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It’s no secret that teachers spend money out of their own pockets to make sure students have the tools and resources they need to learn. In fact, a teacher-spending survey by nonprofit adoptaclassroom.org found that teachers spend on average $860 of their own money on their classrooms during the school year. Fortunately, many companies and organizations offer education grant money for schools and teachers. Read on to find all the best options for 2025-26!
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How To Find Education Grants for Teachers and Schools
To start, scroll our list of school grants and classroom education grants for teachers. They’re separated by category so you can easily find the ones that work best for you and your school. We’ve included an overview of the grant info and application guidelines, but be sure to visit the programs’ websites directly for the most complete and accurate information.
But don’t stop there! Each state has its own grant resources for classrooms, teachers, and schools. To find them, Google terms like “classroom grants for teachers,” “grant money for schools,” or “classroom grants for teachers,” plus your state’s name. You can also go directly to your state’s Department of Education website, where they’ll have more information on what’s available.
(We are always looking for more resources! Want to submit your education grant to us for review? Send details, including the grant amount and deadline, to resources@weareteachers.com!)
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Tips for Applying for Grant Money for Schools and Teachers
Applying for classroom grants might seem like navigating a maze. But with a few smart strategies, you can find your way to success! Here are some quick tips to help you get started.
- Look for grants that feel like a perfect match for your classroom, project, or organization.
- Carefully read the grant guidelines so you understand exactly what the funder is looking for.
- Create a proposal that feels like it was made just for them, from the way it’s structured right down to the nitty-gritty details.
- Open with an executive summary that packs a punch. It should quickly tell the story of your project, why it’s amazing, and how it lines up with the funder’s dreams and desires.
- Keep your plan straightforward: what you aim to do, how you plan to do it, and why you’re the one to make it happen.
- Map out a budget that makes sense and shows you’ve thought everything through.
Before you hit send, double-check your work for any typos and make sure you’ve ticked all the boxes. A well-crafted proposal doesn’t just showcase your project’s potential—it shows you’re serious, thoughtful, and ready to make things happen.
General Education Grants for Teachers and Schools
If you’re looking for grants for classroom furniture, grants for public schools, or any type of grant money for schools, these programs can be a great place to start.
DonorsChoose
- What It Is: Create a fundraiser that allows others to donate toward goals like new school resources or classroom projects. Get crayons, books, cleaning supplies, technology, and more to help students get back to learning.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Ongoing
- Application Requirements: For teachers or full-time educators who work directly with students.
Voya Unsung Heroes
- What It Is: Recognizes innovative and progressive thinking in education by providing grants for educators to fund classroom projects.
- Award: $25,000 (first place), $10,000 (second place), and $5,000 (third place). Each of the 50 finalists will receive an award of $2,000.
- Deadline: TBA for 2026
- Application Requirements: Full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff with effective and innovative projects that improve student learning. Must be employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the United States.
Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation
- What It Is: Dedicated to helping young Americans with disabilities maximize their potential and fully participate in society. A major program emphasis is inclusion: enabling young people with disabilities to have full access to educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities, and to participate alongside their non-disabled peers.
- Award: $10K to $100K/year, for one to two years
- Deadline: MEAF accepts online proposals from July 15 to November 1 to be considered for the following year’s funding.
- Application Requirements: MEAF defines youth from birth through college age (about 26).
ConocoPhillips
- What It Is: ConocoPhillips offers Charitable Investment Grants in the areas of education, the arts, health and safety, natural resources, civic and social services, and disaster relief.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Application period lasts from April 1 to July 31 each year
- Application Requirements: To qualify for a ConocoPhillips charitable contribution in the United States, organizations must be either IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charities, government subdivisions, or accredited schools/systems.
Association of American Educators Grant Program
- What It Is: Classroom grants can be used for a variety of projects and materials, including but not limited to books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audiovisual equipment, and lab materials.
- Award: Up to $500
- Deadline: October 1, March 1
- Application Requirements: For full-time educators who have not received a grant or scholarship from AAE in the past two years. AAE members receive additional weight in the scoring rubric.
Casey’s Cash for Classrooms Grant Program
- What It Is: In 2021, Casey’s awarded $1 million to benefit K-12 public and nonprofit private schools through 99 grants. Categories include physical improvements, material needs, teacher support, and community engagement. (Note: Open to K-12 public and private schools within Casey’s 16-state footprint: IA, IL, IN, AR, NE, MO, KS, KY, MI, MN, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, WI.)
- Award: $3,000 to $50,000
- Deadline: November 14
- Application Requirements: An organization may only submit one application during the current cycle. A K-12 public or nonprofit private school in Casey’s 16-state footprint can receive more than one donation if submitted by different organizations. These organizations must have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, listed on the IRS Master File, and conduct activities within the United States.
Walmart
- What It Is: Provides after-school enrichment, tutoring, or vocational training for low-income individuals and families in the United States.
- Award: $250 to $5,000
- Deadline: Quarterly—April 15, July 15, October 15, and December 31
- Application Requirements: Organizations must have a Spark Good account. Additionally, they must be verified by Deed, Walmart’s third-party verification service provider. All grants are disbursed through electronic payment, so organizations must provide electronic payment information to complete the approval process. They must also meet specific tax criteria outlined on the program’s website.
Computers for Learning Program
- What It Is: K-12 educators can apply for this computer grant, which aims to provide students in disadvantaged communities with equipment for their schools.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Rolling
- Application Requirements: Must be a school or educational nonprofit organization with a National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) number, serve some portion of pre-K through 12, and be located in the United States (including the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands).
Pets in the Classroom Grants
- What It Is: This small grant provides financial support toward the purchase of a classroom pet.
- Award: Varies depending on the pet store you choose.
- Deadline: Applications open for each school year in August.
- Application Requirements: Teachers in public or private schools from pre-K through 9th grade qualify. School librarians are also eligible to apply. High school grades 10 through 12, homeschools, home daycare centers, and home-based preschools do not qualify.
Jimmie Johnson Foundation Champions Grant Program
- What It Is: Provides funding for K-12 public schools and charter schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, to support impactful projects in Science & Technology, Language & Literacy, Health & Wellness (in partnership with Chopt Creative Salad Co.), and the Arts.
- Award: $15,000 to $35,000
- Deadline: 2026 date TBA
- Application Requirements: Eligible applicants are K-12 public schools and charter schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, that have been fully operational for at least three years. Applications must be submitted by school staff, not PTOs, through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation’s online grants management system. Schools are encouraged to participate in an informational call and must provide a detailed budget and vendor quotes.
Professional Development Grants for Teachers
Looking for master’s programs grants for teachers or funds to pay for professional development classes? Try these options.
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program
- What It Is: This grant offers a unique professional development opportunity for K-12 teachers who have taught STEM subjects for at least five years. These educators participate in 10- or 11-month positions in federal agencies or U.S. congressional offices across the country before returning to the classroom.
- Award: $6,000 monthly stipend, $1,000 monthly living expenses
- Deadline: November 13, 2025. See website for other key dates.
- Application Requirements: Candidates must be U.S. citizens. They need at least five years of full-time teaching experience in a STEM field, excluding student teaching. Applicants should have taught full-time in a public or private K-12 school for five of the past seven years, with current employment in such settings or as a district official. A letter of recommendation from a school district official among three required letters and the ability to secure a leave of absence for an 11-month program participation are also necessary.
Fund for Teachers
- What It Is: These self-designed awards allow educators to create their own unique professional development grants for teachers based on what they know they need to grow.
- Award: $5,000 to $10,000
- Deadline: January 22, 2026
- Application Requirements: For those who teach full-time in a public, private, charter, or religious school with at least 50% of instruction in a classroom or classroom-like setting (including a library, gym, or pull-out scenario), who will return to the classroom the following year, and have completed three years of teaching by the conclusion of the school year.
NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grants
- What It Is: These grants are for teachers and school administrators who are current NEA members. They support educators from districts with limited budgets with the funding to access professional development opportunities.
- Award: Between $1,500 and $5,000
- Deadlines: Check website for current info.
- Application Requirements: For teachers, education support professionals, or specialized instructional support personnel who are current NEA members. Current NEA Foundation grantees are ineligible for this funding opportunity.
NEA Foundation Student Success Grants
- What It Is: Designed to support public school educators who implement innovative, engaging learning experiences that foster students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world connection skills. These grants encourage project-based and personalized learning, helping students develop essential academic content mastery, cultural understanding, collaboration, and communication skills.
- Award: Up to $5,000, funding activities for 12 months from the award date
- Deadline: Check website for current info.
- Application Requirements: Eligible applicants include public school teachers, education support professionals (ESPs), and specialized instructional support personnel (SISP) who are members of the National Education Association (NEA). Current NEA Foundation grantees cannot apply for concurrent funding. Funds may be used to develop and implement projects that enhance student learning through critical thinking, experiential and personalized learning, and cultural awareness.
McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants
- What It Is: A grant that can provide individual or small teams of K-12 teachers the opportunity to engage in insightful professional growth and training to bring fresh and innovative teaching strategies and methods to the classroom.
- Award: Up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $20,000 over two years
- Deadline: January 15 to April 15 or when 200 applications are received
- Application Requirements: For licensed K-12 teachers employed in public or private schools who have the background and experience to complete the program successfully and are willing to work in collaboration with the foundation.
Sol Hirsch Education Fund Grants
- What It Is: This grant is awarded annually to K-12 educators to enhance meteorology education for their students, school, or community. Established in 1994 by former National Weather Association Executive Director Sol Hirsch, the grant supports purchasing science materials or equipment, initiating science outreach programs, enhancing existing programs, or attending meteorology-related workshops or conferences to improve teaching.
- Award: Up to $750
- Deadline: Application opens each spring; deadlines vary annually.
- Application Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents working in publicly recognized or accredited U.S. schools or educational organizations. Teachers, program directors, and school district supervisors are eligible. Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated need, potential impact, and a detailed spending plan.
Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers
- What It Is: Provides funds for new K-12 teachers (within their first five years) to attend the National Conference on Science Education, supporting their professional growth and networking. Award recipients also receive mentoring, tracking, and continued engagement opportunities with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).
- Award: Up to $1,000 for conference attendance
- Deadline: December 19, 2025
- Application Requirements: Eligible applicants must have fewer than five years of full-time teaching experience, be NSTA members, and ideally have been members as pre-service teachers. The application requires a 500-to-750-word narrative outlining conference plans, a resume, a transcript or teaching certificate, and a letter of support from a mentor or supervisor. Recipients must submit a summary of their experience after the conference.
Shell Science Teaching Award
- What It Is: This award, in partnership with Shell USA and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), recognizes one exceptional K-12 science teacher who has positively impacted their students, school, and community through exemplary science teaching. While special projects may be noted, the application should primarily focus on overall teaching excellence.
- Award: $10,000 for the recipient; expense-paid trips to the NSTA National Conference for the recipient and two finalists. The top 10 semifinalists receive certificates of distinction.
- Deadline: December 19, 2025
- Application Requirements: Nominees must have at least eight years of experience teaching science in U.S., U.S. territory, Department of Defense, or Canadian schools. Applications should align with National Science Education Standards and include a CV, one-week schedule, teaching philosophy, instructional method documentation, and three letters of support. Selected finalists must submit a live-action YouTube video showcasing their teaching approach, followed by a site visit for the top three finalists.
Sylvia Shugrue Award for Elementary School Teachers
- What It Is: Recognizes an elementary school teacher who has developed an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based lesson plan aligned with National Science Education Standards or NGSS. The award emphasizes effective planning, motivation, and assessment practices in science education and encourages collaboration with NSTA and other educators.
- Award: $1,000 plus up to $500 for attendance at the NSTA National Conference; lesson plan featured on the NSTA website for use by other teachers.
- Deadline: December 19, 2025
- Application Requirements: Open to full-time elementary teachers (grades K-6) with a minimum of five years of experience and NSTA membership. The application requires a 250-word narrative on teaching practices, a three-page lesson plan with student work samples, two letters of support, a CV (up to five pages), and optional photos.
James Madison Graduate Fellowship
- What It Is: This fellowship provides funding for aspiring and current teachers of American history, government, or civics at the secondary level (grades 7-12) to pursue graduate studies centered on the U.S. Constitution. Fellows attend the Summer Institute on the Constitution in Washington, D.C., which is an integral part of the program.
- Award: Up to $24,000 for graduate studies; expenses covered for the Summer Institute.
- Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Application Requirements: Open to U.S. citizens who plan to teach or currently teach American history, government, or civics in grades 7-12. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree by the fellowship start date. Fellowship recipients commit to teaching in their field of study for a specified period post-graduation. The application includes choosing a master’s program that focuses on American history, political science, or education, with significant constitutional coursework.
STEAM Education Grants for Educators and Schools
Find STEM and technology grants for teachers, plus funding for computers and tech for classrooms.
Dell Technologies
- What It Is: The Dell Technologies Grants Support Program helps get your technology projects funded. As a free service, the Grants Program provides customized reports and consultations regarding ongoing annual technology grants that align with your project.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Ongoing
- Application Requirements: Grants are for public agencies.
National Girls Collaborative Project
- What It Is: Mini-grants are awarded to girl-serving programs that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to support collaboration, address gaps and overlaps in service, and share exemplary practices.
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: Ongoing
- Application Requirements: At least two programs from distinct organizations listed on the NGCP Program Map must collaborate, with one chosen as the lead, located in a state or region currently offering mini-grants. Preference is given to innovative projects involving first-time collaborations. Projects must extend beyond a single day unless they are part of a larger event.
Verizon
- What It Is: For education grants, Verizon Foundation funding is intended to support, among other things, projects that promote science, technology, engineering, and math (“STEM”), including, for example, summer or after-school programs, teacher training, and research on improving learning in STEM areas through use of technology. New applications are by invitation only.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Ongoing
- Application Requirements: Organizations must maintain auditable records, adhere to legal standards for registration and reporting, uphold high business ethics, and not replicate public agencies’ efforts. Additionally, organizations receiving mixed income and those operating in support of these entities are eligible, with specific conditions for K-12 schools, which must be not-for-profit and registered with the NCES. For more, read the full requirements.
Toshiba America Foundation Grants
- What It Is: Supports inquiry-based projects designed by individual teachers and small teams of teachers for use in their own classrooms to improve teaching and learning in science and mathematics.
- Award: Up to $1,000 for K-5, up to $5,000 or over $5,000 for grades 6-12
- Deadline: October 1 for K-5. March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 for under $5k for grades 6-12. May 1 and November 1 for over $5k for grades 6-12.
- Application Requirements: For elementary, middle, or high school teachers with a creative proposal for enhancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education through project-based learning with quantifiable results, who consider identifying specific tools, resources, or technologies that could make learning math and science engaging and enjoyable for students.
American Electric Power (AEP)
- What It Is: AEP has a special interest in science, mathematics, technology, the study of energy and a sustainable environment, and energy efficiency.
- Award: $100 to $500
- Deadline: Midnight on the third Friday in December
- Application Requirements: For pre-K to grade 12 teachers who live or teach in the AEP service area, or communities with major AEP facilities.
American Chemical Society
- What It Is: The ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Classroom Grants support ideas that enhance classroom learning, foster student development, and reveal the wonders of chemistry.
- Award: Up to $1,800
- Deadline: 2026 date TBA
- Application Requirements: For high school chemistry educators teaching in a U.S. or U.S. territory school.
Gravely and Paige Grants for STEM Teachers
- What It Is: The Gravely and Paige Grants provide grants for elementary schools and middle schools in the United States to promote STEM innovation in the classroom, with an emphasis on academic programs.
- Award: Up to $2,000
- Deadline: 2026 date TBA
- Application Requirements: Teachers specializing in STEM subjects at U.S. elementary or middle schools, particularly those serving economically disadvantaged students, are prioritized for these awards. Selection criteria include the teacher’s expertise, the potential for effective use of the grant, and financial need. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal outlining their project, a budget detailing fund utilization, and a letter of recommendation from their school’s principal.
AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant Program
- What It Is: The foundation believes that one of the most significant means to inspire and advance the future of aerospace is to fund grants to meet the educational needs of students. A clear connection to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) with an emphasis on aerospace must be included in the grant proposal.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: December 2, 2025
- Application Requirements: Grant proposals must explicitly link to STEM fields with a special focus on aerospace. Eligible applicants are K-12 classroom teachers, with funds disbursed directly to their schools. Teachers must be active AIAA Educator Associate members before the grant is awarded. Note that each school may receive a maximum of two grants annually. Moreover, allocated funds must be exclusively used for the expenses detailed in the original application.
NCTM’s Mathematics Education Trust
- What It Is: Funding is available to help math teachers, prospective teachers, and other math educators improve the teaching and learning of mathematics.
- Award: $490 to $10,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Application Requirements: The guidelines for each grant are unique. Please see the list of awards to find the specific requirements.
National Science Foundation Discovery Research Grant
- What It Is: NSF offers this ed-tech grant to provide funding for STEM programs for pre-K through grade 12 educators with financial need.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Submit a full grant proposal by the first Wednesday in October each year.
- Application Requirements: Choose the award on the list to review the specific guidelines.
ASM’s Kishor M. Kulkarni Distinguished High School Teacher Award
- What It Is: A grant to recognize the accomplishments of a high school science teacher who has demonstrated a significant and sustained impact on pre-college-age students.
- Award: $2,500
- Deadline: May 1
- Application Requirements: Eligible candidates for this opportunity must be full- or part-time high school teachers. They must be actively employed in the USA or Canada. Ideal candidates are those who have previously received ASM Foundation K-12 Teacher Grants or have graduated from the ASM Materials Camp Teachers Camp program. Additionally, any ASM member can submit a qualified application or nomination for consideration.
Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching
- What It Is: The award is designed to recognize one teacher of grades K-8 each year for their leadership and innovation in earth science education.
- Award: $2,500 and $1,500 grants to attend NSTA Conference
- Deadline: January 16, 2026
- Application Requirements: Must be full-time K-8 earth science teachers in the United States or United Kingdom, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to instruction. Required application materials include an essay, a detailed CV or resume, a recommendation letter from the principal, two additional recommendations from educational peers, and a standout earth science lesson plan.
Innovative Technology Education Fund
- What It Is: Supports the integration of innovative technology in education to improve engagement and learning outcomes.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: October 31, 2025
- Application Requirements: Grants are typically awarded for a one-year period. Applicants must have the endorsement and backing of their superintendent or head of school, as well as their Information Technology department. Recipients are required to showcase adherence to grant conditions via quarterly reports, mid-project visits, and a final report. Eligible applicants are those whose charter has been in effect for at least three years. Proposals can target individual or multiple grade levels, whole schools, or involve partnership with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports students and/or teachers from accredited or charter schools.
Captain Planet Foundation’s Project Learning Garden Program
- What It Is: Provides elementary schools with resources to create and maintain school gardens that support inquiry-based, hands-on STEAM learning. Through outdoor laboratories, students engage in real-world science and nutrition education, connecting standard learning objectives to practical applications in gardening and cooking.
- Award: Package valued at $7,500
- Deadline: Varies
- Application Requirements: Open to U.S. elementary schools only. Schools receive garden beds, seeds, soil, tools, a mobile cooking cart with a Vitamix blender, access to garden-based lessons, literacy materials, and online training for teachers. Program also includes a sponsor-led volunteer day for garden installation.
Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grant
- What It Is: Supports elementary school teachers (grades pre-K through 5) in developing mathematics content expertise and becoming leaders in math instruction within their schools or districts. The grant focuses on strengthening teachers’ knowledge through professional development and classroom-based implementation, ultimately enhancing math teaching and learning.
- Award: Up to $6,000
- Deadline: November 1
- Application Requirements: Eligible applicants include pre-K to grade 5 classroom teachers with at least three years of teaching experience who regularly teach mathematics, as well as full-time math coaches or math teachers. Applicants must be NCTM Essential or Premium members and obtain support from their principal. Funds may be used for professional development in mathematics, teacher stipends, materials for in-service programs, and instructional materials, but cannot cover travel, lodging, or food expenses.
Literacy Education Grants for Teachers and Schools
These programs offer funds for libraries and grants for elementary school literacy programs. You’ll also find book grants and literacy grants to help support reading in your community.
Believe in Reading
- What It Is: Believe in Reading awards grants to existing and provably successful literacy programs.
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: Ongoing
- Application Requirements: Believe in Reading grants are for established literacy programs. They should have a proven track record of success for at least two years. Eligible recipients must possess tax-exempt status under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) or an equivalent for educational entities, including public libraries; applications from organizations with pending tax-exempt status are not accepted. The grants support a wide range of reading and literacy initiatives for all ages, encompassing adult literacy, English as a second language (ESL) projects, and Braille programs for the blind or visually impaired.
Snapdragon Book Foundation
- What It Is: Provides books for school/educational libraries for disadvantaged students.
- Award: Up to $20,000
- Deadline: Opens November 2025 for 2026 awards
- Application Requirements: School libraries within alternative education settings, such as youth detention centers, in the United States and its territories that cater to disadvantaged youth are eligible to apply for grants. Individuals working across multiple schools may submit separate applications for each or a single district-wide application if they oversee multiple libraries. Libraries serving pre-K–12 students are eligible, and previous applicants, including past grant recipients, are welcome to reapply annually.
International Literacy Association
- What It Is: The Diane Lapp & James Flood Professional Collaborator Award recognizes an ongoing professional collaboration between two or more people who regularly contribute to the professional knowledge base of literacy educators.
- Deadline: February 2, 2026
- Application Requirements: Collaborative teams of two or three professionals, known for functioning as a unit in their field, can be nominated or self-nominated for recognition. These teams should have a history of working together on various projects that have significantly contributed to the advancement of literacy education over a minimum of five years. Eligible contributions may include a body of research and practice evidenced through publications or impactful field-based projects that explore new literacies, foster literacy collaborations, or enhance literacy engagement. To qualify, all team members must be members in good standing with the ILA and maintain their active membership throughout the nomination process.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
- What It Is: Schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations that help students who are below grade level or having trouble reading are eligible to apply.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Next cycle opens March 2026
- Application Requirements: Schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations that help students who are below grade level or having trouble reading are eligible to apply.
The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation
- What It Is: The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation awards grants to organizations that operate a lending bookmobile that travels into neighborhoods populated by underserved youth. For preschool through 8th grade.
- Award: $500 to $3,000
- Deadline: Application period opens early in 2026
- Application Requirements: The LLCF Bookmobile Grant Program offers funding for acquiring books for children from preschool through grade 8, encompassing early reader to young adult and hi-lo books. Eligibility is restricted to organizations operating within the United States, its territories, or commonwealths. Recipients of the grant are required to submit a brief questionnaire post-award and provide evidence of how the grant funds were utilized.
American Association of School Librarians Innovative Reading Grant
- What It Is: Members of the American Association of School Librarians can apply for this curriculum grant. It supports planning and implementing programs to encourage students, particularly struggling learners, to read.
- Award: $2,500
- Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Application Requirements: Applicant must be a personal member of AASL.
The Laura Bush Foundation Grant
- What It Is: This grant is intended for high-needs schools with a significant percentage of students who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: Late 2025, exact date TBA
- Application Requirements: To qualify, a certified librarian or paid professional must oversee the school library’s collection and maintenance. Eligible public schools must meet Title 1 criteria, including neighborhood, charter, and magnet schools. Private and parochial schools can apply if at least 50% of their students are eligible for financial aid. Applicants must have a designated library space accessible for all students to borrow books. The application requires a digital signature from the principal and complete financial documentation, including the school/district’s W-9 and a voided check or bank letter. Grant funds are strictly for purchasing books, e-books, and magazines for the school library, excluding expenditures on shelving, furniture, equipment, staffing, software, videos, classroom book sets, or similar items.
Arts Education Grants for Teachers and Schools
Grants for music teachers and art teachers can go a long way toward keeping arts programs alive in our schools. Some programs provide education grant money, while others provide instruments and other resources.
Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
- What It Is: The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation awards grants to organizations for whom a small amount of money can make a big difference. The foundation will consider requests to support schools, museums, and cultural and performing arts programs.
- Award: $1,000 to $20,000
- Deadline: Check the program page for the timeline and deadlines.
- Application Requirements: The application demands comprehensive details including organizational and contact information, confirmation of nonprofit status, a history of past awards or requests, and a synopsis of the organization’s mission and programs. It also requires a plan for the potential use of funds, a formal letter of request, the most recent IRS Form 990 (if applicable), a detailed program budget (for program support applicants), and a copy of the IRS letter confirming Section 501(c)(3) status, excluding private foundations. If the application progresses, additional financial data, such as the last four IRS Form 990s, will be necessary for further evaluation.
Classics for Kids Foundation
- What It Is: Money granted toward the following instruments: violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: June 30, September 30, December 31, and March 31
- Application Requirements: Schools and nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to incorporating fine instruments into their programs and can demonstrate a genuine need alongside a commitment to raising matching funds are ideal candidates for the Classics for Kids matching grant program.
The Mockingbird Foundation
- What It Is: The Mockingbird Foundation offers competitive grants to schools and nonprofit organizations that effect improvements in music education for children.
- Award: $100 to $10,000
- Deadline: Check the key dates on the program website.
- Application Requirements: Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, entities with a 501(c)(3) sponsor, or U.S. government entities like public schools, with required proof of status for full proposals. Exclusions include individuals, research, fundraising events, religious or political programs, and non-U.S. organizations. Applicants must ensure non-discriminatory practices in employment and service delivery.
P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education Grants
- What It Is: For projects within schools serving all children that integrate the arts into educational programs. The purpose for this grant is to aid and support teachers who wish to establish or maintain an effective learning tool using the visual arts within the school day.
- Award: Up to $1,000
- Deadline: Check website for next application cycle
- Application Requirements: Candidates must focus on creating and applying a hands-on visual art educational resource.
Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation
- What It Is: Provides vital support services to school districts and new musical instruments to underfunded music programs nationwide. Gives under-represented youth access to the many benefits of music education, leading them to success in school, and inspiring creativity and expression through playing music.
- Award: Varies
- Application Requirements: By invitation only
Education Grants for School Grounds
Get grant money for school playgrounds and sports programs, plus funds to support school gardens.
Good Sports
- What It Is: Get sports equipment for your school.
- Award: Equipment from their catalog
- Deadline: Ongoing through May of the school year
- Application Requirements: Eligibility for this program requires U.S.-based organizations serving youths ages 3 to 18, particularly in high-poverty areas, with a participation fee of $299 or less. The organization should ensure regular access to physical activity, which does not need to be a structured sports program. For schools, there must be no tuition charges, and over half of the students should qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Whole Kids Foundation
- What It Is: Through their Garden Grant Program, schools and nonprofit organizations turn outdoor spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity, and support classroom curriculum.
- Award: $3,000
- Deadline: 2026 date TBA
- Application Requirements: K–12 schools or nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada.
KidsGardening Youth Garden Grants
- What It Is: Supports school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities.
- Award: Varies, includes cash and gardening supplies
- Deadline: December 12, 2025
- Application Requirements: Schools, nonprofits, and youth programs across the United States can apply. Grant awardees are required to complete a year-end report including 5 to 10 digital images of the garden, parental release forms to accompany images of children, and a narrative about the impact of the garden program.
The Herb Society of America’s Classroom Herb Garden Grants
- What It Is: Supports the development of herb gardens in schools as a way to stimulate students’ interest in herb planting and gardening.
- Award: $300
- Deadline: Varies depending on the grant. Check the program site for more details.
- Application Requirements: K-12 educators who are interested in creating or maintaining an herb garden with their students. The project should have a clear educational outcome related to the study of herbs.
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