Best Grants for Education Nonprofits

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.

The PCIF Community Impact Grants, offered by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life for all residents in Pottawattamie County. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government entities. The grants focus on various sectors such as arts, education, health, and community improvement. In the last funding cycle, 42 grants totaling $65,364 were awarded, emphasizing the Foundation's commitment to fostering impactful community initiatives.

The Roger and Barbara Ward Education Award, established by the Henry County Community Foundation, offers a $1,000 grant to teachers in the South Henry School Corporation for classroom enrichment. Funds may be used for supplies, technology, or relevant continuing education. This award honors the legacy of Roger and Barbara Ward, both dedicated to education and community service. The initiative aims to enhance educational experiences, ensuring impactful use of resources for the benefit of students.

The Community Foundation of Jackson County Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for all residents by supporting innovative projects that address significant community issues. They focus on sustainable solutions that benefit diverse groups, including the underserved. Grants are available for initiatives in areas such as community development, education, health services, and the arts, encouraging collaboration to maximize impact and efficiency. This foundation plays a vital role in fostering community growth and resilience.

The ESI CARES Foundation Grant, established in 2018, focuses on environmental responsibility through a metal recycling program. By collecting recyclable materials from construction projects across the U.S., the foundation aims to generate funds for community support. It prioritizes programs that address community needs, particularly those benefiting women and children, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovative solutions. The foundation seeks to create a lasting positive impact in the communities it serves.

The Kiesling Family Scholarship at Montana State University provides financial support to students pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, particularly those involved in the Rural Student Teaching Program. This scholarship highlights the university's commitment to fostering educational excellence and accessibility. With varying award amounts, it aims to empower students with strong academic backgrounds and the potential for success, ensuring that quality education remains within reach for aspiring educators.

The Marshall and Betty Bjork Rural Student Teacher Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports aspiring educators from rural backgrounds pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. This scholarship, which varies in amount, is aimed at students who are graduates of Montana high schools and are participating in the Rural Student Teaching Program. It exemplifies the university's commitment to fostering educational excellence and accessibility for future teachers.

The Vonda and David Mason Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, provides financial assistance to students pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Award amounts vary, and eligibility includes being a senior status student in a rural/small school district, demonstrating financial need, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to fostering education in Montana's communities.

The Hoyt Family Rural Education Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, aims to support students pursuing a degree in Teacher Education. This scholarship is designed for Montana residents who are participating in the Rural Student Teaching Program and have senior status. Award amounts vary, providing valuable financial assistance to those with a strong academic record and potential for success in education.

The Linda and Larry Hughes Family Scholarship at Montana State University provides financial support to undergraduate students pursuing a K-12 Teacher Education Program. With a minimum GPA of 3.25 and a demonstration of financial need, eligible students must also be Montana residents and secure a student teaching position. This scholarship highlights the university's commitment to fostering educational excellence and supporting future educators in their professional journey.

The Cory and Diane Knapp Pulfrey Rural Teaching Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, aims to support students pursuing a degree in Teacher Education. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be Montana residents, and commit to teaching in rural or small school districts during their student teaching semester. Financial need is also a consideration. This scholarship represents a valuable opportunity for aspiring educators to achieve their academic and professional goals.

The A. K. Erhardt Education Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, aims to support students in the Department of Education who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to upperclassmen and Montana high school graduates. This scholarship fosters the growth of future educators by providing essential financial assistance, enabling students to pursue impactful careers in teaching and educational leadership.

The Synthomer Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations across the U.S. in education, health, civic initiatives, and the arts. With a legacy spanning over 60 years, the Foundation has awarded $1.3 million in 2024 alone to enhance community well-being. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to qualify, while those that discriminate or engage in political activities are ineligible. Through financial support and volunteerism, the Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities and fostering a culture of giving.

The Rieschel Foundation Annual Grant supports public charities in Gallatin and Park Counties, Montana, offering up to $20,000 for general operating expenses. The grant cycle opens in February, allowing eligible organizations to submit applications. The foundation prioritizes funding for mental health services, human services, environmental initiatives, and education. With an average of 15 awards each year, the foundation aims to align with impactful organizations to foster significant community contributions.