Many educators envision a “dream” learning space where materials, resources, and tools truly enhance the instructional experience for every student. What could that space include? A variety of manipulatives for hands-on learning, interactive displays for dynamic collaboration activities, and STEM equipment like 3D printers to boost creativity. Of course, the “reality” budget doesn’t always align with the “dream” classroom. Educators have learned to look outside of school budgets to acquire the materials needed to keep the fires of learning motivation going. For example, Grants.gov is a valuable resource for finding various federal grants that can be searched by category, funding, eligibility, and agency. Award amounts range, and deadlines vary.
When prospective grant opportunities have been chosen, the next step is the application process. Many districts and schools have an experienced coordinator who is responsible for ensuring proposals align with the grant, increasing the likelihood of winning the award. For schools that do not have this dedicated person, Boxlight has a Grant Assistance Program (GAP) headed by Dr. Don Gemeinhardt, a grants expert. The GAP will help find the education funding needed to enhance a lesson and/or optimize your learning space. For more information on the Boxlight GAP, go to news.mimio.boxlight.com/esser.
To help you find the money you need when budget is limited, below are the Top 20 funding opportunities. Mark deadlines on your calendar to give the grants team at your site time to gather required materials.
*Note that highlighted dates are within next 3 months.
General
1. Association of American Educators Foundation Classroom Grants - https://www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/classroom-grant-application
Classroom grants are available to full-time educators for projects and materials including, but not limited to books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials.
Award: $500
Deadline: October (check)
2. Adopt a Classroom - https://www.adoptaclassroom.org/
A national nonprofit organization that provides classroom funding to PreK-12 teachers and schools.
Award: varies
Deadline: ongoing
3. Brown Rudnick Center Community Grants - http://www.brownrudnickcenter.com/foundation/community-grants/
The Foundation awards Community Grants to address specific, one-time, tangible, and immediate needs.
Award: up to $2000
Deadline: ongoing
4. Donors Choose - https://www.donorschoose.org/
Create a fundraiser that allows others to donate toward goals like new school resources or classroom projects
Award: varies
Deadline: ongoing
5. Ezra Keats Foundation Mini-Grants - https://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/h/about-mini-grants/
Mini-grants funded by the Ezra Keats Foundation give a public school teacher or librarian an opportunity to present a special project outside the standard curriculum or an engaging way to help students meet curricular goals
Award: varies
Deadline: September 30, 2022
6. Farrell Family Foundation - https://www.farrellfamilyfoundation.com/Home
Funding awarded to those that promote and encourage self-reliance, responsibility, and accountability through education, health, human welfare, and the arts.
Award: varies
Deadline: June 15, 2022; September 1, 2022
7. Lockheed Martin -https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/communities/applying-for-contributions.html
Lockheed Martin provides contributions to help cultivate the STEM workforce of the future.
Award: varies
Deadline: varies
8. Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation - https://us.mitsubishielectric.com/en/about/local/csr/meaf/grant/index.html
The MEAF supports nonprofits via its National Grant program. The MEAF provides National Grants for innovative model projects of national scope focused on its vision to empower youth with disabilities to lead productive lives through increased employment.
Award: typically $10K-$100K/year for one to three years; 6-12 grants each year
Deadline: Eligibility only online July 15-Nov 1 of every year
9. Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program - https://apply.scholarsapply.org/unsungheroes/
Each year 50 educators are selected to receive $2000 to help fund innovative class projects.
Award: 50 at $2000; three are chosen for additional awards of $5000, $10,000, and $25,000
Deadline: TBD
STEAM
10. AFCEA Teaching Grants - https://www.afcea.org/site/?q=foundation/gravely-teacher-grants/stem-teachersGravely & Paige Grants for STEM Teachers through the AFCEA Educational Foundation provide funding to elementary and middle schools in the U.S. to promote STEM innovation in the classrooms with emphasis on academic programs.
Award: up to $1000
Deadline: TBD
11. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation Awards - https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/students-educators/aiaa-foundation-classroom-grant-program
The AIAA Foundation awards grants to worthy projects that significantly influence student learning.
Award: up to $500
Deadline: TBD
12. Beckman Coulter Foundation - https://beckmancoulterfoundation.org/grant/
The Beckman Coulter Foundation funds programs focused on science, science education, and healthcare-related initiatives that help to move healthcare forward.
Award: varies
Deadline: varies
13. Digital Wish - https://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/grants
The Digital Wish Provides organization shares information on various classroom technology grant opportunities.
Award: varies
Deadline: ongoing
14. Innovative Technology Education Fund - https://innovteched.com/itefgrant-2/
The ITEF funds projects that are innovative and elevate learning and exploration. Projects should engage students, push teachers, and generate excitement and enthusiasm for learning.
Award: varies
Deadline: window is November 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023
15. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Grants - https://www.nctm.org/grants/
NCTM Mathematics Education Trust offers a wide range of grants, scholarships, and awards.
Awards: ranges from $1500 to $24,000
Deadline: varies
16. National Science Foundation Discovery Research - https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/discovery-research-prek-12-drk-12
The DRK-12 supports enhancing the learning and teaching of STEM through the research and development of STEM education innovations and approaches.
Award: TBD
Deadline: October 5, 2022
Literacy
17. American Association of School Librarians Innovative Reading Grant - https://www.ala.org/aasl/awards/innovativeThe AASL Innovative Reading Grant supports the implementation of a unique program for learners that motivates and encourages reading.
Award: $2500
Deadline: February 1, 2023 (applications open September 1, 2022)
18. Believe in Reading Grants for Literacy - https://believeinreading.org/
Believe in Reading is funded by The Steve and Loree Potash Foundation and funds programs dedicated to the teaching and encouragement of reading for all ages anywhere in the world.
Awards: ranges up to max of $10,000
Deadline: varies
19. Dollar General Literacy Foundation - https://www.dgliteracy.org/grant-programs/?#youth-literacy-grants
The Foundation makes available Youth Literacy Grants for schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations who help students that are below grade level or having trouble reading.
Awards: max $4000
Deadline: May 19, 2022
20. Snapdragon Book Foundation - http://snapdragonbookfoundation.org/application/
SBF funds worthy projects in PreK-12 schools/educational libraries for disadvantaged students.
Awards: varies
Deadline: varies
The Boxlight GAP can help your site through the application process. To set up a conversation with someone from the Boxlight GAP Team, click here: Boxlight Education Funding and GAP.