Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Ohio

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Pickaway County Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Pickaway County by supporting local nonprofits through a competitive application process. Grants are awarded based on community needs and priorities set by the foundation, focusing on charitable purposes that benefit all citizens. As a leader in charitable giving, the foundation fosters a culture of philanthropy to address evolving community challenges, ensuring a lasting impact for future generations.

Casey's Cash for Classrooms Grants support K-12 public and nonprofit private schools through funding for physical improvements, material needs, teacher support, and community engagement. In 2025, $900,000 was awarded across 80 grants, allowing schools to enhance their learning environments. With a commitment to community engagement, Casey's has donated $15 million since 2019, emphasizing their dedication to making life better for communities and guests. Grants range from $3,000 to $50,000, with funds required to be used within 12 months.

The Imagine Learning Foundation's Signature Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of learners by supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. By bridging classroom and community efforts, it fosters healthier environments for youth, families, and educators. The program prioritizes funding for organizations addressing critical issues like chronic absenteeism and housing insecurity. In 2024, the foundation will allocate over $400,000 to impactful projects, furthering its mission to cultivate supportive learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.

The 1954 Project - Luminary Award seeks visionary nonprofit leaders dedicated to advancing educational equity for Black students. Awardees receive $1 million in funding, leadership development, and networking opportunities. The selection prioritizes leaders demonstrating strategic vision, community commitment, adaptability, and collaborative spirit. Applicants must align with one of three impact areas: Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Diversity in Education, or Pathways to Economic Mobility, ensuring their initiatives foster systemic change and uplift marginalized communities.

The Cornerstone: Learning for Living Planning Grants, sponsored by The Teagle Foundation and NEH, aim to revitalize humanities education in higher learning. With a focus on transformative texts and faculty engagement, the initiative encourages diverse institutions to innovate general education. Grants up to $25,000 support curriculum reform and professional development, fostering a sense of belonging and community among students while enhancing their analytical skills and cultural awareness.

The Teagle Foundation and the NEH are offering the Cornerstone: Learning for Living implementation grants to enhance the role of humanities in higher education. Aimed at revitalizing student engagement, the initiative supports diverse institutions in creating transformative curricula and fostering community. Grants of up to $350,000 over 24 months will fund faculty development, course redesign, and outreach efforts, ensuring sustainable humanities programs that benefit a wide array of students, particularly in STEM fields.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance education in local communities over the next decade. This initiative is set to benefit over 500,000 PreK-12 students and provide exceptional training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 U.S. schools. As a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, Ardagh is committed to fostering educational opportunities that empower communities and promote equal access to quality education.

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students and train more than 5,000 teachers in U.S. communities. This initiative focuses on program expansion, enabling schools to implement additional PLTW Launch modules and improve access to quality education. By fostering a robust educational framework, Ardagh and PLTW are committed to building vibrant, successful communities through sustainable educational practices.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students across various U.S. communities. This initiative will provide essential teacher training for more than 5,000 educators and introduce new program units. By partnering with local schools, Ardagh Group emphasizes the importance of education in fostering vibrant communities and ensuring equitable access to learning resources over the next decade.

The PLTW Gateway program, backed by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities in local communities. Over the next decade, this initiative will support over 500,000 PreK-12 students and provide exceptional training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. The program focuses on fostering innovation and creativity through engaging STEM curricula, ensuring that educational resources are accessible and effective for all students.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Ardagh Group, aims to enhance education in local communities over the next decade, impacting over 500,000 PreK-12 students and training more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. This initiative is supported by a $50,000 grant, distributed over three years, facilitating diverse engineering courses and improving educational equity. Ardagh Group, a global leader in sustainable packaging, emphasizes the importance of education in fostering vibrant communities.

The PLTW Engineering program expansion, supported by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students in local communities. This initiative will not only add new PLTW Engineering courses but also provide training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools over the next decade. By fostering access to quality education, Ardagh Group is committed to building vibrant communities and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.

PLTW Launch offers a rolling grant for schools across the U.S. to implement the PLTW Launch program for the upcoming academic year. All schools, especially those serving low-income and minority populations, are encouraged to apply. The grant covers participation and training fees, with requirements to implement multiple PLTW modules over time. This initiative aims to enhance STEM education, ensuring diverse access to innovative learning opportunities.

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.

The NEA Professional Excellence Grants aim to empower state and local affiliates by providing funding for innovative practices and resources that enhance the education profession. These grants support initiatives focused on student success, professional development, and the establishment of a quality educator workforce. Typical funding ranges from $3,000 to $25,000, enabling affiliates to implement programs that address specific learning needs and foster community partnerships.

The Ray Y Gildea Jr Award, provided by the Royal Geographical Society, offers grants of up to £1,000 to support innovative teaching methods in higher and secondary education. This endowed award aims to enhance geography education by funding projects that develop, research, or pilot new approaches, ultimately benefiting students directly. Eligible applicants must be actively teaching in the higher education or secondary school sectors in the UK or USA.

The Earthwatch Institute's Teach Earth Fellowship connects K-12 teachers with scientists through immersive research expeditions. Celebrating 50 years, this program empowers educators to inspire students with hands-on environmental science experiences. Teachers gain confidence, collaborate with peers, and develop impactful curricula. The fellowship includes workshops, networking opportunities, and resources to enhance environmental education in classrooms. Participants return with renewed purpose, ready to engage their communities in conservation efforts.

The Piedmont Natural Gas Company Grant Program, part of the Duke Energy Foundation, supports community vitality through grants of $20,000 or less. Focus areas include vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and promoting opportunity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes measurable community impact and does not fund certain entities, including for-profits and religious organizations. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.

The EQT Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofits with a focus on community enrichment, education, and environmental preservation in areas aligned with EQT Corporation's business operations. Since 2003, it has awarded over $74 million, emphasizing impactful, evidence-based proposals that foster safe and sustainable communities. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate effective resource management. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote STEM education, community engagement, and conservation efforts to enhance quality of life in the regions it serves.

The Gladys Brooks Foundation supports innovative projects in libraries, education, hospitals, and clinics. Grants focus on resource endowments, capital construction, and equipment aimed at improving public access to information and educational resources. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific states and demonstrate that projects will be funded primarily by the grant. Applications for direct salary support or research projects are not accepted.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Longview Foundation's Internationalizing Teacher Preparation Grants aim to enhance teachers' global competencies through collaborative projects and online education. Established in 1966, the foundation prioritizes partnerships among institutions and the integration of global perspectives into teacher training. Successful proposals will demonstrate significant outreach, sustainable practices beyond the funding period, and collaboration with state education agencies. Grants range from $10,000 for single institutions to $30,000 for multi-institution initiatives, fostering a broader impact on K-12 education.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Fairfield County Foundation Grant supports local 501(c)(3) nonprofits aimed at enhancing community well-being. Established in 1989, the Foundation connects resources to address local needs, prioritizing quality of life and inclusivity. With both restricted and unrestricted funds, it empowers organizations to apply for grants that align with their community-focused missions. The Foundation encourages partnerships with nonprofits that serve the Fairfield County area, fostering collaboration for a sustainable future.

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, established in 1992, focuses on enhancing education and literacy in the San Francisco community. It supports organizations classified as public charities with 501(c)(3) status, prioritizing projects that strengthen public education and promote civic education for grades K-12. Grant requests are by invitation only and are considered quarterly. The fund seeks to make informed, flexible grants that align with its mission to support impactful charitable projects.