Ask any educator about their #1 problem and you will most likely hear the same answer: “budget.” According to CoSN’s 2021 K-12 IT Leadership Survey Report, budget constraints remain the top challenge for IT leaders – as it has been for the past seven years. Landing in the top 3 once again: professional development, which is directly tied to the budget problem.
Some schools may have seen an increase in their budget, but more often than not, teachers, IT leaders, and transportation departments could all use a little more funding for their programs. (If you’re looking for grants for school transportation, check out our blog on 10 bus grants.)
But educators are innovative, and one of the ways they’re overcoming IT budget issues is by finding money with grants.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out 10 new grants for the 2022-23 school year to help find funding.
Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)
Mission: ITEST is an applied research and development (R&D) program providing direct student learning opportunities in pre-kindergarten through high school (PreK-12). The learning opportunities are based on innovative use of technology to strengthen knowledge and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and information and communication technology (ICT) careers. To achieve this purpose, ITEST supports projects that engage students in technology-rich experiences that:
- Increase awareness and interest of STEM and ICT occupations
- Motivate students to pursue appropriate education pathways to those occupations
- Develop STEM-specific disciplinary content knowledge and practices that promote critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills needed for entering the STEM and ICT workforce of the future.
Funding Priority: ITEST proposals should broaden participation of all students, particularly those in underrepresented and underserved groups in STEM fields and related education and workforce domains. ITEST expects to fund between 22 and 30 awards per year, depending on the type of proposal and funding level. Categories include: (1) Exploring Theory and Design Principles (ETD); (2) Developing and Testing Innovations (DTI); (3) Scaling, Expanding, and Iterating Innovations (SEI); Syntheses; and Conferences.
Geography: National
Amount: $25 million to $30 million
More Information: https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/innovative-technology-experiences-students-and-teachers-itest
ClassWish
Mission: Devastating budget cuts leave schools without the resources students need to succeed. ClassWish is the only nonprofit that lets people contribute to fund any K-12 school or teacher in the country. We help educators and schools get the supplies they need for their students to excel.
Funding Priority: K-12 educators
Geography: National
Amount: Varies
More Information: https://classwish.org/teachers
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Mission: The Kauffman Foundation works in partnership with organizations that share our vision and passion for education, entrepreneurship and the Kansas City community. The Foundation looks for ways to advance programs and to leverage additional funding and resources in these areas. We consider our grants to be investments, and we look for a return on the investments we make.
Funding Priority: Grantmaking occurs through three primary channels: idea and project submissions that align with the foundation’s priorities of improving education; boosting entrepreneurship; and helping communities and individuals thrive; requests for proposals (RFPs), including Quality Enhancement Grants to support quality improvement efforts in early learning programs serving children birth to five in the Kansas City region; and sponsorships of events in the Kansas City area.
Geography: The majority of the education grants go to organizations and efforts focused within Kansas City’s five-county metropolitan area.
Amount: Varies
More Information: https://www.kauffman.org/grants
Computers for Learning
Mission: In order to advocate and promote the reuse of computers, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is proud to sponsor the new re-engineered Computers for Learning (CFL) website. The CFL program assists federal agencies to meet the requirements of Executive Order (EO) 12999, “Educational Technology: Ensuring Opportunity for All Children in the Next Century.”
Funding Priority: A school is eligible to receive donations through the Computers for Learning program if it is public, private, or parochial, serving pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students.
Geography: National
Amount: Donations in the form of computers (Windows based PCs and Apples)
More Information: https://computersforlearning.gov/htm/hp_programDesc.htm
Pitsco Education Grant
Mission: Pitsco Education appreciates everything educators do to positively affect learners. We also know that funding enriching learning opportunities for students can be difficult. This grant is awarded in the form of a gift certificate that may be used to purchase hands-on STEM products, curriculum, and more on our website.
Funding Priority: K-12 educators
Geography: National
Amount: $350
More Information: https://resources.pitsco.com/pitsco-grant-app
McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation – Academic Enrichment Grant
Mission: The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Academic Enrichment Grants designed to develop in-class and extra-curricular programs that improve student learning.
Funding Priority: The Foundation considers proposals that foster understanding, deepen students’ knowledge, and provide opportunities to expand awareness of the world around them.
Geography: National
Amount: Up to $10,000 per year for up to three years ($30,000 total)
More Information: https://mccartheydressman.org/academic-enrichment-grants/
Scholl Foundation
Mission: The Dr. Scholl Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today’s world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work and compassion.
Funding Priority: Applications for grants are considered in the following areas: Education, social service, healthcare, civic and cultural, and environmental.
Geography: National
Amount: Varies – typically ranges from $5,000 to $25,000
More Information: https://www.drschollfoundation.com/application-procedures/procedures/
Reiman Foundation
Mission: We support the dedication, imagination, and courage of many worthy organizations, particularly those involved in our key grant focus areas of education, health care, the arts, and children’s initiatives. The Foundation provides philanthropic support to a number of organizations that share and embody this mission.
Funding Priority: The Reiman Foundation focuses its giving in four main areas: healthcare, education, the arts, and children.
Geography: National
Amount: Varies
More Information: http://www.reimanfoundation.org/grantapplicationinformation/
American Association of Educators (AAE)
Mission: Our mission is to foster the transformation of the teaching profession by empowering and supporting our community of professionals for the benefit of our students and the nation.
Funding Priority: Classroom grants can be used for a variety of projects and materials including, but not limited to, books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials. Teacher scholarships can be used for professional development, including books, travel expenses, conferences, workshops, registration fees, and other expenditures.
Geography: National
Amount: Up to $500
More Information: https://www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/member-benefits/scholarships-and-grants
Toshiba America Foundation (TAF)
Mission: Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) believes science and mathematics are exciting fields in which all students can succeed with the proper tools and instruction. TAF is dedicated to helping classroom teachers make STEM learning fun and successful for students in U.S. schools.
Funding Priority: TAF grants fund the projects ideas and materials teachers need to innovate in their Science, technology, engineering, and math classrooms. TAF is interested in funding innovative projects designed by teachers or small teams of teachers for use in their own schools and classroom. Grants are available for elementary schools (Grades K-5) and middle and high schools (Grades 6-12).
Geography: National
Amount: Varies
More Information: https://www.toshiba.com/taf/about.jsp
Looking for more funding? Keep reading below for previous grants Kajeet has pulled together for this blog!
10 New Grants for 2018-19 Ed Tech Initiatives
Originally Posted on September 4, 2018
Technology is increasingly essential in the realm of education; however, technology comes at a cost, as in a monetary cost. Regardless of cost, tech tools have developed into a necessity because of the benefits which it provides for students, along with the innovation it brings. For example, a Massachusetts school established remote libraries, allowing students to collaborate with each other. It sparks creative discussion and enables the classroom time to flow more productively.
But the problem with this shift, as David Liu points out, is that the gap between underserved areas and the wealthier systems is continually widening. Without proper funding, these less affluent schools cannot adequately provide the technology that their students need to compete on a level playing field.
However, with the help of ed tech grants, these limitations can be overcome.
Because finding grants which fit your specific needs is not an easy feat, we want to give you a solid place to begin. Below you will find a compilation of 10 new grants for 2018 that will jump start you into the world of grant funding!
Lockheed Martin Foundation
Mission: Lockheed Martin is committed to a program of philanthropy that supports the Corporation’s strategic business goals and invests in the quality of life in the communities where our employees work and live.
Funding Priority:
- Public elementary/secondary school.
- Align with one or more of Lockheed Martin’s strategic focus areas: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and military and veteran causes, or provide support to address the needs of the communities where our employees live and work.
- Located or operate in a community in which Lockheed Martin has employees or business interests.
Geography: National
Amount: Varies
More Information: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/who-we-are/community/philanthropy.html
Montgomery Schools Grant
Mission: Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) actively garners grant funding to support projects that address critical unmet needs, supplement existing programs, explore new ideas, and/or implement model programs. Grants also serve as catalysts toward building partnerships between schools and communities that will improve the quality of education and supports academic achievement for all. Grant opportunities for schools fall within one of the following three categories:
- Independent Activities Fund (IAF): Less than $20,000.
- Supported Project or Central Office Grant: Grant does not meet requirements of the IAF grant, and must be managed at the central office level.
- MCPS Educational Foundation Inc. (EFI) Grant: Specific tax status eligibility requirement.
Geography: Maryland
Amount: Less than $20,000
More Information: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/grants/
NEA Foundation – Student Success Grants
Mission: The National Education Association (NEA) Foundation provides NEA members with grants to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area(s).
Funding Priority: Educators frequently need outside funding for classroom resources. NEA members help students learn how to think critically and solve problems. Grant funds can be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, or technology.
Geography: Any NEA members in the U.S.
Amount: $2,000 – $5,000
More Information: https://www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/student-success-grants/
Mission: The purpose of the Fund is to support nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate that they have planned their projects with respect to the community’s greatest opportunities.
Powell Group Fund
Funding Priority: Priority is given to projects that build on strengths and assets of individuals, organizations, and institutions. The Fund will support nonprofit organizations in the greater communities of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Le Mars, Iowa; Sioux City, Iowa; and Panama City Beach, Florida. Colleges and universities are not eligible.
Geography: FL, IA, LA
Amount: Varies
More Information: http://www.braf.org/powell-group-fund
Corning Incorporated Foundation Grant
Mission: The foundation supports grants for instructional technology for the classroom among a variety of other grants.
Funding Priority: The Foundation puts specific focus in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and STEAM (which includes the arts) curricula as well as workforce development programs that lead to productive career paths for young adults. The programs could include exposing students in kindergarten through 12th grade to STEM-related experiences and hands-on activities.
Geography: AZ, CA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, TX, UT, VA, and WV
Amount: Varies
More Information: https://cfncw.org/strongerschools/
South Dakota Community Foundation
Mission: We know that there are many creative solutions to community problems. Community Innovation Grants focus on finding these new solutions that are inclusive, collaborative, and resourceful. Community innovation should address a community need or opportunity in a more effective, equitable, or sustainable way than existing approaches.
Funding Priority: Applicants should be public, non-profit organizations.
Geography: South Dakota
Amount: $500 – $10,000
More Information: https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/for-nonprofits/community-innovation-grants/
Technology in Education
Mission: The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi strives to bring the best educational opportunities to students and adults in northwest Mississippi. Technology in Education grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations for the following purposes: summer technology camps and workshops for teachers; innovative technology workshops for students outside their regular classroom; entrepreneurship support utilizing EverFi; ways to use technology to advance learning; and, early childhood learning through technology.
Funding Priority: The Grants Selection Committee considers many factors including the extent to which each grant request addresses the criteria outlined in the funding guidelines for Technology in Education.
Geography: Missouri
Amount: $1,000-$20,000
More Information: https://cfnm.org/grants/
Turner Industries Fund
Mission: The founders of Turner Industries have taken an interest in steadily investing charitable dollars back into the communities in which the company works. As the company has grown, so have the number of recipients the company has been able to assist.
Funding Priorities: Turner Industries Fund has granted to a wide variety of causes with emphasis on education, health, the arts, and community development. The fund supports nonprofit organizations in the greater communities of Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Port Arthur, Houston, Corpus Christi, and Paris, Texas; and Decatur, Alabama.
Geography: Alabama, Louisiana, Texas
Amount: $500 – $5,000
More Information: http://www.braf.org/turner-industries-fund
Funding options are out there – ready to bolster your school or district’s edtech initiatives. Happy applying!