Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in South Carolina

The Learning & Leadership Grants support educators in enhancing their professional development and leadership skills. With funding up to $5,000, these grants are available for individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality learning experiences such as conferences and seminars. Eligible applicants must be current members of the National Education Association. These grants aim to empower educators to implement innovative practices in their classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and the educational community.

Truliant's Community Giving program supports nonprofit organizations that enhance local communities near Truliant branches. Focus areas include financial wellness, social mobility, and workforce education, specifically targeting initiatives that promote financial literacy, basic stability, and career development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and have been operational for at least three years. The program seeks to empower individuals and families while fostering community growth and stability.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

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 Truliant Mini Grants program offers $1,500 grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Truliant member communities. These grants support capacity building through staff training and development, along with materials for programs aligned with Truliant's focus areas: Social Mobility, Financial Wellness, and Workforce Education. Eligible organizations must have an operating budget under $500,000, be tax-exempt, and have been operating for at least three years, ensuring community engagement and sustainability.

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, 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 Improving Students' Understanding of Geometry Grant, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance students' comprehension and application of geometry through innovative activities. Eligible applicants include educators teaching at the Pre-K-8 level, with proposals integrating technology and linking geometry to various fields such as art and science. The grant seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of geometry, ensuring that students achieve a greater understanding of its relevance in everyday contexts.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

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 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.

Greenville Women Giving (GWG) is a philanthropic organization in Greenville County, SC, focused on funding impactful community projects. Grants are awarded annually based on member voting and emphasize areas such as Arts, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve Greenville County. GWG prioritizes high-impact initiatives that foster collaboration and measurable outcomes, with a commitment to addressing community needs without discrimination. The application deadline is at the end of November each year.

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.