TeachersFirst's Grant Sources and Contests

Finding money for classroom technology, for special projects, or for your own professional development can be tough with today's shrinking school budgets. TeachersFirst is committed to helping teachers use technology effectively as a teaching tool. We offer these listings as possible grant sources for your educational technology and other projects. Be sure to read the details carefully when submitting grant proposals to improve your chances of success.

TeachersFirst has no affiliation with or interest in any of the grant sources or competitions listed below. We offer this information strictly to assist teachers and educational groups in locating funding sources. If you have questions about any of these listings, please contact the organizations directly.

If you are successful in obtaining a grant that you find on our site, let us know! We will gladly share your tips for success with other teachers.

If you are a foundation or business offering grants to innovative educators using technology effectively as a teaching tool, please contact TeachersFirst so we may include your grant information on this page.

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FreeFunder - John Symonds

Grades
K to 12
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FreeFunder offers a free fundraising platform for personal causes. Begin by visiting the Create tab to create an account. Then, add images and a compelling description of your needs,...more
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FreeFunder offers a free fundraising platform for personal causes. Begin by visiting the Create tab to create an account. Then, add images and a compelling description of your needs, and use FreeFunder's tools to personalize the look of your page. When ready to share, use the many options available to share your fundraiser on social media. Secure payments are received directly through Stripe. Stripe charges a fee of 2.9% and $.30 per transaction.

tag(s): grants (16)

In the Classroom

Use FreeFunder to set up fundraisers for community or school family members who need financial support. Additional ideas include fundraisers for school equipment, class trips, and after-school or summer programs. Browse through the Discover link on FreeFunder to find ideas already supported on the site.

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Givebutter - Ari Krasner, Max Friedman, and Liran Cohen

Grades
K to 12
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Givebutter is a free fundraising platform offering several tools to increase support and donations. Choose from three options provided by Givebutter for use in fundraising campaigns....more
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Givebutter is a free fundraising platform offering several tools to increase support and donations. Choose from three options provided by Givebutter for use in fundraising campaigns. Raise is the fundraising portion of the site; use this area to share your fundraising needs with forms, campaigns, and events. Raise also offers opportunities for social engagement through live streaming and virtual events. Track is where users manage donations, contacts, and view donor timelines. Boost awareness and interest in fundraising needs using Engage. Use Engage to send customized messages to donor groups, including images, videos, and text. Givebutter offers payment options through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and PayPal.

tag(s): grants (16)

In the Classroom

Use Givebutter for any classroom or school fundraising needs to make it easier for parents and community members to support students. Use Raise to share your classroom wishlist by sharing videos and stories of how funds will engage learning in your classroom. Share Givebutter with your school's parent/teacher organization for more extensive fundraising needs, such as new equipment for your school or playground. Accept online donations and recurring donations as a way to meet the needs of community members.

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The Bee Cause Project - Ted Dennard

Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites 0  Comments
   
Learn about the important roles of bees in our ecosystems with the many resources found on the Bee Cause Project site. Choose from many lessons and curriculum guides for classrooms....more
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Learn about the important roles of bees in our ecosystems with the many resources found on the Bee Cause Project site. Choose from many lessons and curriculum guides for classrooms. Learn how to start and maintain your own hive through videos and webinars. Be sure also to watch the site for annual grant applications for schools to implement a honey bee hive and educational program.

tag(s): ecosystems (70), grants (16), habitats (87), insects (67), life cycles (21)

In the Classroom

Download the many curriculum materials to include with teaching units on insects and ecosystems. Work together with other school classes to apply for the annual grant to receive a hive for your school. Encourage students to learn more about the many benefits of bees by sharing additional resources on a Padlet, reviewed here. Create columns on your Padlet to organize resources into topics such as books, videos, online information, and student research. Challenge students to use a game-creation tool like Scratch, reviewed here, to make a game about bees and their importance within local ecosystems.
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First Book - Kyle Zimmer

Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites 1  Comments
Studies show that owning a book increases interest in reading. First Book supplies free reading materials to children in need (at least 70% of the group come from low-income families)....more
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Studies show that owning a book increases interest in reading. First Book supplies free reading materials to children in need (at least 70% of the group come from low-income families). Register the recipient group such as a school, early childhood program, or after-school program to access free books and book grant opportunities.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): grants (16), preK (253)

In the Classroom

Register with First Book to view available free materials if you teach in a low-income setting. Share with youth groups and other organizations that can benefit from this service. Share First Book with students, then organize a book drive to help families and groups in your community.

Comments

This is so true. I brought in books from daughters when they were young and gave each student a book. If you could have seen their faces, it would have melted your heart. People fail to realize some kids are introduced to books or read to at school only. I love your post. Hollie, SC, Grades: 0 - 3

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GetEdFunding - CDW-G

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K to 12
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GetEdFunding curates and collects an up to date database of grant and award opportunities for school systems. Create a free account using your email to search and view available grants....more
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GetEdFunding curates and collects an up to date database of grant and award opportunities for school systems. Create a free account using your email to search and view available grants. Once you have an account, save items of interest and stay up to date on upcoming deadlines. In addition to the site's very large database, be sure to check out the Resources link for articles, videos, a glossary, and access to the online community forum. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): grants (16)

In the Classroom

Create your account and explore GetEdFunding to find many grant opportunities. Apply for a grant using the tips provided in the Resources link. Be sure to share with your colleagues as an excellent resource for all grade levels and subjects. Consider creating a committee of interested teachers to divide up grant writing and win money for your school.
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P 21 - Partnership For 21st Century Skills - P21

Grades
1 to 12
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Join the community designed to educate students and all learners in 21st century learning. The mission consists of building collaborative partnerships between education, businesses,...more
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Join the community designed to educate students and all learners in 21st century learning. The mission consists of building collaborative partnerships between education, businesses, government, and community leaders to promote learning skills needed in the 21st century for life, work, and citizenship. P21 strives to prepare all students for the challenges of the future. Find a framework for student outcomes with support system outlines. Resources for educators include sample lesson ideas, Common Core alignment, P21 Common Core Tool Kit, professional development guides, 21st century skill maps in a variety of subject areas, case studies of exemplar schools, a newsletter, and a Blogazine. Resources for policymakers include information on definitions, framework, and implementing 21st century skills. A parents' guide contains information on 21st century skills and leadership. Most downloadable materials are free. Get a press kit or join an advocacy group or mailing list.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): professional development (385)

In the Classroom

Investigate P21 to see if you are meeting your students' needs for the 21st century. Use the parent tip sheet, real world examples, or the PowerPoint to clarify your goals to parents and administration. Explore literacy maps and skills maps to compare your methods of instruction. Look for ways to support professional development in your school. Become more effective using Common Core Curriculum. Join the blog and change your world. This site contains great research, ideas, and goals to include in grants, mission statements, or strategic planning.
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Educator Innovator - MacArthur Foundation

Grades
K to 12
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Constantly challenging your students to the highest level of Bloom's taxonomy, creating? The time has come for you as a teacher to jump into creativity in teaching. Join the blog ...more
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Constantly challenging your students to the highest level of Bloom's taxonomy, creating? The time has come for you as a teacher to jump into creativity in teaching. Join the blog and growing community of educators and organizations that support you to change education. Get inspired with webinars, podcasts, and videos by educators who have found new ways of meeting and challenging students. Grant opportunities and webinars of successful, innovative teachers challenge you to look for more. Some of the videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): grants (16), professional development (385)

In the Classroom

Dare to be different and engage your students in learning that is unique and meets their needs, designed by you! Share this site with a colleague and let your imaginations run wild. Do what teachers do best: engage, motivate, and inspire students to love learning.

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Made By Milk Carton Construction Contest - Evergreen Packaging

Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites 0  Comments
Whether the contest is over or not, there is plenty for classroom teachers to use here. Think about having your own class or school wide contest with custodians, bus drivers, ...more
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Whether the contest is over or not, there is plenty for classroom teachers to use here. Think about having your own class or school wide contest with custodians, bus drivers, administration, secretaries, etc as the judges. Made By Milk Contest (a design and building challenge) simply your students to learn in a creative way. Of course you can make your own rules or follow the ones on this site. Create a design using 100 or more milk cartons. Take pictures of the completed project, and include a short essay explaining what was your student's idea. Be sure to check out the Past Winners page for ideas on what it takes to create a winner. Even if you do not want to have a contest, be sure to check out the wonderful STEM projects to try within your school or at home, so check out the Educational Resources.

tag(s): architecture (64), counting (60), grants (16), STEM (256), structures (18)

In the Classroom

This project is perfect for individual classroom participation, Art Clubs, or after school clubs. Incorporate this project into your math class and have students count the number of cartons used, estimate how many cartons needed, or calculate how long it will take to gather the number of needed cartons. Join in the challenge in conjunction with a science unit on structures or a physics unit at much higher levels. Include as part of your nutrition unit to help students understand the importance of dairy in a healthy diet. Share this information with your PTO/PTA as a possible "makers movement" idea for an evening of fun and learning, even if you never enter the official contest. Let your gifted students (or a school service club) organize and plan a mini-version of the contest within your school, perhaps using the smaller milk cartons from the cafeteria. Make re-using milk cartons a creative event for Earth Day.

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Kids Gardening - National Gardening Association

Grades
3 to 8
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Get involved with gardening throughout the community using ideas from Kids Gardening! Scroll down the home page to see an overview of what is offered for educators and caregivers (at-home...more
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Get involved with gardening throughout the community using ideas from Kids Gardening! Scroll down the home page to see an overview of what is offered for educators and caregivers (at-home activities and more). Then, explore the menu at the top to see all topics available. For instance, under the What's New tab, you will find The Latest, Garden Stories, and Recent Posts. Next, click Learning Tools to see specifics for Getting Started for Educators and Caregivers. The Learning Tools tab also offers Resources and Activities for Play and Learning, and Growing a Garden. Choose from these categories to find how-to guides, lessons, and projects. Learn how to make the most of "gardening moments." Be sure to take some time to explore this site for many valuable ideas for indoor and outdoor gardening projects.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): grants (16), nutrition (134), plants (140)

In the Classroom

If you aren't lucky enough to have outdoor gardening space, take advantage of ideas offered for indoor gardens, such as terrariums and container gardening. Check out the extensive lesson library to search by theme, standards, season, and more. You will also find lessons and activities appropriate for science and math. Use the Growing Poems, found here, to enhance your classroom poetry unit. Whatever activities you choose, have students record the growth in their garden or container by taking photos. As a summation for your gardening project use Photo Joiner Collage Maker, reviewed here, to create a collage of your garden photos with special effects, text, frames, and more.

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PledgeCents - pledgecents.com

Grades
K to 12
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Do you need funds for a classroom project or equipment? PledgeCents is a quick and easy solution to classroom and school fundraising. Begin with a fundraising idea and a goal. ...more
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Do you need funds for a classroom project or equipment? PledgeCents is a quick and easy solution to classroom and school fundraising. Begin with a fundraising idea and a goal. Create your class page with a project description, pictures, videos, and other relevant information. Share your page through social media links to Facebook, Twitter, and more. More simply, share the link on your class web page. Donors click to "invest" in your cause and are guided through a simple process to donate either by name or anonymously. After the project deadline, collect funds easily and safely for use with your project.

tag(s): grants (16), service projects (17)

In the Classroom

Use this site as a potential funding source or make a donation. Join the site (free). Then take the time to write up a clearly-worded project proposal along with pictures and video. You can even make the project a challenge to your school community, if you wish. If you are a student council or Key Club adviser, make one or more of the projects on this site your targeted service project for the year. Or use this venue to collect funds to purchase materials for your own school or club service projects. Encourage philanthropy to support good causes: kids helping kids! Share with your school's Parent Teacher Organization as a fundraising tool for any and all projects. Don't forget to send the project descriptions with local media such as small town newspapers, local TV, or service groups who might make a donation.

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Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program - Scholarship America.

Grades
K to 12
7 Favorites 1  Comments
With over 5 million dollars granted, Voya Unsung Heroes has supported teachers through grants provided by its Unsung Heroes Program. Each year grants are provided to K-12 educators...more
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With over 5 million dollars granted, Voya Unsung Heroes has supported teachers through grants provided by its Unsung Heroes Program. Each year grants are provided to K-12 educators utilizing new teaching techniques and methods that improve learning. Applications are judged on three criteria: innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence students. 100 Finalists are chosen yearly to receive $2,000 grants with at least one award going to each of the 50 states. Three top awards of $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000 are given to the top three recipients. Follow links provided on the site to apply for the grant. The deadline is generally the end of April each year.

tag(s): grants (16)

In the Classroom

Applications are accepted annually generally with a deadline of April each year. Nominate yourself or a colleague.

Comments

david, TX, Grades: 9 - 12

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Fuel Up - National Dairy Council, National Football League

Grades
2 to 12
6 Favorites 0  Comments
  
Encourage students to get sixty minutes of exercise daily by partnering school workers with this site's two sponsors: the Department of Agriculture and the National Football League....more
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Encourage students to get sixty minutes of exercise daily by partnering school workers with this site's two sponsors: the Department of Agriculture and the National Football League. You can join the program for free and see if your school qualifies to receive grants to help educate your students about exercise, nutrition, and healthy eating and also to increase student access to more physical education programs and better foods. Check with your school administrators to be sure it is acceptable to have your school join and to allow your students to individually register. "Quick Start Resources" help you learn how to use the program and set up their class as a team.

tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (142), fitness (49), nutrition (134)

In the Classroom

Participate in the healthy eating challenge by creating your own class video entry for the Cooking Show Challenge! Share the videos using a tool such as TeacherTube reviewed here. Help your class members to apply to be student ambassadors. Help your students to sign up and start graphing their physical activity and nutritional changes, receive badges and prizes, see how their classmates are doing and encourage them by giving rewards, and finally, by viewing what other classes are doing. Share the information on this site with parents so they can support the lifestyle changes encouraged here at home.

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Philanthropy News Digest - The Foundation Center

Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites 0  Comments
If you are searching high and low for grant sources that might help you or your school, this is a highly-respected central listing for grant sources. to investigate. Use the ...more
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If you are searching high and low for grant sources that might help you or your school, this is a highly-respected central listing for grant sources. to investigate. Use the Education Section to look for grant RFPs (Requests for Proposals) that match what you seek. If you have to really "stretch" the criteria to make your project fit, it probably is not worth your valuable time.

tag(s): grants (16)

In the Classroom

This is an ongoing listing with no "expiration date," so check back often.

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Donors Choose - DonorsChoose.org

Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites 0  Comments
Have you ever wished that you could apply for money for a simple (or not so simple) classroom project, but found you had nowhere to turn? This organization provides a ...more
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Have you ever wished that you could apply for money for a simple (or not so simple) classroom project, but found you had nowhere to turn? This organization provides a means for teachers to write a proposal and allows donors to find them and provide funding, even in small amounts, toward the teacher's project. The organization allows donors to fund all or part of a project and to fund the "fulfillment," i.e. the administrative costs the organization has in staffing, providing web space, etc. As of this review (Summer, 2007), not all regions of the U.S. are part of this service, but they are expanding. See the Regions pulldown for a listing.

tag(s): grants (16), service projects (17)

In the Classroom

Use this site as a potential funding source or make a donation. Join the site (free). Then take the time to write up a clearly-worded project proposal, and make sure you have administrative permission to do so, since the school name will be visible on the web site. You can even make the project a challenge to your school community, if you wish.

If you are a student council or Key Club adviser, make one or more of the projects on this site your targeted service project for the year. Encourage philanthropy to support good causes: kids helping kids!

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