Best Grants for Elementary Education in California

California elementary and middle schools offering before- or after-school programs can access funding to support literacy, academic enrichment, and safe, constructive activities for K–9 students in California. Grants from California Department of Education help maintain existing After School Education and Safety programs and support schools that submit quality applications statewide.

California elementary education organizations and school food authorities providing fresh fruit and vegetable snacks can access funding through CA Department of Education to run the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This USDA-funded reimbursement grant supports free, supplemental produce snacks during the school day and nutrition education for elementary students in California schools.

Charter schools in California seeking to acquire, renovate, construct, or refinance school facilities can apply for the Charter School Facilities Credit Enhancement Grant Program, which funds debt service reserve accounts on bond transactions. This federally funded program from the California State Treasurer's Office may benefit elementary education programs housed in charter school facilities.

California nonprofit organizations focused on arts, education, youth, community, or food and agriculture programs can apply for support that includes certain elementary and secondary education projects. Focused on education, J R Simplot Company Foundation invites U.S. nonprofits to seek quarterly-reviewed funding, which may benefit elementary education initiatives serving local students.

K–5 classroom teachers in public or nonprofit private schools can receive up to US $1,000 for hands-on math and science project materials, including those in California. Toshiba America Foundation supports teacher-designed projects for use in their own schools, helping elementary students explore STEM concepts through innovative, inquiry-based learning experiences.

Takeda's Corporate Giving program focuses on enhancing community well-being in the U.S. by supporting initiatives in two key areas: Food is Health and Building STEM Foundations. Through employee engagement and partnerships, Takeda aims to provide access to nutritious food and foster STEM education, addressing social disparities and empowering future innovators. This commitment reflects Takeda's mission of better health and a brighter future for all.

California elementary and middle school teachers seeking tools that combine physical activity with academic instruction can apply for donated Walking Classroom program sets. Alliance for a Healthier Generation supports classrooms serving grades 3–8, prioritizing schools with higher socioeconomic and academic need. Awards provide WalkKits or app access, lesson plans, training, and supplemental resources.

Elementary schools in California serving 1st–3rd graders can access literacy programming through the Rams Readers Request, which brings an in-person reading assembly and copies of Ride with Rampage to each student. Grants from Los Angeles Rams Foundation help schools in Southern California counties enhance early reading engagement and skills.

Elementary schools in California serving K–5 students can request a Play 60 Field Day event to promote youth health, wellness, and physical activity. Grants from Los Angeles Rams Foundation help schools in the Los Angeles market deliver a structured, two-hour football-themed field day with character education and healthy habits messaging for students.

Students pursuing elementary education careers in California may be eligible for scholarships supporting college preparation and teacher training through the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. Awards around US $1,000 help graduating high school seniors entering elementary education programs; applicants must have a permanent address within the foundation’s specified Illinois-area service region.

Public and charter elementary school educators in select California counties can receive US $3,000 to enhance dual-language (Spanish-English) classrooms and professional development. With a mission to advance bilingual education, The Kemper Foundation provides funding for resources like books, technology, manipulatives, and field trips that support elementary students’ learning.

Shelby County residents pursuing elementary education degrees can apply for the Vera DoLean Ginn Kiwanis Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 to support higher education costs. Students with at least a 3.5 GPA seeking certificates or Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degrees may be eligible; California education majors studying elementary education may benefit if they meet residency requirements.

Elementary and middle school math teachers of students with disabilities in California can receive up to US $4,000 to design and implement hands-on interventions that build conceptual understanding and mathematical fluency. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics funds materials like manipulatives and expects recipients to share successful strategies with colleagues and their wider school or district community.

California education agencies or partners developing statewide college tutoring programs for migratory students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade in California can apply for California Department of Education’s Migrant Education Mini-Corps funding; awards US $6,500,000 - US $8,000,000 to place bilingual college tutors in classrooms and support future teachers. Elementary-focused migrant programs may benefit.

California students pursuing elementary education careers may be eligible for the Lula T. and James L. Crosby Scholarship Fund, which supports higher education in southeastern North Carolina. Graduating seniors from any high school in Cumberland, Hoke, or Harnett counties with a 3.0 GPA and active church membership can apply to attend accredited colleges or universities.

California students interested in elementary education may be eligible if they are Carroll County high school seniors planning to study elementary education. Grants from Community Foundation of Carroll County help future teachers with a US $1,000 scholarship supporting higher education costs, which can benefit those focused on elementary school teaching careers.

Graduating high school seniors planning four-year college studies in education, criminal justice, law enforcement, or healthcare-related fields may be eligible for the Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship, including students interested in elementary education. Focused on elementary education, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites applicants who demonstrate financial need, volunteerism, and strong academic performance.

National PTA® is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. For 125 years, PTA has worked with school communities and decision makers to solve the toughest problems in our nation’s history.

PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools.

PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

Here for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off (QTO) Grant

National PTA teamed up with Lysol to support healthier school environments through its HERE for Healthy Schools program. The HERE for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off (QTO) Grant, funded by Lysol, provides funding and resources to help PTAs create meaningful in-school experiences, designed to foster connection, engagement, and lasting memories for families nationwide. 

Five selected PTAs will each receive:

• $2,000 to help enhance your PTA’s planned family engagement activities; and
• 50 canisters of Lysol Disinfecting Wipes intended to help reduce the spread of illness-causing germs in classrooms and common areas on campus.

Oakland Human Services Department

The Oakland Human Services Department exists to make our city a place that works for all. We offer free programs and provide public resources to community organizations that make sure all of our residents can access what they need to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential.

Oakland Fund for Children and Youth

The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) is a cornerstone initiative of the City of Oakland, operating within the Children and Youth Services Division of the Human Services Department. As the city’s largest grantmaking program, OFCY plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of Oakland’s children, youth, and families. 

Through strategic funding of community-based organizations, OFCY invests in programs that uplift, empower, and protect Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources, enriching opportunities, and brighter futures for the next generation.

Mission Statement: We provide strategic funding to support Oakland's children and youth from birth to 21 years of age to become healthy, happy, educated, engaged, powerful and loved community members.

OFCY Request for Proposals (RFP) for Children, Youth, & Family Services

Scope of Services

The City releases the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit program proposals from non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide services to children, youth, and their families in Oakland. OFCY will fund programs that are prevention and early intervention oriented.

Programs should be culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and child, youth, and family-centered. Investments are designed to support all children in Oakland, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities in the city.

The OFCY Three-Year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) outlines how funds should be distributed to meet the four OFCY foundational goals:

• Support the healthy development of young children
• Help children and youth succeed in school and graduate high school
• Prevent and reduce violence, crime and gang involvement among children and youth
• Help youth transition to a productive adulthood 

Eight Funding Strategies were identified to support the four OFCY foundation goals: Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement; Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership; Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment; Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs/Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Strategy 7: Independent Living; Strategy 8: Placed-Based Innovations for Safety 

Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning

The Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning strategy aims to support student success in elementary school. Under this strategy, school-based afterschool and summer programming will be provided at OUSD elementary schools where most students qualify for a free/reduced lunch. OFCY and OUSD have a longstanding Oakland Expanded Learning partnership that has created access to free school-based afterschool and summer programs for families whose children attend Title 1 schools. This strategy funds programs providing extended learning days for elementary school students that offer a variety of diverse academic and enrichment programs.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

The Doheny Foundation Capital Grant focuses on enhancing social welfare, health, education, and religious initiatives in Los Angeles. It supports nonprofits that empower underserved communities through vital services like food, shelter, healthcare, and education. The foundation seeks to fund projects that align with its mission, especially those benefiting vulnerable populations and promoting economic self-reliance. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered, and funding is generally limited to the Los Angeles area.

Cupertino Electric, established in 1954, is dedicated to supporting communities through donations and volunteerism. Our giving program focuses on addressing hunger, homelessness, and early education (K-8). With substantial annual contributions and a commitment to service, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the areas where our employees live and work. By fostering a culture of giving back, we believe that enhancing community well-being is as vital as our business operations.

The Barney Family Foundation Grant focuses on improving early education and advancing medical research, particularly in cancer and Alzheimer’s. It supports organizations that demonstrate a clear plan to enhance children's life experiences and educational opportunities for those in grades K-8. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, prioritizing established entities while welcoming startups. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status, and the Foundation does not fund individual requests or political activities.

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation offers the Bookmobile Grant to promote literacy among underserved children. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 specifically for purchasing books for youth from preschool to grade 8. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public libraries that operate lending bookmobiles. The Foundation aims to ensure access to quality literature, fostering a love of reading in disadvantaged communities while addressing their limited book budgets.

The William H. Hannon Foundation provides grants primarily to non-profit organizations that enhance education and health care within the greater Los Angeles area. Grant requests must be submitted in letter format, adhering to specific guidelines outlined on their website. The Foundation focuses on advancing the welfare of disadvantaged groups and supports endeavors that align with Mr. Hannon's philanthropic values. Notably, individual requests and certain funding types are excluded from consideration.

The Francis R. Dewing Foundation Grant provides seed money to support innovative projects in early childhood education, benefiting children up to sixth grade. Founded by Frances R. Dewing in 1963, the foundation aims to stimulate intellectual growth in young children through unique educational methods. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, with a focus on projects that demonstrate a broad impact on the educational community. Applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities across the United States.

Emeril's Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen Grants support K-8 schools in enhancing culinary and gardening education. Schools must be 501c3 nonprofits with established programs, demonstrating the ability to impact students positively. The initiative focuses on fostering appreciation for food sources, developing life skills, and promoting healthy eating. Schools are encouraged to mentor others and must provide dedicated gardening and culinary instruction to all students. This program aims to empower children with essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.