide better art opportunities to their students.
Arts Fund
Art Funds is one of the five spotlight funds of Adopt A Classroom which works differently from that of a typical crowdfunding model. It enables teachers to apply for grants and get funding to meet their art school needs. The money can be used towards musical instruments, art supplies, theater costumes etc.
National Endowment for the Arts Educational Grants
The National Endowment For The Arts Educational Grants is provided by the federal agency to fund artists coming all across the United States of America. Eligible schools can apply for funding to cover their art education expenses, music programs, and theater departments.
Conclusion
A lot of teachers have to work on tight budgets throughout the year. If you are a teacher feeling overwhelmed by the increasing price of supplies or any other items which you need for your classroom you can apply for the aforementioned programs. From STEM-focused funds to general education awards, there are plenty of teacher grants that you can apply for. It is important to review the guidelines and deadlines of every Federal and States government social programs before applying.
The Target Field Trip Grants offer assistance up to $700 for K-12 teachers. The retail giant Target sponsors these grants and has been operating since 2007 to send eligible classrooms on field trips so that they can explore more learning opportunities. The funds are used for transportation, tickets, meals, and many more purposes.
Donors Choose
Educators who are looking for funding can post their needs on the Donors Choose website and big-name retailers like Best Buy or Amazon and private individuals will decide which request they want to fund. Applicants are required to be frontline teachers or educators at public or charter schools.
Voya Unsung Heroes
The Voya Unsung Heroes are sponsored by the Voya Financial organization which funds innovative and effective projects for full-time educators, staff, and administrators at accredited private or public K12 schools in the United States of America. The financial assistance received ranges between $2000 to $25,000.
Casey’s Cash for Classroom Grants
Teachers looking for grants to fund buildings, playgrounds, physical school environments, art supplies, technology, personal development, teacher support or material needs including community engagement activities like volunteer efforts and field trips can apply for this grant that range between $3000 to $50,000. Eligible recipients are K12 public schools, nonprofit private schools, and nonprofit organizations.
Fund For Teachers
The Fund For Teachers Program assists individuals with up to $5000 and teams with up to $10,000 to design unique fellowships and develop knowledge, confidence, and skills for student achievement. K-12 teachers who spend more than 50% of their time and efforts in providing instruction and guidelines to students and have a three years of teaching experience can qualify for assistance.
Beacon Technology Teacher Grant
The Beacon Technology Teacher Grant is designed for teachers who need additional funding for classroom supplies, student applications and educational subscriptions. Beacon provides a grant of $1000 one or two times a year. Teachers need to submit a tech-focused lesson plan to qualify.
Elmer’s Teacher Tool Kit Grant
The Children in Need Foundation is a leading Company that offers students necessary school supplies, through these grants. The Teacher’s Tool Kit Grant allows Kids in Need Foundation with free school supplies. It has partnered with the product company Elmer’s to design grants specifically for this purpose.
Teach Earth Conservation Research Grants
Earthwatch provides field enrichment excursions to educators in grades K-12. Over 90 destinations are available in other nations and in the United states. You will get to work with specialists in your area. Along with study, teachers take part in improvement and science instruction. Know more by checking its website here.
Librarian And Supply Grants
Librarians are looking for funds to keep the library in their school furnished with good and up-to-date books and other materials you can apply for a lot of library grants. Teachers may crowd-fund the supplies through organizations like Donors Choose or Adopt A Classroom or apply for the following grants.
The Laura Bush Foundation Grant
The foundation assists highly needed schools so that they can keep their libraries well stocked. Public schools are encouraged to apply for this grant to keep their libraries updated with necessary materials and books. The grant is provided to high-need schools where a significant percentage of students qualify for reduced or free lunch programs.
Supply a Teacher
An ongoing project designed by the Kids In Need Foundation is Supply a Teacher which offers assistance to educators ranging between $100 to $500 to fund supplies. Eligible teachers receive boxes filled with classroom supplies for the whole semester.
You need to create a list of necessary school supplies for your classroom and the foundation will make it available for your school. K12 public school teachers who are in high need can receive assistance.
Student Success Grants
Student Success Grants are designed by the National Education Association to help educators and teachers buy materials, technology, and supplies for their classrooms. The financial awards range between $2000 to $5000 respectively.
Funds can also be used to meet transportation needs. The main preference is given to STEM-focused projects. K-12 public school teachers who are teaching at NEA-affiliated schools are eligible to receive assistance.
Great Public Schools (GPS) Fund Grant
The National Education Association administers the Great Public School grant through which it offers funding to eligible teachers so that they can create innovative schoolwide programming. The priority is given to specific areas in the USA that focus on early career educators. K12 public school teachers are eligible to receive assistance provided the schools are affiliated with the National Education Association.
Some Additional Grants For Teachers
Additional Free Government Grants For Educations are accessible to teachers outside a major subject area. For instance, you can find assistance to make your classroom more welcoming and diverse, for a musical field trip, or to restock your supplies after a disaster.
Disaster Relief Funds
In case your classroom or school has been impacted heavily due to a disaster you can apply to Adopt A Classroom Spotlight Fund. Disaster Relief Funds will replenish the damaged supplies and provide necessary supplies and meals to eligible students when the schools are closed. The funding is provided to eligible K12 teachers.
International Literacy Association
The main aim of the International Literacy Association is to improve the overall quality of literacy across the globe so the association offers awards and grants to eligible communities and teachers who are taking steps to improve literacy in exciting, engaging and unique ways.
Jordan Fundamental Grant
A division of Nike known as the Jordan Brand supports the Jordan Fundamental Grant and offers funding to eligible schools so that they can improve academic outcomes, school communities, teacher development, and teacher-student relations. The eligible candidates are K-12 public school teachers. The maximum financial assistance that you can receive is up to $10,000.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grants
These grants are given to organizations, public libraries, and schools with the objective of assisting or those who are having difficulty reading. They’re meant to finance literacy program, such as technologies and to encourage growth or literacy plan implementation.
Walmart Community Grants Program
Walmart awards yearly grants ranging between $250 to $5,000 to a wide variety of community-focused organizations like K–12 colleges.
Teacher Grants For Arts Education
Teacher grants for arts education have been successful in improving the overall learning and success among students however instructors teaching art education face a difficult time securing funds for their programs. Art grants help to bridge the gap and enable them to provide better art opportunities to their students.
Arts Fund
Art Funds is one of the five spotlight funds of Adopt A Classroom which works differently from that of a typical crowdfunding model. It enables teachers to apply for grants and get funding to meet their art school needs. The money can be used towards musical instruments, art supplies, theater costumes etc.
National Endowment for the Arts Educational Grants
The National Endowment For The Arts Educational Grants is provided by the federal agency to fund artists coming all across the United States of America. Eligible schools can apply for funding to cover their art education expenses, music programs, and theater departments.
Conclusion
A lot of teachers have to work on tight budgets throughout the year. If you are a teacher feeling overwhelmed by the increasing price of supplies or any other items which you need for your classroom you can apply for the aforementioned programs. From STEM-focused funds to general education awards, there are plenty of teacher grants that you can apply for. It is important to review the guidelines and deadlines of every Federal and States government social programs before applying.
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