For decades, we have seen PTAs each year working arduously to raise as much funding as possible so they can create the best learning experiences for their students. It’s undeniable that grants can be an excellent resource for schools and school districts to create more opportunities for their students, but where do you start? Mobile Ed has created a simple guide on education grants for schools that can help you learn more and feel prepared.
An education grant is a type of funding awarded to schools/school districts to promote initiatives, projects, and/or meet areas of need. Grants typically do not need to be repaid, making them an excellent resource for schools to find additional financial support throughout the school year. Here are a few different kinds of grants available to schools:
Education grants can be used in a variety of ways. Some of the most common ways grants are used in schools are to improve curriculum, create after-school programs, provide professional development for staff, upgrade facilities, incorporate STEM programs, and expand student services. Some more specific examples could include funding for field trips, educational assemblies, classroom laptops, supplies, and more.
Grants are an effective way to ensure these opportunities can happen for our students. All of these programs are part of a successful and flourishing school community. Even if you are not currently seeking a grant, it may be valuable to know all your options in case a need arises in the future.
Whether you are a teacher needing classroom supplies, a principal in search of new technologies, or a PTA in need of extracurricular funding, there are grants for everyone. Thankfully, all of these different groups (and more!) can apply for these grants. Here are a few groups who are eligible to apply for education grants:
Grant availability differs depending on location, need, and purpose. Mobile Ed has created a simple resource to help educators find grant funding available in every state! Click below to view our grants webpage and find your state to view education grants available for your school! You can also find our grants resource page in our main menu.
You will find a list of available education grants below. This is a small list and does not encompass what’s available for schools. Please consider doing your own research, especially for grants available in your specific area. Grants listed below could be a useful starting point.
General Education Grants:
STEM-Focused Grants:
Arts/Humanities-Focused Grants:
Another option that may be of value is DonorsChoose. While it is not a typical grant, it has become a well-used crowdfunding platform for teachers to create project pages to request funding for classroom supplies, technology, and other resources to support them.
As you’re getting ready to write your grant, here is a simplified tutorial on how to go through the grant process.
We know it’s a lot to take in! Maybe you’re thinking you’ve never heard of these grants before and don’t know where to start. Or maybe you’re wondering if grants are actually worth your time and energy. We know how overwhelming applying for grants can be. It’s a large undertaking, especially when educators are already short on time, energy, and resources. But applying for grants can be well worth the effort.
Finding adequate resources in education is more important now than ever before. Grants are an effective way to improve curriculum, start after-school programs, provide professional development for staff, upgrade facilities, and incorporate unique learning experiences into the classroom. These are all opportunities that can greatly impact the school year and create powerful change in students’ lives.
Mobile Ed provides high-quality, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for K-8 students, with the goal of providing these experiences for all students across the country. Our programs become the topic of students’ conversation for months and months afterward. They are featured in yearbooks every school year. Students remember us visiting their school decades later. Every year, we have hundreds of schools that use grant funding to host one of our educational assemblies for their students. Our assemblies support school curriculum, motivate students, and create a stronger school community. Please use our grants webpage to find out what grants could assist your school in meeting your education goals.