In the US, 1st to 12th grade basically forms the foundation of every child’s education. And K-12 school grants help these schools when funds dry up. That is why every school administrator should know all about these grants, hence the need to write this post!
Education is one of the most important investments a community can make. Not only does it provide children with the skills they need to succeed in life, but it also builds the foundation for a strong economy.
That’s why school grants are so important–they ensure that all students have access to a quality education, regardless of their family’s income level. Unfortunately, many schools and districts don’t know how to find K-12 school grants, or they believe that their school is not eligible.
We’re here to debunk those myths and show you how to get started on your grant application.
What are K-12 school grants?
K-12 school grants are funds distributed by the government to public and private schools to help with the costs of education. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, such as paying for teacher salaries, textbooks, school supplies, or upgrading technology.
In order to apply for a grant, schools or districts must first identify what costs they would like to cover with the grant money. The application process can be competitive, so it is important to submit a well-crafted application that demonstrates the need for the funds.
Why are K-12 school grants important?
School grants are important because they provide much-needed funds for school districts and individual schools. These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as upgrading technology, renovating facilities, expanding or enhancing academic programs, or hiring new staff. In addition, school grants help to level the playing field for students from low-income families or underperforming schools.
By providing access to funds that would otherwise be unavailable, school grants help to ensure that all students have an opportunity to receive a quality education.
How to find K-12 school grants?
The best way to find k-12 school grants is to do a search online. Grants are often listed on government or foundation websites. You can also find grants through third-party grant-writing organizations. Another great resource is your state education department’s website.
Many states offer grants specifically for schools and school districts. If you’re not sure where to start, try contacting your local education foundation. They often have information on school grants that are available in your area. Whatever route you choose, be sure to thoroughly research each grant before applying.
How to apply for K-12 school grants?
You can find k-12 school grants in a variety of places. The best place to start is the school district or state education agency website. These organizations usually have a section dedicated to grants and scholarships. You can also check out private foundations and nonprofit organizations that offer grants specifically for schools.
Once you’ve found a few promising options, it’s time to start applying! Be sure to read the guidelines carefully and make sure you meet all the requirements. Most grants require a detailed application, including budget information and letters of support from educators and community members.
And finally, don’t be discouraged if your school doesn’t win every grant it applies for—just keep trying! There are many opportunities out there for schools looking to improve their education programs.
Some K-12 School Grants
Examples of K-12 school grants that you can apply to include:
1. Competitive Grants for State Assessments
Your school may be for the eligible for Competitive Grant for State Assessment through the State Education Agency in your state. The Competitive Grants for State Assessments (CGSA) program aims to improve the quality of assessment instruments and methods used by states to measure elementary and secondary school students’ academic success. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as revised by the Every Student Succeeds Act, authorizes this program (ESSA). The Enhanced Assessment Grants (EAG) program, approved by the ESEA as revised by the No Child Left Behind Act, is being replaced by this program (NCLB).
2. Siemens Possibility Grant Sweepstakes
The Possibility Grant Sweepstakes gives you the chance to win $5,000 in STEM tools to utilize with your pupils. This year, FIVE schools will have the chance to win the STEM prizes they’ve always wanted! You may now be able to obtain the necessary equipment, technology, gadgets, or virtual learning resources to effectively engage and motivate STEM-savvy pupils.
The options are unlimited, so get your entry in now! All schools are welcome to apply, while a part of the money will be allocated for Title 1 schools.
In May 2022, five schools will be chosen as our Grand Prize Winners at the conclusion of the sweepstakes. And the five Grand Prizes will each include a $5,000 Siemens Possibility Grant, which will be provided in the form of a check to the winning schools to be utilized for STEM-related equipment, materials, technology, or other related tools and software to enhance STEM instruction.
3. Association of American Educators Foundation Classroom Grants
Grants of up to $500 are available. Grants are highly competitive due to an increase in application submissions, and we can only finance a small percentage of those that apply. All full-time educators who have not won an AAE scholarship or award in the previous two years are eligible for classroom grants. The competition for awards is fierce.
4. Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP)
The Magnet Schools Assistance program funds the establishment and operation of magnet schools that are part of a court-ordered or federally approved voluntary desegregation plan. These subsidies help to desegregate public schools by supporting the eradication, reduction, and prevention of minority group isolation in elementary and secondary schools that have a large minority group population.
Projects must also support the development and implementation of magnet schools that aid in the achievement of systemic reforms and provide all students with the opportunity to meet challenging academic content and student academic achievement standards in order to meet the program’s statutory purposes. The deadline for applications is April 25, 2022.
5. Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities Program
This is one of the K-12 school grants that your establishment may be eligible for, if you provide special education. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials program is the principal source of funding for accessible technology and media-related programs (IDEA). Accessible technology and educational media and resources are two main areas of activities supported by the initiative.
The goal of most technology initiatives is to encourage the development, demonstration, and usage of accessible technology. The program’s technology component also funds research into using technology to improve outcomes for children with disabilities, as well as technical assistance and dissemination activities to help students, parents, and teachers better use technology.
ALSO READ: How to Get School Improvement Grants: The Ultimate Guide
Closed captioning, video explanation, timely provision of books and other educational resources in accessible formats, and other actions to increase access to education for students with disabilities are among the media and materials initiatives. The program’s single largest grant funds the production and distribution of accessible textbooks and other educational resources for students with vision impairments and other print disabilities.
6. Teacher Quality Partnership Program
The TQP program’s goals are to improve student achievement, improve the quality of prospective and new teachers by improving prospective teacher preparation and enhancing new teacher professional development activities, hold teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education (IHEs) accountable for preparing teachers who meet applicable State certification and licensure requirements, and recruit highly qualified individuals, including in the teaching profession.
7. NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants
Your school could also be eligible for K-12 school grants from the NEA Foundation. However, applicants must be current NEA members and be teachers, education support professionals, or specialized instructional support employees. This funding opportunity is not available to current NEA Foundation recipients. In addition, until the grant is properly completed and closed off, a successful submission will make an individual ineligible for additional NEA Foundation funding options.
8. Toshiba America Foundation Grade 6 – 12 Grants
Teachers in grades 6 through 12 are asked to apply for a Toshiba America Foundation award of up to $5,000 or more to assist bring an innovative initiative into their classroom.
Are such teachers able to apply for this grant if they teach in a middle or high school classroom and have an original proposal for increasing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning in their classrooms while also making learning fun?
9. Brown Rudnick Community Grants
The Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest will finance classroom projects for K-12 schools in Hartford, Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Providence if your school is located in one of these cities. And you can get up to $2,000 in classroom funding.
10. Mobile Beacon Connect For Success Donation Program
The Connect for Success donation program gives free mobile LTE high-speed Internet connection for a year to schools with up to 25 laptops and 4G LTE devices. Schools can give kids with the tools, connectivity, and technology they need to complete homework assignments, access educational resources at home, and keep up with their peers if they don’t have access to the internet at home.
After the free internet service time has ended, schools can apply for continued, unlimited LTE internet service at a drastically reduced rate (currently $10/month if paid annually in advance).
What are the 4 types of grants?
The four types of grants are:
Competitive/Merit Grants
Formula/Pre-determined grants
Continuation/Renewal Grants, and
Pass-through grants
Tips for writing a successful K-12 school grant application
When it comes to writing a successful k-12 school grant application, it’s important to be concise and thorough. Make sure to answer all the questions that are asked, and don’t be afraid to be creative with your responses.
Think about what makes your school or district unique, and highlight those qualities in your application. And lastly, don’t forget to proofread! A well-written and error-free application will surely make a good impression on the reviewers.
Conclusion
K-12 school grants can provide much-needed financial assistance for students and schools. By understanding the process of finding and applying for k-12 school grants, you can help your school or district get the resources it needs to provide quality education for all students.
