Best Grants for Charter Schools in Massachusetts

The Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

The Measurement and Evaluation Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished SHAPE America professional who has significantly impacted measurement and evaluation in health and physical education. This prestigious award highlights the importance of scholarly achievement and the influence of national standards in enhancing educational practices. It aims to honor those who have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of health and physical education, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles for students across the nation.

The Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award recognizes exceptional contributions by a SHAPE America professional towards the Measurement and Evaluation SIG's mission. This prestigious accolade celebrates those who advance health and physical education practices, inspiring educators to enhance student well-being. Eligibility requires current membership in SHAPE America and the Measurement and Evaluation SIG, ensuring that only dedicated professionals are honored. This award embodies the commitment to fostering excellence in educational environments, ultimately aiming to prepare all children to lead active, healthy lives.

The Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals who have made significant contributions to research in curriculum and instruction within health and physical education. Eligible candidates must be current SHAPE America members and have 3 to 6 years of experience post-doctorate. This award emphasizes active involvement and scholarship in the field, encouraging innovative research that enhances educational practices for preK-12 students.

The Measurement and Evaluation Graduate Student Award, offered by SHAPE America, aims to support graduate students specializing in psychomotor measurement and evaluation. This scholarship assists with professional expenses, ensuring candidates can focus on their studies. Eligible applicants must be current SHAPE America members and pursuing relevant master's or doctoral degrees. The award prioritizes those who have completed their first year of study, promoting excellence in health and physical education across the U.S.

The Luther Halsey Gulick Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes individuals with over ten years of membership who have made outstanding contributions to health and physical education. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to a candidate selected for their exemplary leadership and service in the field. Nominations are carefully evaluated based on the candidate's impact on the profession and their ability to inspire future generations to lead healthy, active lives.

The KLA-Tencor Foundation's Education Opportunity Fund aims to enhance educational access, promote emotional well-being, and improve educational systems, particularly for under-resourced K-12 students. Grants between $50,000 and $250,000 are available for innovative projects that eliminate barriers to education and foster sustainable partnerships. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a significant impact in communities served by KLA, focusing on systemic change rather than direct student assistance.

The SPFFA Educational Scholarship provides financial support of $5000 for university candidates aiming to teach French in primary and secondary schools. To be eligible, applicants must be American citizens or resident aliens, preferably enrolled in a School of Education and pursuing a Master in Teaching with a focus on French. Additionally, applicants need to maintain a GPA above 3.00, ensuring commitment to their educational goals.

The Spotlight Fund: Arts Grants support K-12 educators by providing funding for essential tools and materials to enhance art education. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes educators in high-needs schools, fostering creativity and reducing dropout rates among at-risk youth. By engaging children in various art forms, the initiative enriches their educational experience and opens up future possibilities. This targeted support is vital for cultivating a new generation of artists and creative thinkers.

The Spotlight Funds: Inclusive Classroom Grants support K-12 educators by providing financial assistance to acquire essential tools and materials for diverse classrooms. These grants address inequities based on race, gender identity, and ability, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes high-needs schools, empowering teachers to create inclusive learning environments that reflect their students' unique backgrounds.

The Spotlight Fund Grants aim to enhance racial equity in K-12 education by providing flexible funding to BIPOC educators. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, these funds are essential for sourcing tools and materials that support diverse student needs. As schools face budget cuts exacerbated by COVID-19, this initiative focuses on proven strategies that foster an inclusive learning environment for students of color, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.

The Spotlight Fund Grants, specifically the STEM Fund, provide essential funding for K-12 educators to enhance their curriculum with necessary tools and materials for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. Aimed at supporting under-served communities, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 per educator, with a cap of $5,000 per school. Priority is given to educators from high-needs schools, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education.

The BSO/Arbella School Bus Grant Program, funded by the Arbella Insurance Foundation, provides up to $300 to schools for transportation costs to BSO Youth Concerts. This initiative aims to enhance students' educational experiences by facilitating access to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its historic venue. With limited grants available on a first-come, first-served basis, it supports schools facing budget constraints, enabling them to offer enriching field trip opportunities.

The Andrade-Faxon Charities for Children Grant supports programs directly benefiting at-risk children aged 18 and under. Funded by professional golfers, it prioritizes charitable initiatives in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, providing grants for essential items like food, playground equipment, and educational supplies. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and are limited to one funding request annually. Exclusions include capital campaigns and operating reserves, ensuring funds directly enhance children's welfare.

The All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant aims to support families and community-based organizations in low-income areas, ensuring access to recreational sports for children in grades K-12. This grant assists those who struggle to afford youth sports, providing essential funding on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible organizations must demonstrate budget constraints and operate in areas with high low-income student percentages, promoting inclusivity in youth sports participation.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The School on the Move Prize, awarded by EdVestors, recognizes exceptional school-wide improvement efforts within Boston Public Schools. With a mission to enhance equitable education, the prize offers $100,000 in funding, comprising $80,000 for the winning school and $20,000 for research and dissemination activities. This initiative aims to celebrate and share the success stories of schools that foster thriving learning environments, ultimately inspiring further progress across the district.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

The CCS High School Chemical Safety Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance chemical safety in secondary education. Educators can apply for up to $3,000 to support initiatives like curriculum integration of safety practices, advocating for safe chemical usage, and improving safety infrastructure. Eligible applicants include middle and high school science teachers in the U.S. Grants cover training, equipment, and workshops to promote a culture of safety in educational environments.

The Fund for Teachers Fellowship empowers educators to design personalized learning experiences that enhance their professional skills and student engagement. With over 20 years of experience, this initiative has supported more than 10,000 teachers, enabling them to transform their classrooms through unique fellowship opportunities. Eligible applicants include full-time teachers in the U.S. who have at least three years of teaching experience and plan to return to the classroom after their fellowship. This fellowship fosters innovative teaching practices and collaborative growth.

The Chrysalis Fund, managed by the Entomological Society of America, supports K-12 educators in fostering youth interest in insect science. Grants can cover various project expenses, including supplies and travel costs. Funding levels include micro-grants (under $500), regular grants ($500-$999), and large grants ($1,000-$2,500). This initiative encourages innovative educational programs that engage students with entomology, enhancing their learning experience and promoting science education.

The White-Reinhardt Grant offers funding for projects that enhance agricultural literacy among K-12 students. With grants of up to $1,000 available, state and county Farm Bureaus can initiate new educational programs or expand existing ones. This initiative, supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation and its Women’s Leadership Committee, honors the contributions of Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, aiming to bolster agricultural knowledge across the nation.

The Melrose Cooperative Bank Foundation Grant supports community service organizations in Melrose and surrounding areas. It focuses on education, health, human services, affordable housing, and general community support. Grants range from $250 to $10,000 and are available to 501(c)3 organizations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants may reapply if previous submissions were denied due to missing information or relevance. The Foundation does not fund political activities or individual scholarships.