Best Education Grants

The ESC Perkins Statewide Initiative Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the capacity of Education Service Centers (ESCs) through approved training on federal grant compliance. This initiative will support ESC staff in conducting comprehensive local needs assessments and implementing technical assistance for local educational agencies (LEAs) in various regulatory areas. The program is set to play a key role in the planning of a joint program conference in Fall 2026, with potential for continued funding in subsequent years.

The California Department of Education's Geo-Regional Experts for Multilingual Students initiative aims to enhance educational outcomes for multilingual learners. This competitive grant invites county offices of education to become Geo-Regional Experts (GEMS) by designating full-time experts who provide data-driven support to local educational agencies. The program is designed to foster collaboration among educators, schools, and communities, ensuring that all students receive a world-class education in a multicultural environment.

The California Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG) aims to enhance career technical education for students from kindergarten through grade twelve. This initiative, supported by the California Department of Education, focuses on equipping students with essential skills for employment and further education. By fostering collaboration among educators and community partners, CTEIG seeks to improve educational outcomes and workforce readiness, ensuring that students thrive in a diverse and interconnected society.

The Cecelia Springmeyer Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support North and South Decatur students pursuing post-secondary education in law enforcement, criminal justice, animal husbandry, agronomy, or teaching. Applicants must reside within the Decatur County Community Schools district and may receive a minimum scholarship of $1000 to ease their educational costs. For more details, visit ndsdscholarships.com.

The Erie Community Foundation offers Marketing Sponsorships to support local nonprofit events and fundraisers, emphasizing community engagement and inclusive philanthropy. Applications are invited for amounts up to $2,500, with priority given to events that allow Foundation participation and serve diverse Erie residents. Funding decisions are made biannually, and applications should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the event. This initiative strengthens ties between the Foundation and the community it serves.

The Lenora Jane Perdue Scholarship, offered by the North East Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Westfield Academy, Ripley Central School, and North East High School pursuing a degree in education. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship aims to encourage and assist students dedicated to a career in teaching, fostering the next generation of educators in their community.

The TIA Conference Management, sponsored by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance teacher designation systems and strategic compensation practices across Texas school systems. Open to 1,000 leaders and ESC TIA Leads, the conference will provide essential resources and best practices to improve teacher retention and increase TIA designations. This initiative supports educational equity and excellence by fostering collaboration among local educational agencies.

The Teacher Time Analysis and Supports Pilot Year 1 Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, focuses on alleviating teacher workload constraints. This initiative aims to provide technical assistance to school systems, helping them analyze teacher time use and develop actionable plans. By fostering an understanding of operational policies and practices, the grant seeks to enhance student learning and improve working conditions for teachers, ultimately sustaining effective teaching in Texas schools.

The United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties offers a Strategic Grant Fund aimed at empowering smaller nonprofit organizations that are often overlooked for traditional funding. Established in 1957, the organization focuses on critical areas such as housing stability, financial security, food access, and education. The goal is to support grassroots initiatives that create measurable impacts for residents, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their communities.

The TeachTX Pilot Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the educator pipeline through innovative Grow Your Own (GYO) initiatives. By implementing high-quality, campus-based recruitment and leadership development strategies, the program seeks to engage students in education careers. Through targeted support and stakeholder collaboration, the grant fosters early leadership experiences and increases participation in teaching-related programs, ultimately contributing to a robust future workforce in education.

The Canaan Foundation, established in 2000, provides annual grants ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 to support nonprofit organizations in North Canaan. With over $540,000 distributed to date, the foundation focuses on community programs in education, environment, recreation, arts, health, and social services. Applications are reviewed annually, with funding decisions made by the Board in March, ensuring that grants are utilized within the same calendar year.

The Mind Trust

The Mind Trust is a nonprofit that invests in public education to transform lives and increase academic achievement in Indianapolis, across Indiana, and beyond. This includes managing student-centered programming, growing new high-quality public charter schools, supporting existing schools and educators, and engaging the community in every region we serve.

Indiana Charter School Fellowship

The Indiana Charter School Fellowship is a competitive, statewide opportunity for experienced educators and school leaders who are ready to grow high-quality public charter schools across Indiana. The fellowship supports the growth of new school models, replication of existing models, or expansion of existing schools.

Fellows receive tailored support to design a school that meets real community needs, delivers strong academic results, and has sustainable operational and financial systems. Through one-on-one coaching, visits to high-performing schools across the country, access to expert partners, and protected time to plan, Indiana Charter School Fellows leave the program with a clear path to launching or growing a great school.

Whether you’re an established leader with a proven track record or someone with a bold new idea for what school could be, the fellowship gives you the space, structure, and support to bring that vision to life. As Indiana’s charter sector continues to grow, we’re looking for leaders who are ready to build the next generation of public schools—schools that are excellent, student-focused, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.

NCHSAA Foundation: Education-Based Grant Program

The education-based grant program is coordinated through the NCHSAA Foundation, Inc. Only NCHSAA member schools are eligible to apply and must meet the established criteria. Areas of focus include student-centric initiatives/programs, coach/athletic administrator education, health, safety, & wellness initiatives, and small equipment.

The Education-based Grant Program is funded with endowment funds to ultimately support and enhance student-athletes’ physical wellness, psychosocial well-being, mental wellness, and life-skill development. 

Grant funding comes solely from interest earnings on the principal investments. Funds earmarked towards grants will vary year-to-year based on market volatility and interest returns.

Focus Areas

School administrators must identify an unmet need facing student-athletes and/or coaches and school athletic administrators that relates to one of the following focus areas:

Student-Athlete focused Program Supplementation

• Mental Wellness Initiatives
• Sportsmanship Initiatives
• Character Development
• Career Exploration and Post-Graduation Preparation

Coach & Athletic Administrator Education

• Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
• NFHS Learn or NIAAA Courses, Training, and Clinics

Health, Safety, and Wellness Initiatives

• Physical Wellness
• Social and Emotional Learning (Mental Wellness Initiative)
• Cultivating Healthy Relationships
• Health and lifesaving equipment (i.e. AED unit, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature device, cooling tub)

Equipment

• Examples are game ball, net/netting systems, goal, and scoreboard
• Weights/weight machine/cardio machine

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant

Program Description

The Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant is to provide services, resources, and professional development to CTE programs across the state to address the promotion and understanding of non-traditional fields and employment activities for students (as defined by Perkins V) as written into the Perkins V State Plan.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr  Family Scholarship

F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship provides scholarship support to graduating seniors from Quincy Senior High School who intend to pursue a career in education, with a preference for elementary education. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, supporting students throughout their undergraduate studies. Eligibility requirements and application criteria are coordinated through the school, and interested students should contact their school guidance counselor for details. Awards are made annually in the spring.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund

Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support to graduating seniors from Quincy Senior High School who plan to major in education. Eligibility requirements and application criteria are administered through the school, and interested students should contact their school guidance counselor for additional information. Scholarships are awarded annually in the spring.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

Amelia E. Bauner, Frances A. Hall, and Walter J. Hall Scholarship Fund

Amelia E. Bauner, Frances A. Hall, and Walter J. Hall Scholarship Fund provides scholarship assistance to students enrolled at Quincy University who are pursuing a degree in education and reside in Adams County. Eligibility requirements and application criteria are coordinated through the school, and interested students should contact their school guidance counselor for additional information. Scholarships are awarded annually in the spring.

Social Venture Partners Arizona (SVP) Investee Grant

Our full-time Investees are nonprofits in our focus areas selected by our committee to receive a multiyear investment, capacity building tools, and Partnership expertise for 3-5 years to increase their organizational capacity and amplify their impact.

The Community Foundation Of The Dan River Region

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region (commonly known as The Foundation) is an independent public charity established in September 1996 by a group of local civic leaders to create permanent charitable resources for the region. Originally named the DPC Community Foundation, it serves areas including Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County in North Carolina. The Foundation’s mission is to improve and enrich the lives of residents by encouraging and facilitating donations, managing and investing those gifts responsibly, and distributing funds in alignment with donor intentions while addressing community needs. It envisions a region recognized for its generous communities, high quality of life, and support for those in need. The Foundation operates with values of transparency, equity, effective operations, strong community relationships, and celebration of local success stories. It is accredited under national community foundation standards and invests pooled charitable assets to make grants and awards that create lasting impact throughout its service area.

William H. Payne Jr. and Agnes T. Payne Scholarship Fund

The William H. Payne Jr. and Agnes T. Payne Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating students from Danville, Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, or Caswell County who are majoring in education. Preference is given to students who have completed two years of post-secondary education and to those attending a local four-year university who intend to pursue teaching careers within the Foundation’s service area. The scholarship supports the preparation of future educators and encourages graduates to return and serve their local communities.

The Hardin County Principal Organization Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Hardin County Schools who plan to pursue a career in education. Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship serves as a stepping stone for future educators, ensuring they have the financial resources to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Exploratory Grants support two or more organizations that are ready to engage in structured discussions regarding a potential strategic partnership.

Organizations receiving Exploratory Grant funding are not committing to a specific outcome. Rather, they are committing to participate in a good-faith process of exploration, due diligence, and negotiation to determine whether a partnership would advance their missions and better serve their communities.

• Potential activities may include:
• Strategic assessment and readiness discussions
• Facilitation and negotiation support
• Organizational due diligence
• Governance and leadership conversations
• Financial and operational analysis
• Exploration of partnership models

Exploratory Grants typically range from $20,000–$40,000.

Funds are intended primarily for third-party consultants and technical assistance providers supporting the exploratory process.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Implementation Grants support two or more organizations that have reached an agreement to pursue a formal collaboration following an exploratory process.

Examples of eligible costs include:

• Financial and accounting services
• Technology and systems integration
• Human resources integration
• Communications and branding
• Board development and governance transition
• Asset consolidation
• Lease termination costs
• Staff transition and severance expenses
• Legal fees (when pro bono resources are unavailable)

Implementation Grants typically range from $20,000–$50,000.

Grant funds are intended to support one-time implementation and transition costs. While implementation funding is primarily intended for external costs, organizations may request support for limited staff-related expenses if they can demonstrate a unique, time-bound role that is essential to successful implementation.

Dawbarn Education Awards

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge announced its 10 recipients of the 2026 Dawbarn Education Awards with special surprise visits this week. Now in its 32nd year, the Community Foundation honors community members for their significant impact on youth in the three local public school systems, Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro. The award comes with a $10,000 prize and a special banquet to celebrate the recipients in the fall.

Miriam Burrows, the director of educational programs at the Community Foundation, made surprise visits to inform this year’s 10 recipients in person. “Every year, the Dawbarn Education Awards remind us that incredibly important work is bhappening in our schools,” Burrows said. “The nominators and recipients are all so proud of one another, proud of what they do, proud of their students and proud of the schools they work in. “It’s hard not to get choked up. And not one of them is seeking recognition for their work. In fact, they would much rather shine the light on each other than be in the spotlight themselves.

About Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC)

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and daily operations are managed by a small, professional staff. The foundation benefits Fayette County through personalized donor services and serves as a supportive community leader, grantmaker, and scholarship provider.

What is a Community Foundation?

Community foundations are grantmaking public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities.About the Grant 

The Idea Fund was created by a donor who is interested in helping teachers achieve a level of creativity in the classroom that allows students of all learning styles to thrive. Particular attention will be paid to applicants who: demonstrate that the funds will be used to address the needs of students in the classroom who may not be the top grade earners; can show the sustainability of the program; and are willing to go beyond traditional teaching styles to reach students. Funds will not be granted to purchase books, magazines, or field trips.

About the Community Foundation of Washington County The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. 

Patterson Graff Educational Fund

This scholarship fund will support females in furthering their education, in any field, to reach their educational goals.

UPS Louisville Community Care Fund

The UPS Louisville Community Care Fund supports nonprofit organizations working to meet critical needs and strengthen communities across Louisville. The Fund is managed in partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville and builds on The UPS Foundation’s commitment to helping safe, healthy, and resilient communities thrive. Eligible applicants may request up to $150,000 for a new or existing project or program.

What Does the UPS Louisville Community Care Fund Support?

The UPS Louisville Community Care Fund will support nonprofit organizations focused on disaster relief, education, environmental resilience, first responder support, and mental wellness.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.

Potsdam Community Fund

The Potsdam Community Fund is a permanent charitable resource dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout the Town and Village of Potsdam. Through annual grantmaking, the fund supports projects and programs that strengthen the community, address emerging needs and opportunities, and improve the lives of local residents.