Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers

The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation's STEM Sprouts program aims to inspire early learners aged 3-10 in STEM fields through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Organizations can apply for grants up to $25,000 to develop engaging curricula that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The program encourages the integration of play-based activities and technology, ensuring safety and parental involvement. By providing quality resources and support, STEM Sprouts prepares children for future careers in STEM and nurtures a lifelong love for learning.

Glenn W Bailey Charitable Tr

US $25,000

Glenn W. Bailey Foundation STEM Stars

The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation STEM Stars program offers grants up to $25,000 for organizations supporting middle and high school students in advanced STEM education. Applicants should focus on fostering a passion for STEM, developing rigorous curricula, and providing hands-on experiences. Partnerships with local universities and industry are encouraged, along with community and parental engagement. The program aims to prepare students for careers in STEM fields through comprehensive and engaging educational experiences.

Glenn W Bailey Charitable Tr

Unspecified amount

Goldman Fund: Education & Literacy

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.

Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund

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Unspecified amount

ILA Celebrate Literacy Award

The ILA Celebrate Literacy Award honors exceptional contributions to literacy at local, state, or provincial levels. Awarded by the International Literacy Association, it aims to raise public awareness of literacy initiatives and recognize outstanding efforts in promoting literacy education. Candidates may include individuals or organizations demonstrating excellence in direct teaching, organizing literacy programs, or conducting relevant research. This award underscores the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and social justice issue.

International Literacy Association

Up to US $5,000

Japanese-Language Education Project Grant

The Japanese-Language Education Project Grant supports initiatives that enhance Japanese language education across various regions. Offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, this grant targets workshops, seminars, and original projects that connect language learning with Japan Studies. Eligible applicants include non-profit educational organizations in the U.S. Projects should benefit multiple programs, ensuring a broad impact on Japanese language education. The deadline for applications is two months before the project start date, which must be between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

United States-Japan Foundation

Unspecified amount

Laird Norton Family Foundation Grant

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

Laird Norton Family Foundation

Unspecified amount

Unique Zan Foundation Grant

The Unique Zan Foundation Grant aims to empower women through education and health initiatives, particularly in West Asia and the Middle East. This private foundation supports non-profit organizations that align with its mission to promote women's rights, provide healthcare, and foster community leadership. By focusing on projects that address gender inequities, the foundation seeks to create positive societal changes through educational grants and community support.

Unique Zan Foundation

Unspecified amount

Verizon Foundation Giving and Grants

The Verizon Foundation provides grants focused on Digital Inclusion, Climate Protection, and Human Prosperity, emphasizing projects that support diverse communities. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and K-12 schools, with grant applications by invitation only. Key requirements include compliance with applicable laws and usage of funds for community benefit. The foundation does not fund individuals, political causes, or organizations with overlapping missions with public agencies. Detailed guidelines are available for grant applications.

Verizon Foundation

Up to US $230,000

Landmarks of American History and Culture and Summer Institutes

Applications due Jun 26, 2026

The National Endowment for the Humanities invites applications for the Landmarks of American History and Culture and Summer Institutes program. This initiative aims to enhance humanities education by providing professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers and higher education faculty. Participants will explore significant historical sites and engage in enriching workshops that foster innovative teaching strategies, ultimately benefiting their students and communities.

National Endowment for the Humanities

Approximately US $4,600,000

FY 2027 Fulbright Specialist Program

Applications due Jun 30, 2026

The FY 2027 Fulbright Specialist Program will select around 400 American academics and professionals for two-to-six week assignments worldwide. Participants will share their expertise and strengthen professional networks while supporting U.S. foreign policy. Projects are coordinated with U.S. embassies and foreign institutions, allowing specialists to engage in curriculum development, symposiums, and needs assessments. This initiative aims to enhance educational and cultural ties globally.

US Department of State: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

US $500 - US $10,000

Peer Education Grant

Applications due Jun 30, 2026

The Peer Education Grant, offered by the Organization for Autism Research, aims to enhance autism acceptance among children by providing educational resources and funding for initiatives. Grants of up to $10,000 support school-wide projects, with smaller grants available for other activities. Eligible applicants include educators and community organization leaders focused on autism awareness, particularly in low-income areas. This initiative fosters inclusive relationships and understanding between children and their autistic peers.

Organization For Autism Research

Up to US $50,000

Bargaining & Advocacy Grants

Applications due Aug 31, 2026

The National Education Association's Collective Bargaining and Member Advocacy Department offers grants to support affiliates in creating student-centered initiatives through collective bargaining and advocacy. These grants aim to unite educators with communities, enhance transparency in negotiations, and advocate for students' rights, focusing on improving education funding, working conditions, and student outcomes. Affiliates can apply for funding to develop strategies that foster collaboration and promote positive learning environments.

National Education Association Staff Organization

US $475,000 - US $7,500,000

Advanced Technological Education (355100)

Applications due Oct 1, 2026

The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on enhancing the education of technicians in high-technology fields through partnerships between two-year institutions, industry, and economic development agencies. This program emphasizes faculty-led projects and credit-bearing courses, aiming to improve science and engineering technician education while also supporting professional development and career pathways for students and incumbent workers.

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Up to US $1,000

Hampsong Education Fellowship in American Song

Applications due Oct 15, 2026

The Hampsong Education Fellowship in American Song, offered by the Society for American Music, supports educators aiming to enhance understanding of American history and culture through song. This competitive fellowship, providing up to $1,000, encourages innovative curricular projects using resources like the Song of America database and Voices Across Time. It aims to engage students and the public in creative ways, fostering a deeper appreciation for American musical heritage.

Society For American Music

Up to US $15,000

Designing Innovative Lessons and Activities for Mathematics Teaching (K–8)

The Designing Innovative Lessons and Activities for Mathematics Teaching grant, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance K–8 mathematics education through collaborative writing and material development. With an initial award of $5,000 and potential for renewal up to $15,000, this grant encourages teams of educators to create engaging, non-routine lessons that focus on key mathematical themes. Eligible applicants include leadership teams from multiple schools, fostering innovation in teaching practices.

Up to US $6,000

Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants

The Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the mathematics content knowledge of dedicated elementary school teachers. This initiative focuses on developing teacher-leaders who will deliver ongoing professional development to fellow educators, thereby strengthening instructional practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers or full-time mathematics coaches committed to improving mathematics education. The program supports projects that align with enhancing the mathematics learning environment.

Up to US $4,000

Fostering Support of Mathematics Learning for Multilingual Learners

The Fostering Support of Mathematics Learning for Multilingual Learners grant, funded by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance PK-12 mathematics education by promoting multilingualism. It provides resources for professional development and materials to support teachers in integrating students' languages and cultures into their math instruction. Eligible applicants include PK-12 schools and educators committed to equitable teaching practices. This initiative encourages innovative approaches to foster an inclusive learning environment for diverse learners.

Up to US $3,000

Teacher Professional Development Grant (9-12)

The Teacher Professional Development Grant (9-12) supports classroom teachers in grades 9-12 by enhancing their mathematics teaching skills. This initiative, backed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to elevate educational standards and improve student learning outcomes. Eligible applicants include teachers with at least three years of experience in this grade range. The grant focuses on professional development activities completed within a year, fostering a community of proficient mathematics educators.

Up to US $3,000

Teacher Professional Development Grant (Pre-K-5)

The Teacher Professional Development Grant (Pre-K-5) aims to enhance mathematics teaching skills for classroom teachers in grades Pre-K-5. Sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this grant supports professional development initiatives that foster effective teaching practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers and organizations that support mathematics education. Project activities should occur between June 1 and May 31, with a focus on improving student learning outcomes in mathematics.

Up to US $3,000

Teacher Professional Development Grants (6-8)

The Teacher Professional Development Grants (6-8), offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the teaching skills of classroom teachers in grades 6-8. This grant supports professional development initiatives that focus on improving mathematics instruction. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience and spend a majority of their time teaching in the classroom. The program encourages high-quality mathematics education for all students.

Applications due Nov 14, 2026

US $3,000 - US $25,000

Professional Excellence Grants

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.

National Education Association Staff Organization

Up to US $500,000

Stranahan Foundation Early Childhood Education Funding

Letter of inquiry due Dec 3, 2026

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.

Stranahan Foundation

US $150,000 - US $250,000

NewSchools: Learning Differences Grant Program

Applications due Jan 9, 2027

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.

NewSchools Venture Fund

Up to US $50,000

Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant

Letter of inquiry due Jan 22, 2027

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

Motorola Solutions Foundation

Unspecified amount

Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

Pre proposal due Apr 16, 2027

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

The Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards honor individuals and organizations that are a positive force in the lives of blind people.

Applicants for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards must demonstrate exemplary leadership and extraordinary accomplishments in improving the lives of blind people in the United States.

An application for an award can be made either by the applicant directly or by third parties who nominate an applicant.

Each application requires an essay describing the work or project to be recognized. In addition, applications must have at least one letter of recommendation in support of the nominee.

The National Federation of the Blind determines the total amount available for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards each year based on the trust income received. The number of awards and the amount of each award will be determined by the NFB’s Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee based on its evaluation of eligible and deserving applicants.

Each year, to the extent feasible as determined by the committee’s evaluation of applications received, one or more awards will be made to applicants in each category: blind individuals, sighted individuals, and corporate or organizational entities. However, the committee is not bound to make an award in each category during each competition year and may not do so if an application meeting the selection criteria is not available.

Sponsored by the Alfred & Rosalind Perlman Trust. Presented by the National Federation of the Blind.

National Federation Of The Blind Inc

Up to US $4,000

Enhancing Student Mathematics Learning Through the Use of Tools and Technology Grant (PK-12)

Applications due May 1, 2027

The Enhancing Student Mathematics Learning through the Use of Tools and Technology Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to promote innovative technology use in teaching mathematics to Pre-K-12 students. These grants encourage proposals that focus on enhancing students' understanding of math concepts through various tools, including professional development for educators. Eligible applicants include current math teachers and full-time coaches, with a focus on impactful evaluation plans.