Classroom Grants for Teachers
Education is one of the categories supported by many grants on all levels from government grants to corporate grants to foundation grants. Teachers have opportunities to create innovative programs within their classrooms, purchase equipment that gets them up to technological speed and provide materials to create intriguing hands-on projects.
-
Time Frame
-
Each grant has its own rules about deadlines. Rolling deadlines mean that the funder reviews grants throughout the year as applications are received. Other funders provide specific dates for applications. Be aware of each deadlines to be sure you do not miss an entire application cycle.
When first starting to apply for grants, rolling deadlines are more convenient since they can be sent in whenever the application is complete.
Size
-
Grants for teachers range from the very small (i.e., $250 for classroom supplies) to the very large (i.e., $10,000 for a teacher to pursue a particular project throughout the year with a particular group of students).
Most funders provide grants on a yearly basis. If a teacher wishes to receive funding for a project that will span a number of years, government funding is recommended.
-
Considerations
-
Some corporations support teachers in the classroom with product rather than money. Do not overlook opportunities from organizations that provide books, supplies and volunteers. Some of these resources are often just as valuable as cash, depending on the need the classroom teacher is trying to fill. These donations are known as "in kind" donations. Remember to use that term when running Internet searches as well.
Misconceptions
-
Classroom teachers sometimes avoid applying for grants because they are afraid the process is too long and complicated. Those teachers should pick and choose their grants carefully. While some would require districtwide support and a great deal of time for the application process, others are a quick form with very little review needed.
Some grants for teachers are noncompetitive, which means that as long as the teacher meets the formula, the teacher will receive funding.
Expert Insight
-
According to Don Peek, an educator in Texas for more than 20 years, "...grants are not really about the money. They are more about change, creativity and hope. Classroom teachers can often stretch $500 to $1,000 a very long way. It doesn't matter if it comes from Target, Wal-Mart, Lowes, DonorsChoose.org or a host of other businesses and foundations that offer classroom grants. A small grant can make a big difference to a classroom with a creative teacher....It's interesting to me how many foundations and businesses offer smaller classroom grants. Millions of dollars are funneled to classroom teachers in this way."
-
