Top Grants for EdTech and Educational Innovation: How to Fund Your Projects
When it comes to schools’ and districts’ ability to implement new technology tools and programs, cost and shrinking budgets are consistently identified as top barriers to implementation. And while budget woes won’t improve overnight, schools and districts can boost their available funds with grants that are targeted to different areas of need. Want to shrink the digital gap for low-income students? Do you need more funding to support youth-led community service programs? Or maybe you want to recognize excellence in education innovation. Look no further. We’ve got 6 grants to meet various levels of funding needs.
1. The 2018 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education
The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education recognizes outstanding individuals who have made a difference in education innovation. Each winner receives a gift of $50,000 and a bronze sculpture designed by students from Arizona State University. The Prize will recognize individuals and their efforts to elevate human potential in education in three categories: Pre-K-12, Higher Education, and – new for this year – a Learning Science Research category. The deadline to apply for this prestigious award is November 17, 2017.
2. Fuel Up to Play 60 Program
The Fuel Up to Play 60 program invites educators to apply for a chance to receive up to $4,000 to support healthy eating and physical activity improvements in their schools. These grants are supported by a for-youth, with-youth program empowering students to create healthy changes nationwide. The largest in-school wellness program was created by the National Dairy Council and National Football League in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The deadline to apply for this grant is November 1, 2017.
3. MLK Day of Service Impact Grant
The MLK Day of Service Impact Grant supports K-12 schools around the world that are creating a culture of service school-wide or district-wide where students develop and use 21st Century skills to apply their learning to address the world’s challenges. The deadline to apply for this grant is November 10, 2017.
4. Library Awareness Program
The Library Awareness Program, from the Penguin Random House Foundation, recognizes public libraries creating innovative community-based programs, which encourage citizens to participate and support reading initiatives that connect libraries with their community. School libraries serving the capacity of public libraries are also welcome to submit an application. The deadline to apply for this grant is April 15, 2018.
5. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, creative teens in grades 7-12 are invited to submit work in any of twenty-eight categories of art and writing, including film and animation, video game design, sculpture, photography, fashion design, poetry, journalism, humor, dramatic script, and science fiction. Deadlines for submission vary by region throughout the winter months. The deadline to apply for this award is December 14, 2017.
6. 1Million Project
The 1Million Project provides free devices and wireless service to schools to connect 1 million low-income high school students (over a period of four years) who don’t have home internet access. The project will help level the playing field so that disadvantaged high school students will have access to the technology they need to succeed in school, participate in the digital world and ultimately reach their full potential. The deadline to apply for this project is March 1, 2018.
In conclusion, these grants provide valuable opportunities for schools, educators, and districts to secure funding for a variety of innovative projects and initiatives. By taking advantage of these resources, educational institutions can overcome financial obstacles and continue to provide high-quality education for students. Apply for these grants today and make a difference in the field of education.
