Last Updated  07/16/2008

Compiled by Laura McGrail and Janice Fisher

Here is a listing of upcoming grant opportunities that may be of interest.  If you decide to apply for a grant, remember to submit a summary of your proposal for approval from the Henderson County Board of Education prior to applying.  If you require grant preparation assistance, please contact Laura McGrail at 831-5081 or via district email.
 

Adopt-a-Classroom Grants

            Teachers who register at the Adopt-A-Classroom web site can be adopted by an individual, a business, or a foundation.  Once adopted, teachers will receive $500 worth of credit to purchase items that enrich the learning environment.  Every donor receives information about the classroom it has adopted, including an itemized list of what teachers bought so donors can see the impact of their donation.

Contact:  http://www.adoptaclassroom.com

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Affymetrix, Inc. Corporate Donations

Scope: Affymetrix, through its corporate donations program, supports nonprofit organizations in the areas of medical ethics, K-12 science and math education, and cancer research. Affymetrix develops state-of-the-art technology for acquiring, analyzing and managing complex genetic information for use in biomedical research. 

Deadline: None. Requests are reviewed four times a year.  

Funds: Grant sizes vary. 

Eligibility: Organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. 

Areas: Grants are focused primarily on three areas: science and math education, particularly for K-12 students and teachers; medical ethics, supporting organizations that help foster an ongoing public dialogue about genetic-related ethics; and cancer research and advocacy. Emphasis is given to organizations working in company communities, including Santa Clara, Sacramento and Berkeley, Calif.; and Boston, Mass., in the United States. Proposals are evaluated based on the company's focus areas, priorities, geographic relevance, available budget and eligible activities/restrictions. 

Contact: Contributions Manager, Affymetrix, Inc., 3380 Central Expressway, Santa Clara, CA 95051

E-mail: outreach@affymetrix.com

Web: http://www.affymetrix.com/corporate/outreach/corporate.affx

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AIAA Classroom Grants 

Scope:  The AIAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics professional society, makes small grants to assist educators in presenting mathematics, science and technology principles to K-12 students in an exciting, hands-on manner.  The aim is to develop the future generation of aeronautics and aerospace engineers, scientists, pilots and space explorers.

Deadline:  Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis in January, March, June, and September.  Applications must be received one month prior to be considered (e.g. Nov. 30 for review in January).

Funds:  Grants are up to $200 per request.  A school is limited to up to $1,000 per calendar year.

Eligibility:  K-12 teachers who have registered (free) as an AIAA Educator Associate.  Requests from home school groups or clubs or 15 or more students can also be considered.

Areas:  Preference will be given to hands-on activities relevant to NASA missions such as aerospace technology; biological and physical research; earth science; human exploration and development; and space science.

Funds can be used for classroom demonstration kits and science supplies, math and science software, graphing calculators, supplies for making flying objects or supplies for robotic programs.

Contact:  www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=216

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Airborne Teacher Trust Fund

Scope:  The Airborne Teacher Trust Fund was created by a teacher who was concerned about the number of arts and music programs being cut in schools.  Currently, the fund invites proposals for art and music programs that schools aren’t able to fund.

Deadline:  Teachers can submit applications year-round and applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Funds:  Maximum award is $10,000.

Eligibility:  Elementary and middle school teachers in both public and private schools nationwide.

The Airborne fund is still expanding nationwide.  Applicants should click their state on the Web site to check eligibility.

Contact:  Applications must be filled out online.

Web:  http://www.airbornetrust.com/index.aspx

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Allstate Foundation Grant

            The Allstate Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations to support projects and programs related to tolerance, diversity and inclusion; safe and vital communities; and economic empowerment.  Tolerance, inclusion and diversity requests focus on teaching tolerance to youth, alleviating discrimination, and/or reducing hate crimes.  Safe and vital communities requests focus on catastrophe response and mitigation, school anti-violence, and/or revitalization of communities.  Economic empowerment requests focus on financial and insurance education, economic literacy, and/or entrepreneurial/small business skill development initiatives for women.  Local education agencies and schools are eligible to apply.

             Grants are awarded for a maximum of $10,000.

             Deadline:  Ongoing.

 Contact:  Executive Director, The Allstate Foundation, 2775 Sanders Road, Suite F4, Northbrook, IL  60062-6127; email:  allfound@allstate.com; www.allstate.com

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America Honda Foundation

            Grants are offered for nonprofits, including schools, for projects that encourage innovative educational methods and techniques.  Eligible projects focus on math, science, the environment and technology.  Application form is available online.

            Deadlines:         Quarterly:  Nov. 1, Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1
            Funds:              Grants typically range from $10,000 - $75,000

Contact:  http://www.hondacorporate.com/community/?subsection=foundation

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ASCD Outstanding Young Educator

Scope:  The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development makes this award to honor a teacher under the age of 40 who demonstrates excellence, a positive impact on students, creativity in the classroom and leadership in the workplace.

Deadline:  October 15 for fall nominations; April 15 for spring nominations.

Funds:  Of four finalists, two in spring and two in fall, one will win a $10,000 award.

Eligibility:  K-12 teachers under age 40 nominated by an ASCD member.  Self-nominations are not accepted.

Contact:  E-mail:  OYEA@ascd.org

Web:  www.ascd.org/portal/site/ascd/menuitem.749fb3b35fb740a98d7ea23161a001ca

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AutoZone Community Relations 

Scope:  Car parts store AutoZone focuses corporate contributions on nonprofit organizations working in the areas of education, human services and civic affairs.

Deadline:  AutoZone’s fiscal year begins September 1, and proposals must be received by February 1 for consideration during the next fiscal year.

Funds:  Grant sizes vary.

Eligibility:  Nonprofit organizations located in communities served by AutoZone stores, distribution centers or a store support center.  Grants do not support individuals, political causes, advertising, athletic teams, family reunions, beauty contests, churches/religious organizations, or racing sponsorships.

Areas:  In education, interest areas include:

• Workforce development efforts to build a skilled workforce in the areas of vehicle maintenance, technology, customer service and retail management;
• schools and other organizations train future drivers in vehicle maintenance and safety;
• organizations that develop and encourage entrepreneurial skills; and
• literacy and English as a second language programs.

Contact:  AutoZone Community Relations, Department 8014, PO Box 2198, Memphis, TN 38101-9842

Web:  www.autozone.com

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Braitmayer Foundation

Scope: The Braitmayer Foundation supports organizations and programs from across the U.S. that enhance the education of K-12 students.

Deadline: Grant requests of up to $10,000 are due June 30 or Nov. 15;  grant requests of up to $35,000 are due June 30.

Funds: Up to $35,000 each. The foundation does not make grants to individuals, multi year grants or grants for endowment purposes or building programs. Unless it is a small percentage of the total amount requested, normally the foundation does not make grants for child care, pre-kindergarten, or after-school programs; nor for equipment including hardware, software and books.

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, schools and universities.

Areas: Of particular interest to the foundation are: curricular and school reform initiatives; and prepa­ration of, and professional development opportunities for, teachers—particularly those that encourage people of high ability and diverse backgrounds to enter and remain in K-12 teaching. The foundation also provides modest support to activities to improve the quality of life of people in Marion, Mass.

Contact: Robert L. Kirkpatrick, Jr., Middlesex Corporate Center, 213 Court Street, Suite 1101, Middletown, CT 06457-3351, (860)638-5026; fax, (860)638-5069

Web: www.braitmayerfoundation.org

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Computers for Learning

            This program donates surplus federal government computer equipment to needy schools.

Contact:  http://www.computers.fed.gov/School/user.asp

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Coca-Cola Foundation Grants

            The Coca-Cola Foundation has three focus areas for its grant-making:  Innovative K-12 public school programs, teacher development programs, and smaller projects dealing with specific activities in the elementary and secondary classroom.  The application form is available on-line.

            Deadline:          Grant requests are reviewed quarterly.
            Funds:              Grants typically range from $5000 to $25,000.

Contact:  404-676-2568 (phone); 404-676-8804 (fax); http://www2.coca-cola.com/citizenship/foundation_guidelines.html; P. O. Box 1734, Atlanta, GA 30301.

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Community Good Works Grants

Scope:  The American Society for Quality invites educators, who have instituted or plan to institute a community-focused quality improvement initiative in their K-12 schools, to apply for its Community Good Works grant.  The program provides financial support and ASQ expertise to help nonprofits and schools improve operations and performance by using quality management principles.

Deadline:  Ongoing as long as funding is available.

Funds:  $5,000 to $15,000 for up to eight projects.  Most grants are in the $5,000 range. 

Eligibility:  Educators working in U.S. K-12 schools.

Contact:  Christel Henke, (414) 332-2933

E-mail:  chenke@hansondoge.com

Web:  http://www.asq.org/communities/good-works/index.html

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Cooper Industries Foundation

Scope:  The Cooper Industries Foundation supports communities through Cooper Industries, a manufacturer of electrical products, tools and hardware.  Educational organizations are a primary focus of Cooper’s charitable giving.  Cooper supports community libraries; mentoring programs; vocational schools; and college scholarship programs.  While the foundation supports a wide variety of educational efforts, it places particular emphasis on enhancing vocational education, because it feels vocational programs provide students with valuable training and practical skills to be better positioned for competitive technical jobs in the future.

Deadline:  The foundation accepts and reviews budget requests throughout the year.

Funds:    In 2004, the foundation awarded $230,000 in funding to community and environmental causes.  A sampling of grant awards in 2005 shows a range of $310 to $89,000 per award.

Eligibility:  With a few exceptions, the foundation supports nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organizations and K-12 programs.

Contact:  Nonprofits should direct requests to the local Cooper management in their community for initial considerations; details available on the company Web page.

Web:  http://www.cooperindustries.com/common/aboutCooper/corporateGiving.cfm?topic=ContributionGuidelines

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Dana Corporation Foundation Grant
            The Dana Corporation Foundation provides grants to schools in communities where the Dana Corporation has major facilities.  Funds may be used for underprivileged and/or at-risk students to participate in after-school and/or field trip experiences.  Expenses funded include:  student transportation, lodging, meals, entrance fees, etc. 

            Funding awards vary, and multiple grants may be awarded.

            Deadline:  Ongoing.  Applications MUST be obtained at the local Dana Corporation facility.

Local Contact:  Darrell Cummings, 1491 Eaton Dr., Henderson, KY  42420; (270) 827-2511, ext. 133

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Grant Listings from the Discovery Channel

This is a listing of sites to help you find grants for everything from math and science to reading and libraries.

http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/business/grants.html

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Educational Foundation of America

Scope:  The Educational Foundation of America, established in 1959 by the co-founder of Prentice-Hall educational publishers, seeks to encourage progressive change with its grant making.  Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the environment, reproductive freedom, theatre, education, medicine drug policy reform, democracy, peace and national security issues and human services.

Deadline:  Letters of inquiry, submitted by e-mail using EFA’s online form, are accepted year-round.  EFA staff reviews all letters, and requests further information as needed.  If interested, an EFA board member will be assigned as sponsor and a letter of invitation for full application issued.

Funds:  Recent grants ranged from $10,000 to $400,000 each.

Eligibility:  Nonprofit organizations that have IRS tax-exempt status and are not private foundations.

Areas:  The foundation prefers to make innovative pilot project or seed grants that could have national or international ramifications.  It avoids contributions to projects so large that a grant would not make a significant difference, and long-term support.

Contact:  www.efaw.org.

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E-Grants
U. S. Government Grant Site
http://e-grants.ed.gov/egHome.asp

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Exxon Mobil Foundation K-5 Mathematics Specialist Program Grant
            This program’s goal is to improve student learning in mathematics (as measured by student test scores or results from alternative assessment measures) by strengthening teachers’ grasp of mathematics content, pedagogy and assessment.  Grant funds may be used for the ongoing professional development of K-5 teachers and mathematics specialists seeking to strengthen their knowledge of math, new curricular materials, theories of learning, and instructional and assessment strategies.  Grants range from $1,000 to $100,000.

             Deadline:  Ongoing.

Contact:  Joe E. Gonzales, Exxon Mobil Foundation, 5959 Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX  75039-2298.   (No website or phone number given).

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Federal and State Program Staff
www.usa.gov

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Federal Electronic Clearinghouse 
http://www.grants.gov

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Foundation Center Online
www.fdncenter.org

Funds Net Services
A collection of links to public and corporate grants for educations programs.
http://www.fundsnetservices.com/searchresult.php?sbcat_id=6

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Goodrich Corporation Foundation

Scope:  The Goodrich Corporation Foundation was formed in 1988 through a contribution by Goodrich Corporation.  The foundation generally allocates the largest portion of its funds to education (at 30 to 40 percent).

Deadline:  Feb. 1 and Aug. 1

Funds:  In 2005, the foundation awarded $1.7 million for 705 grants.  The highest award was $100,000.

Eligibility:  501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.

Areas:  Under K-12 education, the foundation will consider proposals designed to restructure the education system for the purpose of improving academic achievement.  Science and engineering emphasis is coveted, and the foundation supports professional development in math and science for elementary-level teachers.  The foundation also will help junior high and high school students and teachers by supporting projects that link math and science in the classroom to their application in the workplace.

Contact:  (704) 423-7000

E-mail:  grantinfo@goodrich.com

Web:  http://www.goodrich.com/CDA/GeneralContent/0,1277,59,00.html

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Grants Office
www.grantsoffice.com

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Healthy Students 

Potato Board and SNF launch school wellness grant program

Eligibility:    Public elementary schools in the United States.

Deadline:    April 15, 2008. 

Funds:  $2,500

Contact:  U.S. Potato Board Healthy School Wellness Grant Program, Attn:  Amy Jackson, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., 300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1100, Sacramento, CA 95814-4348;  amy.jackson@fleishman

In an effort to support the nutrition and health of the nation’s students, the U.S. Potato Board (USPB) has teamed up with the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) for the first time to offer School Wellness Grants.  The program will make awards of $2,500 each to 10 public elementary schools in the United States for equipment and educational programs to help children achieve healthier diets and improve their wellness overall.

For years, the USPB has supported nutrition education in public schools, and the problem of finding healthy foods that schoolchildren will eat is one that faces many school nutrition directors.  Now that childhood obesity is on the rise throughout the nation, many schools are looking for nutrition programs to address these problems, along with ways to get children more active.

This grant opportunity will provide schools with the funds to put toward building a healthy, effective nutrition program and encouraging an active lifestyle among students.  The USPB wants to support the ability of schools to find the resources they need to prepare healthy potato recipes developed by the board.

Grant award winners may use the money for: 

• Buying food service equipment necessary for the healthful preparation of fresh or processed potatoes;
• Equipment for physical education programs or playground; or
• To develop or implement school nutrition or physical activity programs.

The application is downloadable online.  The deadline for receipt of applications is April 15, 2008.

For more information, visit http://www.healthypotato.com/health.asp

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Home Depot Foundation

Scope: The Home Depot Foundation supports nonprofits throughout the United States and Canada that are focused on one or more of the foundation's funding interests: affordable housing, at-risk youth, the environment and disaster preparedness. The foundation awards both operating and program grants.

Deadline: July 15, Oct. 15, Jan. 15, and April 15. All applications must be submitted online.

Funds: Grants generally range from $5,000 to $25,000.

Eligibility: Grants are made to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in the United States and to charita­ble organizations in Canada. The foundation offers an online eligibility test for potential applicants. The foundation does not make product donations.

Areas: In the area of affordable housing, grants are made to high performing organizations that are successfully constructing, rehabilitating and/or preserving quality, affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families and are helping to make the dream of home ownership a reality for many people. Support is also awarded to organizations that the foundation can partner with to help the developer of nonprofit developers and that support innovation in the field.

Funding supports programs that focus on at-risk youth, ages 12 to 18, particularly efforts to develop leaders and encourage young people to become contributing community citizens through job readiness training, leadership development and volunteerism, especially in underserved communities.

Grants to environmental organizations are awarded for efforts to conserve forestlands and promote re­sponsible forestry management; encourage green building and sustainable design in affordable hous­ing; identify and help alleviate the causes of lead poisoning in children in at-risk communities; and promote community recycling and clean-up. In the area of disaster preparedness, funding supports educational initiatives that help families prepare their homes for natural disasters and organizations that provide developers and the general public with the information they need to make their homes more disaster resistant. Priority is given to programs targeting underserved communities.

Tip: If your organization is seeking a small product or cash donation, valued at $1,000 or less, the management team of your local Home Depot store may consider such a request. Each store has a limited charitable budget.

Contact: Home Depot Foundation, 2455 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30339, (770)384-3889 or (866)593-7019; fax, (770)384-3908 or (866)593-7027; e-mail, hd_foundation@homedepot.com; www. homedepotfoundation. org. q

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Intel Community Grants

Scope:  Intel Corporation, a manufacturer of computer software and hardware, is funding programs that improve teaching in math and science; increase classroom technology use; improve access to technology in the classroom; and encourage students to consider careers in technology-related fields, particularly women and minorities.

Deadline:  Rolling

Funds:  Varies depending on project

Eligibility:  Nonprofits and publicly-funded academic institutions.

Contact:  Intel Foundation, AG6-601, 5200 N.E. Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

Web:  http://www.intel.com/community/grant.htm

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International Paper Company

            The International Paper Co. Foundation’s primary focus is education – specifically environmental, economic and literacy programs for young children.  Application form is available on-line.  Proposal must be submitted to the local office.

Contact:  http://www.internationalpaper.com/our_world/philanthropy/index.asp

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Janus Foundation

         The Janus Foundation focuses its support nationally on two areas:  educating at risk youth and community service/volunteerism.  US nonprofit organizations, including schools, are eligible to apply.  5.5 million dollars was awarded in 2001.  The foundation is particularly interested in projects that offer volunteer opportunities to Janus employees.  Through their at-risk youth for education priority, the foundation supports programs offering youth the leadership, occupational and academic skills needed to become productive members of the community.  In this area the foundation does not support court advocacy, teen pregnancy programs, child abuse programs, or programs focused on developmental disabilities.  Grants for community service and volunteerism are made to organizations that are primarily concerned with their community’s overall health and development.  Grants in this area are not made for programs to alleviate homelessness or programs to reduce deficits.

            Deadline:  None.  Proposals are reviewed monthly.

Contact:  Janus Foundation, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, CO 80206; (303)-333-3863;

email:  janusfoundation@janus.com; www.janus.com

K-12 Grants

This website is a helpful resource for grant novices.  There is also a free bimonthly free e-newsletter
http://www.k12grants.org/newsletter.htm

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Knowledge Adventure/Schools in Need Competition

Scope:  Knowledge Adventure, a provider of education software, is accepting nominations for its Schools in Need Competition.  The program is designed to help schools address reading deficiencies by providing them with a line of company products focused on early literacy, vocabulary, and reading comprehension (along with training and technical support).

Deadline:  Dec. 15

Funds:  There will be 10 awards of $12,000 in value each.

Eligibility:  Schools needing to raise reading scores by at least 30 percent for grades K-8; schools in need of supplemental reading materials to address student literacy deficiencies; and schools that need to make use of investment in technology to drive reading instruction.

Contact:  Applicants can nominate their schools through an online form on the Knowledge Adventure Web site

E-mail:  kathleen@kehcomm.com

Web:  http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/school/schoolsinneed/default.aspx

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Learningis4everyone

A roundup of grants from such groups as Nickelodeon television network, Best Buy, and the U. S. Senate
http://www.learningis4everyone.org/content/category/1/47/2/

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The Leo Buscaglia Foundation

Scope:  The Leo Buscaglia Foundation is a public foundation that was formed in 1984 to support activities dedicated to fostering the spirit of giving.  Projects related to the arts, humanities, and education are particularly encouraged; other areas also are considered if they’re directed toward teaching and encouraging the spirit of giving.

Deadline:  Year-round.  Grant requests are evaluated three times a year:  usually in January, May, and September.

Funds:  In 2005, the foundation awarded $127,500 for 11 grants.  The high award was $20,000, while the low grant was $2,500.

Eligibility:  Schools and organizations with 501 (c)(3) status.

Areas:  Organizations applying must demonstrate how their project will encourage the spirit of giving, specifically by showing how the individuals helped will go on to help others.

Contact:  Jeff Jordan, (310) 791-3144

E-mail:  information@leobuscaglia.org

Web:  http://www.leobuscaglia.org/grantapp.html

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Lowes Outdoor Classroom Grants

Scope:  Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, International Paper and National Geographic Explorer! classroom magazine have partnered to provide outdoor, hands-on science education to students in grades K-12.

Deadline:  Grants will be reviewed three times a year.  Applications received from September to December will be acted upon by the end of January; those received from January to April will be acted upon in May; and those received in May to August will be acted upon in September.

Funds:  This school year, the program will award grants up to $2,000 to at least 100 schools.  In some cases, grants for up to $20,000 may be awarded to schools or school districts with major outdoor classroom projects.  All applicants receive International Paper’s Life of the Forest Classroom Kit, which contains 10 full-color posters, 10 teaching guides and 20 booklets.

Eligibility:  U.S. K-12 public schools.

Contact:  Outdoor Classroom Grant Program, P. O. Box 3292, Memphis, TN 38173-0292

Web:  www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/outdoor/index.htlm

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Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation

Scope:  This foundation, supported by home improvement superstore Lowe’s, focuses grantmaking on:  scholarships for trades education; community improvement initiatives, such as park improvement, public space beautification or playground renovation; and K-12 public school initiatives including outdoor learning, construction-and trades-related education initiatives; and more.

Deadline:  Ongoing.  Take an eligibility test online as a first step.  The foundation considers local store and district management recommendations when reviewing proposals. 

Funds:  Grant size varies, recently ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 each.

Eligibility:  501(c) (3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and public agencies in communities where Lowe’s operates stores and distribution centers. 

Contact:  Lowe’s Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 1111, North Wilkesboro, NC 28656

Web:  www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=frameSet&url=apps.bridgetree.com/funding/default.asp

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Math 911 Mathematics Software Grant
            This grant provides multi-user software and software licenses to secondary schools to support algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus mathematics programs.  Software may be used to teach the following concepts:  pre-algebra, real numbers, linear equations and inequalities, exponents, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, radicals, linear graphs, systems of equations, conic sections, quadratic equations, complex numbers, absolute equations and inequalities, x word problems, x and y word problems, college algebra, trigonometry and pre-calculus.  Grants are valued at approximately $2,400 and software is provided for up to 24 computers.

             Deadline:  Ongoing.  Application is available online.

Contact: Professor Weisman’s Software, www.math911.com

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NASSP Bridge Builders’ Grant

Scope:   The National Association of Secondary School Principals’ foundation, with the support of the MetLife Foundation, seeks to support principal-guided initiatives that “build bridges” between school faculty and student’s neighborhoods that surround the school. 

Deadline:  April 17 has been the date in years past

Funds: 25 mini-grants of $5,000 each. 

Eligibility:   Middle level and high school principals in U.S. public schools serving large numbers of low income and/or minority students. 

Contact:  www.principals.org (click on “The MetLife Foundation Bridge Builders Grant” under “Grants and Scholarships”)

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NEA Foundation Student Achievement Grants

Scope:  The National Education Association Foundation offers these grants to improve academic achievement of students (grants formerly known as “innovation grants”).

Deadline:  Applications may be submitted at any time, and are reviewed three times a year.  Applications received by February 1 will receive notification by June 15; those received by June 1 will be notified by November 15; and those received by October 15 will be notified in mid-March.

Funds:  $5,000 each.

Eligibility:  Applicants must be practicing U.S. public school teachers in grades preK-12, public school education support professionals, or faculty or staff at public higher education institutions.  Proposals for work resulting in low-income and minority student success with honors, advanced placement, or other challenging curricula are particularly encouraged.

Areas:  The proposed work can be in any subject area, and should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepens their knowledge of standards-based subject matter.  The work should also improve students’ habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection.  Programs must take place during the school day.

Grant funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, software, or scholars-in-residence.  Although some funds may be used to support the professional development necessary to implement the project, the majority of grant funds must be spent on materials or educational experiences for students.

The NEA Foundation especially encourages grant applications from teachers with less than seven years of experience in the profession or education support professionals.

Contact:  www.neafoundation.org/programs/StudentAchievement­_Guidelines.htm

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NEC Foundation of America

            Provides grant support for programs that promote science and technology.  An eligibility quiz is available online.  The foundation prefers to receive preliminary proposals of 100 words or less online.

Contact:  http://www.necfoundation.org/organizations/organizations.html

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Pay It Forward Foundation

Scope:  The Pay It Forward Foundation offers mini grants for one-time-only, service-oriented projects identified by youth as activities they would like to do to benefit their school, neighborhood, or greater community.  Projects must contain a “pay it forward” focus – one that is based on the concept of one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for more people.  The result is that good deeds grow exponentially.

Deadline:  Jan. 15, April 15, and Oct. 15.

Funds:  Grants of up to $500 are available.  Because funding is limited, projects requesting smaller amounts will be given priority.

Eligibility:  Youth seeking to complete an activity to benefit their schools or community.

Areas:    Judges will look for an explanation of how the project’s benefits will multiply exponentially; the educational benefit to students/teachers; the integration of the project with school curriculum; and the number of people impacted.

Contact:  Pay It Forward Foundation, P.O. Box 552, Cambria, CA 93428

Web:  http://payitforwardfoundation.org/educators/grant.html

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Poetry Out Loud (NEA)

Scope:  The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with Arts Agencies in each state to expand their program – Poetry Out Loud.  POL is a youth competition that builds on the resurgence of poetry slams and challenges students to memorize and perform poetry.  Goals of the program include helping students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.  Last year, over 100,000 students competed nationwide in high schools across the United States, and organizers expect the program will continue to grow.

Deadline:  Participating schools should run their competitions through early winter.  States will hold their competitions by March 15.  The national finals will be held in Washington, D.C. in late April.

Funds:  POL uses a pyramid structure that begins at the classroom level, then a school-wide competition; followed by a state competition, and ultimately, the national finals.  State-level winners will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to the national championships.  The state winner’s school will receive a $500 stipend to purchase poetry books.  A runner-up in each state will receive $100, as well as $200 for his or her school library.  A total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends will be awarded to winners at the national finals.

Eligibility:  High school students.  Educators interested in organizing a contest are instructed to contact their State Arts Agency coordinator; the Web site provides a link to state coordinators.

Contact:  Educators should contact their local State Arts Agency; details provided on the Web site

Web:  http://www.poetryoutloud.org

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Prudential Foundation Grants

The Prudential Foundation is accepting applications for its Ready to Learn Grants, which include funding for family literacy programs and other projects in education.

Web:  www.prudential.com/productsAndServices/0,1474,intPageID%253D1444%2526b1nPrinterFriendly%253D0,00.html

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PTC Corporate Giving Program

Scope:  The Parametric Technology Corporation, a developer, marketer and supporter of collaborative software solutions, makes charitable contributions through its corporate giving program to secondary schools and their teachers in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Japan and the U.K.  Areas of interest include the PTC Design & Technology in Schools Program that provides software to teachers by making licenses available to schools, as well as conferences, research, emergency funds, scholarships, and use of facilities.

Deadline:  None.

Funds:  In 2004, giving included $300,000 for grants; $100,000 to match employee gifts; $100,000 for two grants to individuals; and over $9 million in in-kind gifts.

Eligibility:  The company has a staff to handle all contributions and a contribution committee reviews all requests.  E-mail the company’s headquarters for the required application form.

Contact:  John Stuart, VP, Education and Community Relations, PTC Corporate Giving Program, c/o Corp. Contributions, 140 Kendrick St., Needham, MA 02494; (781) 370-5000; fax, (781) 370-5647

E-mail:  schools@ptc.com

Web:  www.ptc.com/for/education/index.htm

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RGK Foundation

Scope:  The RGK Foundation – named for founders Ronya and George Kozmetsky – awards program support grants, especially those that improve the well-being of children, in three areas:  education, community and medicine/health.

Deadline:  None for electronic letter of inquiry.  If interested, the foundation will invite a full proposal.  Unsolicited proposals are not accepted.

Funds:  Recent education grants ranged from $3,000 to $150,000 each.  Most grants are less than $25,000 each.

Eligibility:  U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations may apply.  The foundation has no geographic restrictions, although very few grants are made outside the United States.

Areas:  In the area of education, grants support programs that focus on:  formal K-12 education, particularly math, science and reading; teacher development; literacy; and higher education.  Community grants focus on a variety of human service programs, including after-school enrichment and programs that increase literacy or attract female and minority students into fields of math, science and technology.

Contact:  RGK Foundation, 1301 W. 25^th St., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78705-4236, (512)474-9298

Web:  www.rgkfoundation.org

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The Rite Aid Foundation

Scope:  This foundation, founded by drugstore chain Rite Aid, makes grants to programs that benefit communities in which Rite Aid operates by improving health care and the lives of women and families.

Deadline:  Proposals are accepted anytime.  Proposals are reviewed quarterly, as close to July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1 as possible.

Funds:  In 2003, $213,000 in community grants were made, ranging from $1,000 to $29,000 each.

Eligibility:  Specific programs of tax-exempt non-profit organizations.

Recent Grants:  $10,000 to a Lakewood, N.J. school for children with disabilities for a vocational education program.

Contact:  The Ride Aid Foundation, P.O. Box 3165, Harrisburg, PA 17105

Web:   www.riteaid.com/company­_info/community/foundation.php

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Sony Corporate Giving

Scope:  Electronics and entertainment company Sony makes grants for:  arts education; arts and culture; health and human services; civic and community outreach; education; and volunteerism.

Deadline:  None.  Notification will be made in writing within one month of proposal receipt.

Funds:  Sony does not release total funding levels, but grants typically are about $1,000 each.  Multi-year requests for support are not considered.

Eligibility:  Nonprofit organizations, including schools and school districts.

Areas:  Each of Sony’s operating companies has its own resources (such as product donations or benefit recordings and screenings) and philanthropic priorities.  For example, Sony Music Entertainment targets youths and music-related initiatives and Sony Pictures Entertainment supports arts education and community involvement in headquarters Culver City, California.  Education grants generally focus on strengthening primary and secondary education.  Sony is especially interested in efforts to promote literacy and basic education competency, and applying the companies’ financial, technological, and human resources to encourage creative, artistic, technical and scientific skills required of tomorrow’s workforce.

Contact:  For further information, Sony USA Foundation Inc., 550 Madison Ave., 33^rd Floor, New York, NY 10022-3211, Attn:  Communications and Public Affairs Department                 Web:  www.sony.com/SCA/philanthropy.shtml

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The Starr Foundation

Scope:  The Starr Foundation was created by the estate of Mr. Starr, a pioneer of globalization, and is one of the largest private foundations in the United States.  The foundation has assets of approximately $3.5 billion and makes grants in a number of areas, including education, medicine and health care, human needs, public policy, culture and the environment.

Deadline:  None.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Funds:   In 2003, an average grant was $25,000 to $125,000.

Eligibility:  The foundation has no set guidelines, except that requests fall into an area of interest:  education, medicine and health care, human needs, public policy, and culture.  An application form is not required.

Contact:  The Starr Foundation, 399 Park Ave., 17^th Floor, New York, NY 10022, (212) 909-3600

Web:  http://fdncenter.org/grantmaker/starr   

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Sylvan Dell eBooks

Sylvan Dell Publishing is offering grants for a free, one-year site license, providing unlimited access to all 35 Sylvan Dell eBooks, featuring flipviewer technology with selectable English and Spanish text and audio.  The license can be used on all school computers and may be placed on secure school websites, enabling students and their families to log in and access eBooks from their homes. Sylvan Dell picture books with science, math, and nature themes excite children's imaginations through fun stories, vibrant artwork and a 3-5 page "For Creative Minds" educational section in the back of each book.  With each book comes free online educational material available for cross-curricular learning, including: 30-80 page Teaching Activities, Interactive Reading and Math Quizzes, and much more. The 35 titles have been honored as nominees, finalists, or winners of more than 50 book awards.  The eBooks are wonderful for use with in-classroom projection or interactive whiteboards (Smartboards). List of books available at www.SylvanDellPublishing.com.

Grants will be awarded to one elementary school per district.  An easy online grant application is available at www.SylvanDellPublishing.com/ResourceGrant.htm.

Teaching Tolerance Grant
            Funds are provided through this grant to classroom teachers for implementing tolerance projects in their schools and communities.  The grant must target small-scale, resourceful, student-focused projects that promote acceptance of diversity, peacemaking, community service or any other aspect of tolerance education.  Grants are a maximum of $2000.

             Deadline:  Ongoing.

 Contact:  Grants Administrator, Teaching Tolerance Grants, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36104; www.teachingtolerance.org

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Teachers Net Grants
This site clearly lays out the basics for writing each portion of a grant.  Extras include a sample cover letter and an exhaustive list of resources

http://teachers.net/archive/grants.html

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Tool Factory Special Education Grants

Scope:  This software company, with help from Olympus cameras, offers product grants to serve special education students in their classrooms.

Deadline:  January 5 and June 8.

Funds:  Annually, 10 grand prize winners receive a digital camera valued at $500, plus $300 in Tool Factory software; 10 second place winners receive $200 of software.

Eligibility:  U.S. and Canadian K-12 special educators, schools and medical centers that recommend intervention.  Projects which involve only a single student are less likely to win.

Areas:  Applications should identify the specific software that will be used in the classroom and describe how it will be used.  The company notes that it is particularly interested in moving stories and really creative, engaging ideas.

Contact:  www.toolfactory.com/olympus_­sped.htm 

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Toshiba America Foundation

Scope:  The Toshiba America Foundation seeks to support projects designed by classroom teachers to improve K-12 science and mathematics education.

Deadline:  October 1 for the K-6 program; ongoing for grants of less than $5,000 each geared toward 7-12^th graders; February 1 and August 1 for larger (over $5,000 each) 7-12 grants.

Funds:  Vary.  Grants for K-6 projects are generally $1,000 or less.  The average award for small 7-12 grade grants is less than $4,000 each.  For larger 7-12 grants, the average is $9,500 each.  The foundation’s total annual grants budget is approximately $500,000.

Eligibility:  Classroom teachers must be involved in the planning of the program to serve students in public or private U.S. schools.  Projects must occur during the school day, after school and take-home programs are not eligible.

Areas:  The foundation notes that its grants “have ranged from awards of a few hundred dollars for garden supplies for a kindergarten classroom to up to $25,000 for a fully-equipped greenhouse on a high school campus.”

K-6 projects should take place over several class periods, and should not be based solely on a pre-packaged kit.  For 7-12 grade grants, the foundation is particularly interested in projects that tap into the natural curiosity of students, enabling them to frame their own scientific questions, and have incorporated the expertise of community partners.

The Web site, below highlights many examples of teachers’ innovative funded programs.  Teachers are encouraged to call the foundation to discuss their project ideas.

Contact:  Program Office, Toshiba America Foundation, 1251 Ave. of the Americas, 41^st Floor, NY, New York, 10020; (212) 596-0620

E-mail:  foundation@tai.toshiba.com

Web:  www.toshiba.com/about/taf/grant.html

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