Best K–12 Education Grants

The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation offers grants to PreK-12 education organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region. Committed to addressing educational inequities, the foundation supports initiatives that close academic gaps and enhance access to quality arts instruction. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the organization's needs and grant type. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with funding available for both multi-year and one-year projects.

The Iowa History Field Trip Grant Program, offered by the Iowa History Center at Simpson College, provides funding for K-12 students to explore Iowa's rich history through educational field trips. Grants cover student tuition and may include transportation costs, with a maximum of $500 per trip. Local schools can apply, ensuring that students in grades 3-10 gain hands-on experience at museums and historic sites. This initiative promotes awareness and appreciation of Iowa's heritage.

The Impact Polk Grants, administered by the GiveWell Community Foundation, aim to address diverse community needs in Polk County, Florida. This annual competitive grant program supports initiatives in six key areas: economic opportunities, education, food security, housing, quality of life, and transportation. By focusing on enhancing residents' quality of life, the program targets systemic barriers and fosters equitable access to essential services, thereby promoting community resilience and growth.

The Learning Links Grants provide up to $800 for public schools in Western North Carolina to implement hands-on creative learning projects. Funded by the Ben W. and Dixie Glenn Farthing Charitable Endowment Fund, these grants aim to enhance student engagement and educational outcomes. Successful applications should clearly outline project plans, budgets, and expected impact on students. This initiative encourages community involvement and aims to foster a love for learning, ultimately supporting students through to graduation.

The Global D-Prize Competition aims to alleviate extreme poverty by seeding social impact organizations in low-and-middle income countries. With grants of up to $20,000, it supports entrepreneurs launching new ventures. Applicants are encouraged to distribute existing, evidence-based poverty interventions. The competition targets areas such as health, education, and livelihoods, fostering innovative solutions. D-Prize seeks to make high-impact products universally accessible and believes that social enterprises can effectively address pressing needs in communities.

The Ocean Reef Community Foundation's Community Grants Program supports local charities addressing community issues and fostering self-sufficiency. Grants focus on innovative projects that improve community welfare, with preference given to those involving partnerships and additional funding sources. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and demonstrate a clear impact on the defined areas. The program prioritizes initiatives that enhance services, empower individuals, and address root causes of challenges faced by the community.

The Season for Sharing Grant supports non-profit organizations in Arizona, focusing on children, families, arts, education, and older adults. With funding ranging from $7,500 to $50,000, this initiative aims to address critical needs such as child protection, food access, emergency shelter, and educational support. Eligible applicants must be based in Maricopa or Pinal counties, ensuring that assistance directly benefits local communities. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of charitable contributions during the holiday season.

The Siemer Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on enhancing educational opportunities and literacy for children in central Ohio. It supports initiatives that prepare young children for school, improve overall academic achievement, and assist underprivileged families in achieving stability. Guided by Barbara Siemer, the foundation emphasizes programs that foster parental involvement and community engagement to ensure a brighter future for children and families.

The Ingram-White Castle Foundation, established in 1949 by the Ingram Family, aims to support disadvantaged students through educational programs. With over $22 million awarded in grants, its mission encompasses providing essential resources for academic success, workforce preparation, and strengthening educational institutions. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster community cooperation and encourage additional funding. Although primarily focused on education, it also addresses critical human service needs, impacting the lives of many in the central Ohio area.

The Anchorage Schools Foundation Project Grants support innovative educational projects within the Anchorage School District, inviting applications from school professionals. Grants typically range from $100 to $750 and should impact multiple students. Awards are made in late November, with projects to be completed in the academic year. Eligible applicants must work at the school where the project occurs, and principal authorization is required. Final reporting is due a year after the award.

The Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support programs benefiting children in Texas, focusing on growth, self-esteem, and innovation. Grants usually do not exceed $10,000 for program funding and can reach up to $50,000 for capital needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and serve children within Texas. The foundation encourages collaborative projects and may request site visits to evaluate grant proposals effectively.

The Ashwaubenon Education Foundation Grants support innovative opportunities that enhance student experiences within the Ashwaubenon School District. These grants are aimed at funding enrichment activities, innovative classroom projects, and technology initiatives that extend beyond standard district support. With awards typically up to $2,000, the program encourages collaboration among parents, staff, and community members. However, it does not fund existing district activities or religious programs, ensuring that the focus remains on new educational experiences.

The School Spirit Educational Endowment Fund, established by the Green Bay Area Public School District, aims to enhance teaching and learning by providing mini-grants for innovative educational projects. This initiative empowers teachers, staff, and parents to explore creative educational methods that can serve as models for other districts. By fostering excellence in education, the fund supports opportunities that address the needs of at-risk and gifted students, while also enhancing arts and technology initiatives.

The Karl H. and Wealtha H. Nelson Family Foundation Grant aims to support charitable organizations in Nebraska City, focusing on health care, historical preservation, education, fine arts, and community development. Established by the Nelson family, the foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the local community's well-being and cultural heritage. The board seeks to fund both established organizations and new initiatives that demonstrate a clear commitment to their goals and community relevance.

The Mortenson Family Foundation is dedicated to expanding opportunities for children and families living in poverty by promoting equitable access to education, social development, and mental health resources. By partnering with nonprofit organizations and public schools, the foundation aims to empower communities through culturally relevant learning practices and strong engagement with families. Their focus on racial equity and sustained support for children from prenatal to 18 years ensures a holistic approach to overcoming the barriers faced by underserved populations.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes funding for rural BIPOC organizations focused on youth programs, emphasizing education, athletics, and cultural expression for ages 6-18. Grants support initiatives that enhance access to diverse experiences, educational opportunities, and sports programs. The foundation is committed to addressing inequities in funding distribution, ensuring resources reach non-dominant communities. Organizations must be based in the Western states and demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and diversity in their leadership and programming.

The Lilja Family Fund Grant, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, supports communities in south Douglas County, offering approximately $40,000 annually for competitive grants. Targeted projects focus on K-12 and early childhood education, youth development, literacy, culture, and community initiatives. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with an emphasis on proposals that provide direct student services rather than traditional educational funding. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

The Lenny Zakim Fund Grant aims to empower grassroots organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts by providing unrestricted funding up to $20,000 to those with annual budgets under $350,000. The Fund prioritizes historically marginalized communities and supports initiatives focused on social, economic, and racial justice. With core values rooted in love, diversity, and grassroots leadership, the Fund seeks to foster relationships and create lasting change in the community. This commitment to equity and inclusion is essential for building a more just society.

The Chintimini Fund, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, provides grants between $3,000 and $7,000 to support enrichment programs for high-potential students in specific Oregon counties. Eligible applicants include schools, public agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The fund aims to engage talented and gifted students through innovative program strategies, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to thrive academically and personally.

The Edna E. Harrell Community Children’s Fund Grant, managed by The Oregon Community Foundation, supports programs enhancing the lives of underserved youth in Baker County and North Powder. Established in 2014, it provides funding for various enrichment activities, including summer camps, after-school programs, and arts initiatives. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, churches, and schools, ensuring that children from financially constrained families have access to vital development opportunities.

Speedway Children's Charities provides critical support to children in need, focusing on those in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties. Since its inception in 1982, SCC has distributed over $72 million in grants, with $4 million allocated in 2024 alone. The organization prioritizes assistance for the homeless, orphans, and victims of sex trafficking, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive despite their circumstances. Through various fundraising events, SCC empowers local nonprofits dedicated to improving children's lives.

The Excellence in Education Initiative Grants aim to foster innovative teaching methods within the Sioux Falls area. These grants support creative classroom projects designed by educators, enhancing educational experiences for students. Eligible applicants include teachers from various educational backgrounds who implement projects that can be completed by the end of the school year. By investing in local educators, the initiative contributes to building a brighter future for the community.

The Tinker Foundation's Institutional Grants program supports initiatives aimed at improving educational access and quality in Latin America. With a focus on foundational learning, particularly in early primary education, the program prioritizes projects that enhance literacy and numeracy, evolve curricula, and foster educational equity. Grants range from $50,000 to $150,000 annually, promoting collaboration among civil society organizations to address significant learning gaps exacerbated by recent challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Booth Ferris Foundation, established in 1957, focuses on improving K-12 education in New York City by providing capacity building support to organizations with annual budgets over $1 million. They fund charitable organizations exempt from federal taxes under Section 501(c)(3) and do not consider proposals from private foundations or individuals. Key restrictions include a focus on local projects and a minimum of three years between grant awards.

The Orville W. Forté Charitable Foundation supports organizations aiding disadvantaged youth in Greater Boston. Grants primarily focus on general operating and program support, with occasional funding for equipment or capital needs. Eligible applicants must provide recent financial statements, including audited reports if available, and proof of 501(c)(3) status. The foundation aims to foster growth and development within the community by empowering youth through various initiatives.

The Beaches Community Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations serving the Beaches communities from Mayport to Guana. Priority is given to initiatives addressing basic needs, educational support for K-12 students, early learning opportunities for low-income families, and transportation needs for residents. This grant aims to uplift the community by targeting essential services and enhancing the quality of life for those in need.

The Youth Philanthropy Board Grant in Sussex County aims to support nonprofits that enhance family success, particularly for at-risk families facing mental health challenges, violence, and food insecurity. In 2026, the grant will also provide funding for educational support and recreational activities, ensuring that families have access to essential services that promote stability and growth.