top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureWinnie O'Leary

Non Federal Competitive Grants-More Thrilling Than it Sounds



Purpose: The Classroom Grants offered by AAE aim to provide financial support to teachers for creative and innovative projects that directly impact student learning.

Eligibility: Classroom Grants are typically open to all AAE members who are practicing teachers. Educators from all grade levels and subject areas may apply.

Project Focus: The grants are designed to fund projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation, and a commitment to improving educational outcomes. Projects can cover a wide range of areas, including curriculum development, classroom resources, technology integration, and more.

Grant Amount: The grant amount varies and is intended to assist teachers in implementing specific projects or initiatives. It may cover expenses related to project materials, resources, and other relevant costs.

Application Process: Teachers interested in applying for Classroom Grants typically need to submit a proposal outlining their project, including its objectives, implementation plan, and expected outcomes. The application process may include specific deadlines and requirements.

Selection Process: Grant applications are typically reviewed by a selection committee, and recipients are chosen based on the merit and potential impact of their proposed projects.

Use of Funds: Grant funds are expected to be used exclusively for the approved project and related expenses.


Purpose: The grant is designed to support school librarians in developing and implementing innovative reading initiatives that foster a love of reading among students.

Eligibility: School librarians who are members of AASL are typically eligible to apply for the grant. The grant may be open to librarians at various educational levels.

Project Focus: The Innovative Reading Grant is intended to fund projects that creatively promote reading, literacy, and a positive reading culture within the school community.

Grant Amount: The grant amount may vary, and it is intended to provide financial support for the implementation of the proposed reading initiative. The funds may be used for materials, resources, and activities related to the project.

Application Process: Interested school librarians typically need to submit a grant application that outlines the details of their innovative reading project. The application process may include specific guidelines and deadlines.

Selection Process: The grant applications are usually reviewed by a selection committee, and recipients are chosen based on the merit of their proposed projects and their potential impact on promoting reading engagement.

Use of Funds: Grant funds are expected to be used exclusively for the approved reading initiative and related expenses.


The 2024 Youth Literacy grant applications will be available in March 2024.


DonorsChoose is a crowdfunding platform that connects teachers in need of classroom resources with donors who want to support education. DonorsChoose itself is not a traditional grant provider but rather a platform that facilitates funding for specific teacher-initiated projects. Here's how DonorsChoose generally works:

Project Creation: Teachers create projects on the DonorsChoose platform, outlining specific needs or resources they require for their classrooms. Projects can range from books and art supplies to technology and classroom furniture.

Project Verification: DonorsChoose staff reviews and verifies the projects to ensure they align with the platform's guidelines. This includes confirming that the requested items directly benefit students and that they comply with the platform's policies.

Project Listing: Once a project is approved, it is listed on the DonorsChoose website, and teachers can share the project with potential donors through social media, email, and other channels.

Donor Contributions: Individuals, foundations, and companies can browse the projects on DonorsChoose and choose to contribute funds to specific projects that resonate with them. Donors can contribute any amount towards fully or partially funding a project.

Project Fulfillment: Once a project is fully funded, DonorsChoose purchases the requested items and ships them directly to the teacher's school. Teachers are then required to share photos and updates on the project's impact with donors.


Honda has a philanthropic arm known as the Honda Foundation that supports various community initiatives, including education and environmental projects.


An EJK Mini-Grant program is a creative and innovative activity that takes place in class or out in the community. It is designed to provide an enriching experience and is funded solely by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. It is an opportunity for a public-school teacher or librarian to present a special project outside the standard curriculum or an engaging way to help students meet curricular goals. These are typically grants to fund projects of 500 or less. These grants will go live again in the Spring of 2025


The Foundation also matches cash, product and volunteer time contributions by Mitsubishi Electric Philanthropy Committees, and donations made by Employee Volunteers through its Matching Grant and Starfish Matches programs. They have a large philanthropic and educational resources especially for students with disabilities.


The ConocoPhillips Matching Gift Program encourages eligible employees and board members to become personally involved in the well-being of the communities in which they live and work by contributing to qualifying charitable organizations of their choice. The program advances substantial community investments through a collaboration among employees and the company with dollar-for-dollar cash matches to qualified organizations. There donations support education, health and safety, natural resources, the arts, civic and social services, and disaster relief.


Local community grants are awarded through an open application process and provide funding directly from Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities to local organizations in the U.S. Local Community grants range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,000.

Eligible nonprofit organizations must operate on the local level (or be an affiliate/chapter of a larger organization that operates locally) and directly benefit the service area of the facility from which they are requesting funding.

Applications may be submitted at any time during each quarter funding cycle. All applications will be reviewed prior to the next funding cycle.


It's important to note that details about grant programs, including eligibility criteria and application processes, may be subject to updates or changes. In the dynamic landscape of education, staying updated with regional opportunities is pivotal. As educators and administrators, it's essential to remain in the loop about funding availability, policy changes, and emerging trends within your state. This knowledge empowers you to align with the latest priorities and funding streams.

4 views0 comments
bottom of page