We talk a lot about federal grants. After all, it’s our specialty. We’ve earned more than $44 million for clients over the years in federal grant funding, so we like to think we know a thing or two about how to win one.
But grants aren’t always cumbersome, paperwork-laden monstrosities that take hundreds of manhours to write and administer.
In fact, for many, federal grants aren’t the right funding source at all.
Case in point: classroom teachers.
Teacher out-of-pocket expenses increasing
It’s no secret that K-12 teachers dig into their own pockets to fill gaps in their classrooms.
According to the nonprofit AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers spent an average of $750 in the 2020-2021 school year to buy supplies. The organization says teacher spending has increased 25% since 2015.
Those findings are backed up by a 2019 study by the Economic Policy Institute that found teachers spent an average of $459 every year, and 9 out of 10 weren’t reimbursed by their school or district.
Grants for teachers can make the difference
Any way you slice it, teachers need a way to pay for classroom supplies, equipment, books and instructional materials without spending their own money.
What’s the answer? Grants of course!
Teacher grants are usually smaller dollar figures. Think $100-$1,000.
Even so, it’s enough to make a big difference in a teacher’s classroom.
The best part is these grants generally don’t come with loads of paperwork or intense reporting requirements that take up your precious time and energy. Many accept applications at any time of the year or have a months-long window when applications are accepted.
There are grants available to pay for supplies, books and other classroom materials. Other teacher grant programs fund professional development, special programs and technology needs.
We’ve compiled a few places to find teacher grants to fund various classroom needs.
Grants for classroom enrichment, including books
American Association of Educators Classroom Grant
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers
What does it fund? Provides funding for teachers to purchase classroom resources such as books, curriculum or audio-visual equipment.
When’s the deadline? October and March
How much? $500
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers
What does it fund? Boost mental health support and improve student well being in school.
When’s the deadline? Rolling
How much? $5,000 matching grant
Who’s eligible? K-12 public and private schools in 16 states
What does it fund? Physical improvements, teacher support, materials, and community engagement.
When’s the deadline? Nov. 30
How much? $3,000 to $50,000
Dana Brown Teacher Mini-Grants
Who’s eligible? K-12 special education teachers
What does it fund? Materials and programs to aid in the education of children with disabilities.
When’s the deadline? Application window opens in July
How much? Varies
Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers
What does it fund? Pays for new or expansion of existing literacy programs, new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives and books, materials or software for literacy programs.
When’s the deadline? May 19, 2022
How much? Up to $4,000
Who’s eligible? K-12 public school teachers
What does it fund? Funding for educators or librarians to create enriching reading curriculum or programs for students.
When’s the deadline? The open application period is in the spring.
How much? Up to $4,000
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers at schools that are part of the National School Lunch Program
What does it fund? Funding to increase school's physical activity programs and bring healthy foods to students. Funds can be used for school wellness initiatives, sports equipment and more.
When’s the deadline? The open application period is in the spring.
How much? Up to $4,000
National Education Assocation Student Success Grants
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers who are NEA members
What does it fund? Resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, or technology. Some funds may be used to support the professional development necessary to implement the project, but the majority of grant funds must be spent on materials or educational experiences for students. .
When’s the deadline? Sept. 15, 2022
How much? $1,500-5,000
Who’s eligible? K-9 teachers
What does it fund? Funding to purchase and maintain a small classroom pet.
When’s the deadline? June 1, 2022
How much? $50-150
Who’s eligible? PreK-12 grade school libraries that serve disadvantaged youth, including detnetion centers.
What does it fund? Books for classroom and school libaries, reference materials, catalogue fees, newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
When’s the deadline? Feb. 16
How much? $2,500-$10,000
Who’s eligible? K-12 educators, including teachers, paraprofessionals, principals and classified staff.
What does it fund? Innovative classroom projects.
When’s the deadline? May 12, 2023
How much? $2,000-25,000
Grants for Professional Development
National Education Association Foundation Learning & Leadership Grants
Who’s eligible? Teachers, education support professionals and instructional support personnel who are NEA members
What does it fund? Professional development or collegial study opportunities.
When’s the deadline? Feb. 1, June 1 or Oct. 15
How much? $2,000 or $5,000
Association of American Educators Foundation Teacher Scholarships
Who’s eligible? Full-time educators who have not received a AAEF award in the previous two years.
What does it fund? Professional development and associated materials.
When’s the deadline? March 1 and Oct. 1
How much? $500
Grants for STEM programs
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers
What does it fund? The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronauts awards grants to teachers who want to incorporate new ways of teaching STEM in their classroom. Funds can be used to purchase laboratory equipment, math and science software, robotics supplies, and other items.
When’s the deadline? June
How much? $200
Who’s eligible? High school teachers
What does it fund? The American Chemical Society awards the ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant to promote dynamic and engaging scientific exploration in students. Funds can be used to purchase laboratory equipment, supplies and instructional materials, but also the cost of professional development opportunities, field studies and science outreach events.
When’s the deadline? June 1, 2022
How much? $1,500
American Electric Power Teacher Vision
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers in AEP's service areas.
What does it fund? Projects with an academic focus and a goal to improve student achievement with a focus on science, mathematics, technology, the study of energy and a sustainable environment, and energy efficiency.
When’s the deadline? Third Friday in December
How much? $100 to $500
Who’s eligible? K-12 schools
What does it fund? Funds for innovation labs and curriculum and professional development.
When’s the deadline? Rolling
How much? Varies
Mobile Beacon Connect for Success
Who’s eligible? Students and school communities with digital inequities
What does it fund? 25 laptops and 4G LTE devices with free mobile LTE high-speed Internet service for 12 months.
When’s the deadline? Rolling
How much? Varies
Who’s eligible? Any teacher, at any level, including homeschool teachers.
What does it fund? The grant is awarded in the form of a gift certificate that may be used to purchase hands-on STEM products, curriculum and more on The Pitsco Education website.
When’s the deadline? First day of every month
How much? $350
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Who’s eligible? Pre-K-5th grade teachers
What does it fund? The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics offers a grant for elementary math teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening their own teaching methods and applying innovative new ides to their classrooms. Applicants must be members of NCTM. Funds may be used for professional development, including college coursework, fees associated with attendance at national conferences and material resources.
When’s the deadline? May 1, 2022
How much? Up to $6,000
Who’s eligible? Grade 2-6 math teachers
What does it fund? Free access to Reflex's digital math fact fluency solution for their classrooms for the school year. Two educators per school and up to 10 educators per public school district can apply.
When’s the deadline? Rolling
Sol Hirsch Education Fund Grants
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers
What does it fund? Materials and supplies needed to improve the education of their students, their school, and/or their community in the science of meteorology. The program is administrered through the National Weather Service.
When’s the deadline? Spring 2023
How much? Up to $750
Toshiba America Foundation Grants
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers
What does it fund? Toshiba America Foundation grants fund the projects, ideas and materials teachers need to innovate in STEM classrooms. The foundation is interested in funding innovative projects designed by teachers or small teams of teachers for use in their own schools and classroom.
When’s the deadline? Rolling
How much? Varies
Verizon Foundation Education Grants
Who’s eligible? K-12 teachers
What does it fund? Extracurricular activities, integrated programming and teaching education related to STEM. It doesn’t fund classroom computers.
When’s the deadline? Rolling
How much? Varies
Other places to find teacher grants
There are lots of foundations and nonprofits dedicated to helping teachers, but don’t overlook opportunities in your own backyard.
Local banks, credit unions, teachers’ groups, civic clubs and community foundations often have funds specifically to meet teacher needs. A Google search may help you find these opportunities. Additionally, many local and state parent-teacher associations offer classroom grant programs for teachers.
Need some help writing a grant?
Most classroom teacher grants aren’t overly taxing, but you may run into questions you’re not sure how to answer. A good place to get quick answers from professional grant writers is our LinkedIn group. Check it out and get the help you need!