3 Grants You Can Apply for Right Now

Funding classroom projects out of pocket can hurt the wallet. That’s why we always encourage teachers to explore all of their grant opportunities.

Many application deadlines occur during the fall months--like Kids in Need Foundation grants--but if you dig a little deeper there are several opportunities you can apply for right now.

Here are three excellent picks:

Classroom Innovators Grant
Brighthouse Networks
Deadline: Multiple cycles; next cycle ends March 31, 2016.

Brighthouse Networks, cable provider for parts of the Indianapolis area, seeks to reward innovative educators with mini grants that will help them “move students toward a brighter future through innovative learning.”

Grants are awarded in the amounts ranging from $250 to $500. To qualify, those interested educators must be a K-12 teacher or work at after school non-profit within a Brighthouse service area.

Access the full rules and online application here.

Teacher Development Grants
McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
Deadline: April 15, 2016

Teaching is a lifelong learning experience. That’s why this grant supports small teams of teachers seeking to grow through the development and “implementation of groundbreaking K-12 classroom instruction.” This is the perfect opportunity for teachers who seek to improve instruction while enacting an organized and thoughtful plan for enriching the classroom experience.

Grants are for helping educators to launch their project with the expectation they will critically reflect on, write about, and share the student impact and overall results of the project. Amounts awarded are up to $10,000 per year, with the potential for three years of funding for successful, eligible projects.

Learn more and submit your application here.

Grants to Educators
The National Education Foundation
Deadline: Multiple cycles ending February 1, June 1, and October 15

The NEA seeks to “support new ideas and practices to strengthen teaching and learning.” To do so they fund multiple grants each year through a variety of grant programs.

Learning & Leadership Grants go to support exceptional professional development experiences, including institutes and peer mentoring, while Student Achievement Grants fund critical thinking-based classroom projects. Throughout the year the NEA also partners with various organizations for special grant opportunities.

Learn more about each type of grant and their requirements on their grants webpage. 

Looking for more opportunities? Here are a few great round-ups and resources:

The Big List of Educational Grants and Resources by Edutopia

Grants for Teachers by Teachers Count

GrantsforTeachers.net