Best Grants for Elementary Education in New York

Elementary-serving local PTAs planning family engagement activities in New York can receive US $2,000 and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes to support healthier, more connected school environments. National Congress of Parents & Teachers, through the Here for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off Grant, funds meaningful in-school experiences that foster connection and lasting memories for families nationwide.

Focused on higher education access, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites New York graduating seniors to apply for the Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship. Eligible students are from specific high schools, show financial need, volunteerism, and strong academics, with preferences for education, criminal justice or law enforcement, or healthcare-related majors at 4-year colleges.

High school students planning to study elementary education can receive scholarship support that may benefit future New York elementary programs. Grants from Community Foundation of Carroll County help aspiring teachers pursue higher education focused on elementary school teaching. Awards are US $1,000 and open to Carroll County high school students preparing for elementary education careers.

New York students pursuing elementary education degrees may be eligible for scholarships supporting higher education costs. Any graduating senior from a high school in Cumberland, Hoke, or Harnett counties with a 3.0 GPA, active church membership, and plans to study elementary education full time can apply to the Lula T. and James L. Crosby Scholarship Fund, managed by Cumberland Community Foundation.

Elementary schools, districts, and nonprofit math education organizations in New York and nationwide can receive up to US $4,000 to design hands-on math interventions for students with disabilities in grades 2–8. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics supports projects that build conceptual understanding, expand mathematical fluency, and are shared with other educators.

Shelby County residents pursuing elementary education careers can apply for the Vera DoLean Ginn Kiwanis Scholarship, receiving US $1,000 toward a certificate or degree. Students with at least a 3.5 GPA who show financial need, academic strength, and community or school service may benefit, including those interested in elementary education work similar to New York programs.

Students pursuing elementary education careers in Illinois can receive scholarship support for college costs, with typical one-year awards of US $1,000. Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley provides funding for graduating high school seniors with permanent addresses in its scholarship service area, which includes counties such as Kane, Kendall, DuPage, and surrounding regions.

Elementary school PTAs and PTSAs in good standing can apply for National Congress of Parents & Teachers’ PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go! grants, awarding US $1,500 for in-person family programs on digital safety and healthy device use. New York elementary education groups may benefit if they host these peer-to-peer screen readiness discussions.

Public school classroom teachers serving grades 3–8 can receive donated Walking Classroom materials to boost student physical activity and academic enrichment, including in New York. Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides this evidence-based program for classrooms, after-school, and summer settings, prioritizing schools with the greatest socioeconomic and academic need that have not previously received sets.

Elementary school PTAs interested in hosting in-person, hands-on STEM family science festivals in New York and other eligible regions can receive US $1,250 - US $5,000 in support. The National Congress of Parents & Teachers, through the STEM + Families Science Festival program sponsored by Bayer Fund, funds engaging events that connect students and families around STEM learning.

Elementary and middle school PTAs interested in digital citizenship, online safety, and family engagement can use this grant to run Be Internet Awesome programs, including in New York. Grants from National Congress of Parents & Teachers provide US $1,500 to 50 local PTAs/PTSAs to host peer-to-peer events for parents and caregivers.

PTAs and PTSAs serving elementary school students in New York can apply for grants to run hands-on STEM and engineering family programs. Grants from National Congress of Parents & Teachers provide US $1,250 and ready-to-use activities and guides to help families explore STEM careers, including skilled trades, together at school events.

Elementary education and food access nonprofits in New York and across the U.S. can apply for Takeda’s corporate giving to support K-8 math, STEM enrichment, college success, and nutrition-focused programs. Organizations, especially near Greater Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, or Brooklyn Park, MN, may benefit if they address health disparities through food or STEM education.

Focused on early childhood education, Francis R. Dewing Foundation invites New York schools, districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek seed funding for innovative projects serving children through sixth grade. U.S.-based applicants proposing new, untried classroom, day care, or elementary education approaches may be eligible for small grants to pilot and refine their ideas.

K–5 classroom teachers in public or nonprofit private schools can receive up to US $1,000 for hands-on math and science project materials, including those in New York. Toshiba America Foundation supports teacher-designed projects that spark student curiosity and improve elementary STEM learning in U.S. schools.

Elementary education and youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Chicago area can receive McGraw Foundation support for programs such as tutoring, after-school enrichment, special needs education, and literacy. Grants, typically US $2,000 - US $10,000, may cover general operating support, specific projects, or occasionally capital needs, and may interest New York-focused educators seeking comparable models.

New York elementary education nonprofits can access funding through the Barney Family Foundation to support K-8 programs or related early learning initiatives. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 for projects that measurably improve children’s educational experiences, with additional support possible for cancer and Alzheimer’s research efforts.

Nonprofit and public agencies operating lending bookmobiles that serve underserved children in New York and across the U.S. can apply for $500 - $3,000 from the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation to buy children’s books. Funding supports preschool through grade 8 fiction and nonfiction for checkout, which may benefit elementary education programs.

Elementary K–8 schools in New York with 501(c)(3) status and established gardens or culinary education programs can access funding to develop integrated gardening and teaching kitchens. Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports horticulture, nutrition, and culinary arts education, prioritizing schools serving middle- to low-income students and able to scale experiential, garden-based learning campus-wide.

Nonprofit organizations running elementary education or related community programs in New York counties served by TD can seek support for initiatives in areas like early childhood development, literacy, and primary education. With a mission to improve quality of life, TD Charitable Foundation prioritizes inclusive programs for diverse, historically underserved, and low-to-moderate income communities.

McCormick & Company, Inc. actively supports charitable contributions through its Charitable Donations Committee (CDC), which prioritizes donations to non-profit organizations that enhance education, health, environment, and culture. The CDC focuses on organizations that benefit communities where McCormick employees live and work, ensuring a positive impact. Eligible groups must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. However, donations are not made to individuals, political organizations, or entities that conflict with corporate values.

The Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant Program aims to engage youth in environmental stewardship by funding projects that promote the use of native plants. This initiative supports schools and community organizations in creating native plant gardens, fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity and sustainable practices among students. By providing necessary resources, the program encourages hands-on learning experiences for preschool through high school students, aligning with Wild Ones' mission to enhance natural landscapes.

The STEM Innovation Grant by Colocation America supports innovative STEM programs for K-12 students, offering up to $7,500 in funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and schools with STEM-specific programming. The grant aims to inspire youth through unique learning approaches and real-world applications of STEM knowledge. Interested parties must attend a mandatory informational call, with funding available for tools, curriculum development, and professional training.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Madelyn L. Laschober Endowment Fund, established by the Partners of the Americas Foundation, supports projects focused on youth, education, and microenterprise development. Offering an annual grant of up to $1,000, this initiative honors Mrs. Laschober's legacy and her contributions to Latin America. Through this fund, Partners of the Americas aims to empower communities and foster meaningful connections across the Western Hemisphere, reinforcing the importance of education and entrepreneurship.