K–12 teachers in 2026 have a meaningful catalog of grants for classroom projects, materials, professional development, and program innovation. Most come from private foundations and corporate funders; the federal layer is smaller and channelled through schools and districts rather than directly to individual teachers.
This page covers both — what individual teachers can apply for, and where teacher-eligible federal funding actually lives.
Federal grants that involve teachers
TEACH Grant (for future teachers)
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is the most direct federal grant for someone becoming a teacher. It provides up to $4,000 per year to students who agree to teach for four years in a high-need field at a school serving low-income students. If you don't complete the service requirement, the grant converts to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Apply at studentaid.gov/teach.
Federal funding that flows through schools
The U.S. Department of Education funds K–12 schools, school districts, and teacher-preparation programs through programs that individual teachers do not apply to directly. Examples:
- Title I, Part A — formula funding to districts serving high concentrations of low-income students.
- IDEA grants — formula funding for special education.
- Teacher Quality Partnership Grants — competitive funding for teacher preparation.
- Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Grants — competitive funding for evidence-based interventions.
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers — after-school and summer programs in high-poverty schools.
If your school or district participates in these, classroom projects you propose internally may be supported with these funds — work with your principal or grants coordinator.
Classroom grants individual teachers can apply for
NEA Foundation grants
The NEA Foundation administers two recurring grants for individual public-school educators:
- Envision Equity Grants — up to $5,000 for projects advancing educational equity.
- Student Success Grants — up to $5,000 for classroom projects deepening student learning. (Larger awards available for collaborative team applications.)
Applications are typically reviewed three times per year. Recipients must be active members of the NEA or its state affiliate.
DonorsChoose
DonorsChoose is a project-based platform where public-school teachers post specific classroom needs (books, technology, art supplies, science equipment) and individual donors and corporate sponsors fund them. Over 80 % of posted projects historically reach full funding, often within weeks. Free to use.
McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants
McCarthey Dressman funds individual teachers up to $10,000 over three years for innovative classroom projects. Strong fit for teachers piloting new curriculum or instructional approaches.
Toshiba America Foundation grants
Toshiba America Foundation funds K–12 STEM teachers — typically under $5,000 for K–5 and up to $5,000+ for grades 6–12 — for science and math classroom projects. Rolling deadlines for several categories.
Voya Unsung Heroes
Voya Unsung Heroes (formerly ING Unsung Heroes) awards 100 grants of $2,000 annually to K–12 educators for innovative class projects, with three top awardees receiving an additional $5,000, $10,000, or $25,000. Application deadline is typically April 30.
NSTA awards
The National Science Teaching Association offers multiple teacher awards including the Shell Science Teaching Award ($10,000) and the Vernier/NSTA Technology Awards (cash + Vernier equipment). See nsta.org/awards-and-competitions.
Subject-specific funders
- American Chemical Society — ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant — up to $1,500 for high-school chemistry teachers (acs.org).
- Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation — instruments and instrument repair for under-resourced music programs.
- The Mockingbird Foundation — small grants for music education.
- NCTM (math) and NCTE (English) educator grants — through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Council of Teachers of English.
Corporate community-grant programs
- Walmart Local Community Grants — $250–$5,000 to organizations and schools at the store level; teachers apply through their school.
- Lowe's Toolbox for Education (recently relaunched grants for school improvement projects) — confirm current cycle.
- State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Grants — community projects involving schools.
- Honda Foundation grants — youth education and STEM.
How to apply
- Identify a specific program that fits your project, students, and subject area. Apply only where you genuinely fit.
- Loop in your principal early. Many programs require school/district sign-off, and some prohibit duplicate applications from the same school in a cycle.
- Write a tight, specific narrative. Define the student-learning outcome, name the materials and timeline, and quantify the impact.
- Itemize the budget. Reviewers favor specific line items over round numbers.
- Document outcomes during and after the project. Photos, student work samples, and short reflections build a track record that strengthens your next application.
There is no application fee for any of the legitimate teacher grant programs listed above.
Common questions
Can I apply for multiple grants for the same project? Usually yes, but some funders disallow double-funding the same line items. Read each program's restrictions and disclose any other funding you've secured for the project.
Are grant funds taxable to the teacher? Materials and supplies purchased and used in the classroom are typically not taxable to the teacher personally. Cash awards paid directly to a teacher may be. Consult IRS guidance or a tax professional for your situation.
What if my project isn't fully funded? Many platforms (DonorsChoose, NEA Foundation) allow partial-fit projects. You can also scale the project down, combine multiple smaller grants, or seek local sponsors (PTA, community foundation, local business).
Is there a federal grant I can apply for directly as a classroom teacher? The TEACH Grant supports your tuition while you become a teacher. Once you're teaching, federal money for your classroom flows through your school/district, not directly to you.