Best K–12 Education Grants

The Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) Resource Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes for homeless students in Texas. This grant supports innovative practices that identify, enroll, and assist these students, ensuring they access essential services. By fostering regional collaboration and implementing best practices, the TEHCY program strengthens support systems for education service centers and school districts, ultimately striving for improved academic success for all affected students.

About NABT

Since its establishment in 1938, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) has been the recognized "leader in life science education." Thousands of educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the globe; keep up with trends and developments in the field; and grow professionally.

NABT Mission

The National Association of Biology Teachers empowers educators to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students.

Climate Education Action Award

Sponsored by NCSE, this award recognizes excellence in classroom/community education that specifically supports and promotes the accurate and robust teaching of climate science and the impact of the changing climate on society beyond the classroom. This award is presented to K-12 teachers in odd-numbered years and undergraduate and/or informal educators in even-numbered years. NCSE’s sponsorship of this award includes a $1,000 honorarium. The recipient also receives a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference and one year of complimentary membership to NABT.

Safe Routes to School Program

The Safe Routes to Schools Program (SRTS) provides funding to improve safety and mobility for children by enabling and encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school. Funding from this program is for projects within two miles of primary, middle and high schools (K-12).

Concurrent with the federal safe, accountable, flexible, efficient transportation equity act of 2005, a safe routes to school program is established within the department. The purpose of the program is to:

Enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school;

Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and

Facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools.

Call for projects open

Funding proposals are now being accepted for the Safe Routes to School Program. The estimated available funding amount is $56,950,000 for the 27-29 biennium

The Pedestrian & Bicycle Program, funded by the Washington State Department of Transportation, aims to enhance safety and mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. With an available budget of $49,380,000 for the 27-29 biennium, it supports projects like bike lanes and sidewalk improvements. The program emphasizes the importance of active transportation and requires annual reporting on project statuses to ensure transparency and accountability.

Red Oak Community School Scholarship

The scholarship program is designed for students who are enrolled at Red Oak Community School (ROCS), a tuition-based elementary school serving K-5 students across central Ohio. The scholarship program was created by and for the families who make up the ROCS community. It is funded through various independent, community-led fundraising efforts throughout the school year and is meant to lower financial hurdles to enrollment. 

Example Awards: 

• Five-day program students: $1,000
• Three-day program students: $600
• Two-day program students: $400

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation offers Utah Education Innovation Grants aimed at enhancing K-12 educational outcomes through innovative approaches. These grants support programs focused on mental health, early childhood education, technology, and workforce development. Organizations with a 501c3 designation in Utah can apply, but must ensure long-term sustainability of funded projects. This initiative aligns with Intermountain Health’s mission to foster healthier communities and improve access to quality education.

Cathy Hopper Memorial Scholarship

Cathy Hopper was a long-time educator and resident of San Diego County. She received her Master of Arts in Education from San Diego State University. She was a teacher in the social studies classroom of Gompers Middle School and then Taft Middle School. She became Vice Principal at Madison, then Patrick Henry High which she helped open. Cathy became Principal at Wright Brothers Career High, then Bell Jr. High and was the first Principal at University City High, being one of only two women high school principals at the time. Cathy then served as Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the San Diego Unified School District. She was one of the administrators during the tumultuous integration movement and worked tirelessly to allay fears and helped make for a peaceful transition. Upon her retirement, Cathy helped inaugurate the Aaron Price Fellows Scholarship Program.

This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, and fees room & board, and other educational expenses.

The scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to two years total, provided the student maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, good citizenship record, and continues to have financial need.

• Average number of awards: 7-9
• Average amount of award: $5,000

The Sturgeon River Pottery Fund for Education in the Visual Arts provides grants up to $250 to K–12 art teachers in Emmet County and Wolverine, Michigan. Established by Steve and Karen Andrews in 1999, the fund supports the purchase of visual art supplies that foster creativity in classrooms. This initiative has awarded over $25,000 to promote artistic expression among local youth, aligning with the foundation's mission to enhance community quality of life through the arts.

The Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant in Vermont aims to enhance farm to school initiatives by supporting early childhood providers and schools. This grant promotes integrated programs that benefit classroom learning, cafeteria nutrition, and community involvement, thereby fostering a holistic approach to education. Funded by the Rozo McLaughlin Farm to School Act of 2006, this initiative encourages local agriculture and healthy eating among young learners.

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge Grant aims to foster cross-sector partnerships that enhance career-connected learning for youth aged 11-22 in Central Alabama. By encouraging collaboration among local organizations, employers, and community stakeholders, the initiative seeks innovative solutions that promote skills development, self-efficacy, and workforce readiness. Grants of up to $250K are available to support transformative educational programs that address local labor market needs and empower young learners to navigate their career pathways.

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge Grant focuses on advancing career-connected learning for youth in Central Alabama. It encourages partnerships between local and national organizations to create scalable educational models. With a grant of up to $250K over 12 to 24 months, this initiative aims to foster community engagement and develop impactful programs tailored to local needs. The Challenge emphasizes collaboration with employers to enhance career pathways and ensure learners acquire valuable skills for future success.

The School Breakfast Collaboration Grant, offered by Project Bread, aims to assist Massachusetts schools in developing and expanding breakfast programs to combat hunger. This funding supports schools in implementing alternative breakfast models, such as Breakfast in the Classroom and Second Chance Breakfast, while also enhancing menu options and accessibility. By collaborating closely with Project Bread's Child Nutrition staff, schools can effectively address challenges and improve their breakfast offerings, ensuring that no child goes hungry.

The Breakfast After the Bell Implementation Grant by Project Bread aims to enhance breakfast accessibility in Massachusetts schools. This funding opportunity supports schools in launching or expanding alternative breakfast models, such as Breakfast in the Classroom and Grab & Go Breakfast. Schools applying should have a well-developed plan and be prepared to implement new strategies to ensure all students can access nutritious meals, thereby fostering better health and academic performance.

The Expand Energy STEM Education Fund, managed by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, supports K-12 STEM education in Belmont, Guernsey, and Monroe counties. This fund, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities, invites public school districts and educators to apply for grants of up to $1,000 for innovative STEM projects. Priority is given to local organizations, but those outside the region serving these counties can also apply. The initiative fosters a collaborative environment for improving educational outcomes in Appalachian Ohio.

The Celebrate Education Grants aim to enhance educational excellence in Oshkosh area schools by providing funding opportunities ranging from $500 to $2,000. Collaborating with community partners, the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation supports teachers in accessing necessary resources, with grant recipients celebrated at the annual Celebrate Education event. Eligible applicants include public and parochial school teachers within the district, focusing on projects that inspire and enrich the educational experience for students.

The K-12 Education Grant Program by the Pulitzer Center invites innovative educational projects that use journalism to engage K-12 students and educators in global health issues. Selected proposals, aiming to impact at least 500 individuals, will be refined through workshops for a chance to secure $1,500 grants for implementation in spring 2026. This initiative seeks to enhance understanding and inspire sustainable change within communities.

The Edward and Belle Rudoy Endowment Fund, established by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, aims to recognize and promote excellence in teaching within the Winneconne Community School District. This fund supports K-12 educators who demonstrate dedication and commitment to education, with recipients nominated by their school principals. Since its inception in 1928, the Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in local communities by uniting resources for impactful projects.

The Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) STEM Grant, provided by the Minnesota Department of Education, aims to enhance student engagement in AP and IB programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This funding is directed towards Minnesota School Districts, Tribally Controlled Schools, and Charter Schools to foster academic achievement among historically underserved student populations from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The FY26 Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant aims to enhance literacy among K-12 students in the District of Columbia. Managed by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), this grant focuses on evidence-based practices to improve literacy instruction, professional development, and family literacy initiatives. Priority is given to entities serving high-need schools and addressing the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged students, ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all.

The Leadership & Instructional Foundations for Texas (LIFT) Grant is a three-year initiative aimed at enhancing the instructional capacity of Texas school systems. By integrating key elements of Strong Foundations, Texas Instructional Leadership, and Texas Lesson Study, LIFT provides comprehensive support to districts. The program ensures all Texas students receive high-quality, grade-level instruction daily, promoting sustainable improvement through strong leadership and high-quality instructional materials.

The Germantown Student Education Arts and Humanities Endowment, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enhance the educational experience in the arts and humanities for students in the Germantown Central School District. Grants ranging from $100 to $2,500 support projects initiated by teachers, parents, and community members, fostering creativity and academic excellence while ensuring that public funding remains intact.

The Alice and Richard Henriquez Memorial Fund and Youth World Awareness Program, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports young individuals (ages 14-22) from Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess, and northwest Litchfield counties. It provides grants for international travel experiences aimed at promoting peace and justice. Since 1995, this initiative has encouraged students to engage in humanitarian work abroad, fostering cultural understanding and personal growth while addressing social injustices.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion in Georgia aims to support public and charter schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs. Eligible schools must be located in specific Georgia counties, and the total grant award is $10,000 for the 2026-2027 period. Funds can cover participation fees, required technology, and training-related costs, while salaries, benefits, and other non-allowable expenses are excluded. This initiative promotes STEM education in the region.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program in Georgia offers public and charter schools the chance to implement Project Lead the Way's innovative curriculum. Eligible schools can apply for a total of $20,000, distributed over two years, to support the introduction of PLTW Gateway units. Schools are required to offer at least one unit in the 2026-2027 academic year and an additional unit in the following year, enhancing STEM education for students.

The Monument Mountain School Center Fund, established to support Monument Mountain Regional High School projects, provides grants up to $3,000. As the fund transitions from its founding organization, it aims to enhance educational offerings by prioritizing innovative initiatives that benefit the entire school community. Eligible applicants include students, teachers, and staff who must ensure funding does not replace existing school district financial commitments. This foundation advocates for inclusivity and does not support discriminatory practices.

The Growing Literacy Equity Across Massachusetts (GLEAM) initiative aims to enhance literacy support systems in schools, focusing on underserved populations. With approximately $480,000 available for FY26, the grants will facilitate collaboration among districts to prioritize literacy equity and foster diverse stakeholder engagement. This funding seeks to ensure every student reaches their literacy potential through sustainable improvements in educational practices, especially in grades PreK-12, as outlined in the grant's criteria.

The Fairview Foundation Mini Grants support educators in the Fairview School District by funding innovative and collaborative classroom projects. Established in 2009, the foundation aims to enhance learning experiences through grants that align with state and national educational initiatives. With an all-volunteer Board of Directors, the foundation is dedicated to fostering creativity and high learning standards among teachers and students alike.