Best K–12 Education Grants

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.

Nonprofit arts organizations expanding arts experiences for K–12 students and other underserved groups in central Oklahoma can access funding through Allied Arts. Grants up to US $5,000, plus Hobby Lobby gift cards, support educational outreach to rural and at-risk students, as well as veterans, hospitalized adults, and developmentally disabled adults.

Nonprofit organizations providing K–12 education or youth-focused programs in eligible counties can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to advance their work. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, and New Jersey groups may be nominated by Altra members through the Best Life Community Awards, which recognize organizations helping people live their best lives.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities serving K–12 youth in Travis, Hays, Bastrop, or Williamson counties can receive US $8,000 in unrestricted support for programs or general operations that benefit children and youth. Grants from Impact Austin Foundation’s Girls Giving Grants may help nonprofits strengthen educational, enrichment, health, or arts initiatives for students in the greater Austin area.

Baltimore 501(c)(3) organizations providing K–12 education, early learning, literacy, after-school, or summer learning programs can access funding through the Lockhart Vaughan Foundation. New applicants submit a letter of intent tied to a specific foundation goal and strategy, with full proposals by invitation to support local students’ academic success and enrichment.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in K–12 education, early childhood, food security, health, or mental health can receive more than US $10,000 for community-focused programs. Spinks Family Foundation provides large annual grants to organizations with strong local volunteer engagement in the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry regions, which may include K–12 education initiatives.

With a mission to strengthen education, environment, and community development, Lockhart Vaughan Foundation provides Baltimore, Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for K–12 public education, early childhood, and summer and after-school learning programs. Nonprofits focused on literacy, school readiness, rigorous summer learning, and cost-effective school-based after-school programs in Baltimore may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving K–12 students in Cutler Bay can apply for grants up to US $2,500 to support education programs and related youth services. Grants from the Town of Cutler Bay help Miami-Dade County education nonprofits fund activities like out-of-school programs, STEM education, field trips, curriculum enhancement, safety education, and college and career preparation.

Arizona 501(c)(3) education nonprofits with at least a $500,000 budget can seek program, capital, or general support to expand high-quality learning, especially for lower-income and at-risk K–12 students. Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation prioritizes innovative school models, student achievement, college access, and leadership and professional development initiatives across Arizona.

Early-stage U.S. PK–12 education organizations developing innovative supports for students with learning differences can apply for NewSchools Venture Fund’s Learning Differences Grant Program, with awards of US $150,000 - US $250,000 in general operating support. Funding backs new school models, educator training, special education teacher pipelines, instructional tools, and postsecondary readiness solutions that improve K–12 outcomes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving K–12 students and youth in Palm Beach or Martin Counties can apply for year-round competitive grants up to Up to US $75,000 to support education, youth development, and related community programs. The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties funds projects in education, literacy, mentoring, workforce readiness, health, housing, arts access, and more.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running K–12 education, youth, or related community programs in Palm Beach or Martin Counties can receive one-year Community Impact or seasonal summer grants to support local programming. Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties funds projects in education and youth, economic opportunity, capacity building, and thriving communities, with awards up to US $75,000.

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program in Ohio provides funding and resources to promote walking and biking to school for K-12 students. Annually funded at $5 million, it supports infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects to enhance safety and accessibility. Eligible infrastructure projects include construction near schools, with a maximum limit of $500,000. Non-infrastructure activities, such as educational programs, can receive funding up to $120,000 for two years, encouraging community engagement in safe travel practices.

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program in Ohio offers funding and support for non-infrastructure projects aimed at encouraging K-12 students to walk or bike to school. With an annual budget of $5 million, it funds activities like education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation. Reimbursement for eligible costs can reach up to $120,000 for two-year projects, promoting safety and accessibility around schools. This initiative helps foster healthier transportation choices for students.

The Indiana Space Grant Consortium offers funding for research and outreach projects aimed at enhancing STEM education and workforce development. With a focus on aligning proposals with NASA's objectives, projects can receive up to $20,000 for multi-disciplinary initiatives or $15,000 for others. Funds can support students, faculty, and K-12 activities, promoting engagement with NASA's mission and resources. This initiative fosters unique learning opportunities and strengthens connections to the field of space exploration.

The Callison Foundation Grant supports small organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area focused on educational success for marginalized children, youth at-risk, and vulnerable adults. Grants of up to $25,000 are awarded in three areas: education, children and youth services, and adult and senior services. Organizations can receive funding for five years within an eight-year period, with a preference for those with unique offerings and limited government funding.

The Teacher Mini-Grants Fund offers grants up to $500 for K-12 educators in Berks County to enhance classroom projects that improve student learning. This initiative, supported by various local funds, prioritizes creative educational projects, aiming to enrich the curriculum and foster innovation in teaching methods.

The GKFF Accelerator Grants aim to enhance funding access for historically disadvantaged nonprofits in Tulsa. By providing financial and technical support, the program empowers community leaders to implement effective solutions addressing local needs. Grants are available on a rolling basis, with quarterly reviews in February, May, August, and November. This initiative aligns with the George Kaiser Family Foundation's mission to ensure equitable opportunities for all Tulsans, fostering community engagement and improving overall well-being.

The S.T.E.M. for Girls Grants support initiatives that encourage girls in North Central West Virginia to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math. With funding up to $4,000, eligible applicants include traditional public schools and nonprofit organizations focusing on programs for girls in grades K-12. Activities may include after-school clubs, enrichment programs, and financial assistance for STEM-related events, fostering a passion for S.T.E.M. careers among young women.

The Climate Literacy for Community Resilience grant program aims to enhance climate change education for K-12 students in New Jersey. It focuses on providing equitable access to high-quality educational resources, promoting experiential learning, and fostering collaboration among local education agencies. The program encourages student-led initiatives that address climate action within their communities. With funding up to $30,500, this grant supports innovative projects that will commence on June 1, 2026, and conclude by May 31, 2027.

The Banner Bank Community Support Program offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho focusing on housing, youth development, financial education, and economic growth. Priority is given to programs aiding low- and moderate-income populations. Organizations applying must not discriminate and should support essential community services. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review period of 45-60 days. However, certain areas, such as individual scholarships and political organizations, are ineligible for funding.

The New Jersey Afterschool Program - Competitive aims to enhance out-of-school time (OST) programs across New Jersey by engaging youth in high-quality activities. This initiative seeks to improve college and career readiness and foster positive behavior among students aged 5-18. Eligible applicants include public and private 501(c)(3) organizations with proven afterschool programs, emphasizing academic support, career exploration, and community service, ensuring a focus on low-income families.

The Gray Family Foundation offers Environmental Education Grants aimed at enhancing K-12 environmental education through outdoor experiences. In 2025, the foundation will maintain a budget of $705,000 to support programs that engage youth with both natural and built environments. Applications can be submitted after an initial conversation with the Senior Program Officer, starting January 16, 2026, and will be reviewed biannually. This initiative fosters vital connections between youth and nature.

The Migrant Education Program-Continuation supports eligible children of migratory farm workers and fishers in Gloucester County. This program aims to provide educational resources and services to reduce learning gaps caused by frequent relocations. Key services include student identification, record transfers, and supplemental instruction. The program is a continuation grant, with funding available for the second year of a three-year initiative, running from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with a maximum funding amount of $960,825.

The Migrant Education Program - Continuation aims to provide educational support for eligible children of migratory farm workers and fishers in Essex County. This program ensures these children receive necessary services, such as identification, record transfers, and supplemental instruction. As a continuation grant, it serves Gloucester County Special Services and Essex County Educational Services Commission, with funding of $269,031 available for the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

The Cullen Foundation's Supplemental Academic Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for underserved PreK-12 students in Erie County, NY. By investing in evidence-based programs that deliver direct academic outcomes, the foundation seeks to increase access for economically disadvantaged students. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the foundation's criteria, including meeting specific ESSA evidence tiers, to secure funding. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and aims to improve overall academic success for students across multiple schools.

The Women Helping Women Fund is dedicated to empowering women and children in Spokane County through community-based programs. This responsive grant initiative supports organizations that align with their mission, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to create stronger homes. Eligible agencies must hold 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate financial stability. The fund emphasizes philanthropy and aims to uplift the community, fostering a brighter future for those in need.