Best Education Grants

First Horizon Foundation Grant 

Through the First Horizon Foundation we are constantly investing in organizations across our footprint that do important work every day to make the places we serve better and stronger.

Contributions from the Foundation include the following areas:

• Arts and Culture
• Education & Leadership
• Environmental Sustainability
• Financial Literacy
• Health & Human Services

Our contributions are targeted to strengthen these pillars of the communities we serve:

• Improving the well-being of our communities
• Investing in the financial future
• Educating and developing the next generation of leaders
• Promoting excellence and enrichment in the arts
• A more sustainable tomorrow and future

This FOA is intended for proposals related to basic and applied research in the STEM categories, and not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement.The proposal submission process has two stages:I. Applicants are encouraged to submit a white paper first to Grants@NPS.edu, ; andII. Applicants must submit a full proposal through Grants.gov (do not submit white papers through Grants.gov, only full proposals)Applicants are encouraged to submit a White Paper in advance of a Full Proposal to minimize the labor and other costs associated with the production of detailed full proposals that have little chance of being selected for funding. Based on an assessment of the white papers, the responsible Research Program Officer will provide informal feedback notification to the prospective awardees to encourage or discourage submission proposals. The Research Program Officer may also, on occasion, provide feedback encouraging re-work to strengthen a proposal. White Papers may be submitted at any time during the open period of this FOA. A separate White Paper is required for each research proposal.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Thomas William Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund

He believed that a person could do anything if they sat down and read how to do it. When WWII started, he was the first man from the state of South Carolina to enlist in the U.S. Army. He quickly rose to captain and spent most of the war in the Pacific (the Queen of Fiji considered him a friend). Later, Thomas had a long career at Harcourt Brace publishing.

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.

Closed Charter School Records Custodian

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to fulfill the mandate of Texas Education Code (TEC), §12.1052(d), which is that the commissioner of education shall ensure that the records of an open-enrollment charter school that ceases to operate shall be transferred in the manner specified by the commissioner to a custodian designated by the commissioner. The commissioner may designate any appropriate entity to serve as custodian, including the agency, a regional education service center, or a school district. In designating a custodian, the commissioner shall ensure that the transferred records, including student and personnel records, are transferred to a custodian capable of:

•  maintaining the records;
• making the records readily accessible to students, parents, former school employees, and other persons entitled to access; and
• complying with applicable state or federal law restricting access to the records.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

John W. Bauer Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund

This fund was created to honor Sandra Bauer Lay’s late husband, John W. Bauer, by providing academic support to future educators who have an involvement in and a love of sports. John taught mathematics and coached a variety of sports at West Aurora High School from 1966 until his retirement in 2000. During his last sixteen years at West, he was West Aurora’s Athletic Director.  As an educator, John was a strong believer in finding and developing a life balance between academics and athletics. Students must be pursuing a degree in education with a preference given to those studying to teach mathematics, physical education, computer science, and/or elementary education. In addition, students must indicate that they have been involved in athletics during their high school and college years at any level or of any type, including intramural sports.

California Department of Education

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

Education for Homeless Children and Youth Technical Assistance Center

The CDE invites county offices of education (COEs) throughout the state to apply to become a HETAC. The HETAC(s) will provide regional support, resources, and expertise to homeless education liaisons throughout the state to ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) meet all of the requirements specified in Section 11432(g)(3) of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] Sec. 11301 et seq.) and additional homeless education provisions outlined in California Education Code (EC).

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is named for Clemens J. Rosen and Clair J. Hemphill – two fathers who encouraged and paid for their daughters to pursue college educations. Both believed an educated woman had more opportunities and would be better able to take care of herself and her family.

Clemens Rosen (1919-2016) did not finish grade school as he was needed on the farm. However, nobody could beat him in Scrabble. He served in WWII on a B24, was shot down twice and was held in a Nazi POW camp until the end of the war. He then took employment in Peoria, IL, first working for Western Electric and then as a foreman for Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Clair Hemphill (1912-1979) finished high school and was a life-long farmer in Elwood, Illinois. Clair’s father was a farmer as was his grandfather and others before him. Clair’s mother was a teacher until she married. He had a strong belief in women pursuing education and was proud that his daughter did just that.

This scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, awarding $5,000 for two consecutive years providing that students maintain their enrollment status. 

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Richard J. & Irma E. Larson Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Richard J. and Irma E. Larson Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to help Aurora area high school graduates attend colleges and universities to further their education in the fields of law, teaching, Christian ministry and agriculture.

Richard, better known as Dick, and Irma are both graduates of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Dick received his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Irma earned her Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University.

Irma has served on several community boards, including Child Welfare, the Aurora YWCA, P.E.O. Chapter DD, and The Mid-West Early American Pressed Glass Club. After retirement, she volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for nine years.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illi

Library Education Scholarship Fund

The Library Education Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing library sciences, writing, education – preference for language arts, or information technology.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Helen Schlicht McGeachy & Arthur C. Schlicht Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students graduating from Aurora Central, Aurora Christian, East Aurora, Marmion Academy, Rosary or West Aurora High School.

Students entering the field of education, engineering, science, medicine or nursing are eligible to apply for these awards.

This fund was established by Arthur C. Schlicht (1936-2020) in memory of his mother Helen Schlicht McGeachy.

Helen McGeachy (1910-1994) was a graduate of East Aurora High School. An outstanding typist and secretary, she ultimately became secretary to the presidents of CA&E Railway and Walker Process Equipment of Aurora. Arthur Schlicht was vice-president/national sales manager at Walker Process Equipment. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

This fund was created in 1994 and established as an endowment in 1995.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Overview

The Lake County Community Foundation asserts that the quality of life of Lake County can be improved through an earnest effort to bring organizations, government, businesses, corporations and civic leaders together to establish a common vision, adopt a shared set of measurable goals and pursue evidence-based activities that reinforce one another’s objectives as a means of addressing the most pressing needs of our community.

The Foundation envisions a county-wide health and human services delivery system that is robust and thriving with a network of providers capable of achieving the greatest impact on the urgent needs of the most vulnerable residents of the county.

The Foundation’s approach combines strategic community leadership with intentional organizational investment—ultimately leading to a more streamlined coordination of countywide efforts.

Growing Communities Priority Area

Two-Year Grants support nonprofit organizations in achieving strategic growth, program stability, and long-term planning by providing greater financial predictability and strengthening organizational capacity for deeper community impact. Funding prioritizes initiatives that promote equitable access in Lake County to affordable nutritious food, comprehensive health care including mental health services, safe and affordable housing, education and workforce opportunities, and immigration and legal support services. Preference is given to grassroots, community-based organizations that address barriers to accessing essential services and benefits, and to organizations serving unmet basic needs as the sole provider in their area.

Overview

The Lake County Community Foundation asserts that the quality of life of Lake County can be improved through an earnest effort to bring organizations, government, businesses, corporations and civic leaders together to establish a common vision, adopt a shared set of measurable goals and pursue evidence-based activities that reinforce one another’s objectives as a means of addressing the most pressing needs of our community.

The Foundation envisions a county-wide health and human services delivery system that is robust and thriving with a network of providers capable of achieving the greatest impact on the urgent needs of the most vulnerable residents of the county.

The Foundation’s approach combines strategic community leadership with intentional organizational investment—ultimately leading to a more streamlined coordination of countywide efforts.

Early Childhood Education Priority Area Grants

The Lake County Early Childhood Education Fund provides grant support to organizations serving children from prenatal through age five in Lake County. Established in 2010, this restricted fund is dedicated to strengthening and expanding early childhood education opportunities across the county. There is no letter of inquiry requirement; eligible organizations are invited to apply directly. Funding priority is given to projects that introduce new and innovative approaches to early childhood education, reduce barriers to access for Lake County residents, and address otherwise unmet needs, particularly in areas where the applicant is the sole service provider.

Overview

The Lake County Community Foundation asserts that the quality of life of Lake County can be improved through an earnest effort to bring organizations, government, businesses, corporations and civic leaders together to establish a common vision, adopt a shared set of measurable goals and pursue evidence-based activities that reinforce one another’s objectives as a means of addressing the most pressing needs of our community.

The Foundation envisions a county-wide health and human services delivery system that is robust and thriving with a network of providers capable of achieving the greatest impact on the urgent needs of the most vulnerable residents of the county.

The Foundation’s approach combines strategic community leadership with intentional organizational investment—ultimately leading to a more streamlined coordination of countywide efforts.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Priority Area Grants

The Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF) is relaunching its Capacity Building priority area for Spring 2026 to support nonprofits in strengthening their internal operations and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to enhance nonprofit sustainability, efficiency, and long-term growth so organizations are better equipped to serve the community. Capacity Building grants support one-time organizational costs and expenses; recurring salaries, fees, or ongoing operational costs are not eligible. Organizations that receive a Capacity Building grant may still apply for and receive funding under LCCF’s Growing Communities priority area, as participation in one does not preclude funding from the other.

Farmington Bank Community Foundation

The Farmington Bank Community Foundation, which continues the legacy of the former Farmington Bank, provides financial support to non-profit organizations and community programs improve economic viability and well-being of residents and communities. The Foundation’s average grant size is generally around $8,000 with a maximum grant size of $20,000. The Foundation may make larger grants in special circumstances. The Foundation awards grants over a one-year period and generally an organization is eligible to receive one grant each calendar year. The Foundation generally awards flexible grants for organizations and programs that are aligned with our mission and priorities. This may take the form of ongoing program support, or one-time start-up costs (including capital). In some circumstances, the Foundation may consider general support for an organization’s core work. This is reserved for nonprofits with a proven track record of impact and a history of Foundation support.

Cycle Two

The Foundation offers a second grant cycle, accepting applications from organizations working in the STRIVING part of the economic mobility continuum to provide support to individuals and families that are building skills and working towards their personal version of a good life. This includes various educational and career development programs and other programs focused on economic mobility. Grants in New Britain, Bristol, and Farmington Valley will receive priority consideration.

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

• Education
• Economic Growth
• Community 

Abbreviated Grants ($50,000 or less)

We accept grant requests through online submissions on a rolling basis during the calendar year.

At the Dunham Foundation, we strive to honor John C. Dunham's vision for building a healthy, thriving community with our grantmaking.

Through these efforts, we support projects and programs in Education, Economic Growth, and Community that create measurable and lasting impact in the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

If your request aligns with our Economic Growth or Community priority areas and does not exceed $50,000, you may submit an application through the grant portal. 

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education invites public school districts to apply for Special Support Earmarks, providing approximately $1.384 million in funding as outlined in the FY26 state budget. This initiative aims to enhance educational resources and support for nearly 1 million students across the Commonwealth. Eligible districts can leverage this funding for various earmarked projects, ensuring accountability and effective use of state resources.

The ESC Perkins Technical Assistance Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, supports Education Service Centers (ESC) in achieving key objectives related to federal grant compliance and technical assistance. Funding of $10,000 is available for objectives 1 and 2, while $20,000 is designated for all four objectives. This initiative aims to enhance educational outcomes by providing necessary resources and training for ESC staff, thus fostering better compliance and support for local educational agencies.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is launching the 2025-2027 Development of Accelerated Supports Grant Program to provide essential support for K-12 education. This initiative aims to enhance curricular resources in Reading Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, ensuring local educational agencies receive the necessary tools to improve student outcomes. Through this program, TEA seeks to empower school districts, charter schools, and other educational institutions to foster better learning environments.

The 2025-2026 Texas Strategic Compensation for Districts Grant, awarded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to assist school districts in moving towards a compensation model that rewards educators based on effectiveness rather than tenure. This initiative supports local educational agencies, charter schools, and nonprofit organizations in fostering a more effective educational environment, ultimately enhancing the quality of teaching and administration across Texas.

The 2025-2026 Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Regional Support Grant aims to enhance the capacity of Education Service Centers (ESCs) in Texas to assist school systems with TIA implementation. This grant will fund dedicated staff to provide tailored technical support, fostering collaboration with various educational initiatives. Administered by the Texas Education Agency, the program benefits local educational agencies, including school districts and charter schools, ensuring effective resource allocation for improved educational outcomes.

The Dr. Claudia Clague Education Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports undergraduate Montana high school graduates pursuing degrees in education. This scholarship highlights MSU's commitment to fostering student success and community engagement. With award amounts varying, it aims to empower students to lead and contribute to society effectively. As Montana's premier land-grant institution, MSU emphasizes accessible education and innovative research that benefits both the local community and the broader world.

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.