Best Grants for Elementary Education in California

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.

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.

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.

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.

PTAs and PTSAs serving elementary school students with family-focused STEM programming in California can apply for National Congress of Parents & Teachers’ STEM + Families Propelling Our World grants. Grants from National Congress of Parents & Teachers help U.S. elementary school PTAs host hands-on engineering design challenges, using ready-to-go activities and guides. Each selected PTA receives US $1,250.

PTAs and PTSAs at elementary and middle schools implementing programs on arts, digital safety, well-being, or healthy lifestyles can receive US $1,500 to run Be Internet Awesome family engagement events. Grants from National Congress of Parents & Teachers, sponsored by Google and YouTube, support digital citizenship and online safety education, including schools in California.

Elementary school PTAs interested in hosting in-person STEM + Families Science Festivals can receive US $1,250 - US $5,000 to support hands-on STEM events for students and families in California and other eligible regions. National Congress of Parents & Teachers selects 40 local PTAs to build engaging, school-based STEM experiences.

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.

PTAs and PTSAs at elementary schools in California interested in digital safety and well-being programs can apply for National Congress of Parents & Teachers’ PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go! grants, awarding US $1,500 for in-person family programs. Eligible units must be in good standing and focus on healthy, responsible device use.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.