64 verified programs · 6 categories · compiled July 2026

The verified school grants directory

64 verified grant programs for schools, teachers, and the arts organizations that serve them — spanning federal, state arts councils, foundations, corporate giving, arts and theatre, and STEM. Every detail comes directly from the official funder page — nothing is invented. Research reference only — appearing here does not mean a school qualifies or will win. Always confirm details on the official funder page before investing application time.

This is an independent directory — not a government agency, not a funder, and not affiliated with any program listed. Being listed here is not an application, an endorsement, or a guarantee of funding.

Federal Grants State Arts Council Grants Foundation Grants Corporate Grants Arts, Theatre, Music & Journalism Photography, STEM & General

64verified programs

6grant categories

51direct applicants

13fiscal sponsor required

Category 1 of 6

Federal Grants

9 programs · 8 direct applicants · 1 require a fiscal sponsor

National Endowment for the Arts · $10,000 to $100,000 standard; up to $150,000 for Local Arts Agencies running subgranting projects. $10,000 flat for Challenge America category.

NEA Grants for Arts Projects (GAP)

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) orgs, units of state/local government (including public school districts and K-12 schools as units of local government), and federally recognized tribes. Requires 5+ years of arts programming and $20,000+ in operating expenses. 1:1 nonfederal cost-share required.

Two cycles per year -- February and July. FY 2027 July cycle: Part 1 (Grants.gov, opp. #2026NEA01GAP2) July 9, 2026; Part 2 (NEA Applicant Portal) July 21, 2026. Open now.

Direct applicant

Institute of Museum and Library Services · Planning/Forum $75,000 to $200,000; Community-Centered Implementation $25,000 to $100,000; National Implementation $75,000 to $1,000,000.

IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L)

Libraries and archives, including K-12 school libraries -- districts apply on behalf of eligible school libraries. A Transforming School Library Practice category is specifically open to districts applying for K-12 school libraries. See NOFO for full detail.

Annual. FY 2027 deadline November 13, 2026. Contact: [email protected].

Direct applicant

U.S. Department of Education · Up to $650,000 per award; historically $94,000 to $730,000 in Year 1 of a five-year award.

Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program (84.206A)

SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, other public agencies, and private entities including faith-based organizations. Apply via Grants.gov (opportunity 362001). Contact: [email protected] / 202-987-1700.

Annual. FY 2026 deadline was June 23, 2026 (closed for this cycle). Watch for the FY 2027 opportunity on Grants.gov.

Direct applicant

U.S. Department of Education · Approximately $480,000 to $672,000 per award (25 to 35 awards from a $16.8M FY 2026 pool).

Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) -- 84.215G

LEAs where 20%+ of students are below the poverty line; consortia of such LEAs; Bureau of Indian Education; national nonprofits serving eligible LEAs. Supports school libraries and book distribution. Apply via Grants.gov (opportunity 361808).

Annual. FY 2026 deadline was June 9, 2026 (closed). Watch for the FY 2027 NOFO on Grants.gov.

Direct applicant

U.S. Department of Education · $465,000 to $999,999 per year in Year 1; multi-year awards of $3.8M to $5M over five years typical.

Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) -- 84.351D / 84.351E

LEAs with 20%+ low-income students; consortia of LEAs; SEAs; institutions of higher education; museums and cultural institutions; Bureau of Indian Education; eligible national nonprofits and private agencies. Focus on arts education for disadvantaged students and students with disabilities.

Annual. FY 2025 deadline was August 25, 2025. FY 2026 date to be announced -- monitor ed.gov and Grants.gov (assistance listing 84.351A).

See official page Direct applicant

USDA Food and Nutrition Service · $100,000 to $500,000 per award; up to $18M total for FY 2026.

USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program

Schools, districts, state agencies, Indian Tribal Organizations, and partner entities; at least one partner must be a Child Nutrition Program operator/administrator. All applicants except state agencies and Tribal Organizations must apply as a partnership. Supports local food procurement, agricultural education, and school gardens.

Annual. FY 2026 deadline was December 5, 2025 (awarded and closed). Watch for the FY 2027 Request for Applications.

See official page Direct applicant

USDA Rural Development / Rural Utilities Service · $50,000 to $750,000 per award; approximately $27M total for FY 2026 across about 40 awards.

USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants -- RUS-26-01-DLT

Rural schools, libraries, hospitals, nonprofits, and local governments in rural areas of 20,000 people or fewer. Public K-12 schools are eligible end-users. 15% match required. Apply through Grants.gov when the next NOFO opens. Contact: [email protected].

Annual. FY 2026 deadline was June 30, 2026 (closed). Watch for the FY 2027 NOFO on Grants.gov.

Direct applicant

AmeriCorps · Varies by program size and Member Service Years (1 MSY = 1,700 hours). Awards are structured on cost-per-MSY -- see the NOFO for the current MSY cost schedule.

AmeriCorps State and National Grants -- FY 2026

Nonprofits, government agencies, higher-ed institutions, and community organizations that run AmeriCorps programs placing members in service -- including in K-12 schools, tutoring, and out-of-school programs. Schools are usually host sites rather than direct applicants. K-12 education is an explicit priority. Contact: [email protected] / 800-942-2677.

Annual, three-year awards. FY 2026 deadline was March 31, 2026 (closed). Watch americorps.gov/partner/funding-opportunities for the FY 2027 NOFO.

Fiscal sponsor required. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscal sponsor must be the applicant of record. Schools participate as a beneficiary, not the grantee. Do not invest application time without a sponsor in place.

Fiscal sponsor required

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) · Not published on the current program page.

USDA SPECA -- Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants

Public secondary schools, public/private nonprofit junior and community colleges, higher-ed institutions, and nonprofits. Applicants need an eRA Commons account.

No open NOFO as of July 2026. NIFA states there are currently no open NOFOs. Subscribe to NIFA Update for alerts.

Status uncertain See official page Direct applicant

Category 2 of 6

State Arts Council Grants

11 programs · 4 direct applicants · 7 require a fiscal sponsor

South Carolina Arts Commission · Up to $2,500 per grant; max two grants per fiscal year ($5,000 total per school).

School Arts Support (SAS) Grants -- South Carolina

Public, private, and charter K-12 schools in SC; 4K CERDEP classrooms too. Must include an arts teacher or arts professional as project partner. ABC-certified schools are ineligible for K-12 funding. Valid UEI required. Reimbursement-based; 1:2 matching funds required (exceptions for high-poverty and Opportunity Initiative county schools).

TEMPORARILY PAUSED. All SCAC rolling grant programs are paused for federal/state compliance review, expected to reopen after SCAC Board action on August 20, 2026. Confirm the next open date before applying.

Status uncertain Direct applicant

South Carolina Arts Commission · Up to $25,000/year for two consecutive years.

District Arts Support Grants -- South Carolina

SC school districts with (1) a board-approved three-year District Arts Education Strategic Plan covering all six arts disciplines and (2) a designated part-time or greater district-level arts coordinator. Valid UEI required. Current District Arts Coordinator grant recipients are ineligible. Requires 2:1 cash match; no federal funds or other SCAC grants may serve as match.

Annual. FY25-26: Letter of Intent due December 18, 2025; full application (by invitation only) due February 26, 2026.

Direct applicant

South Carolina Arts Commission · Up to $15,000. Match: 1:2 ratio (at least 50% cash).

Term Arts Education Project (AEP) Grants -- South Carolina

SC nonprofit community orgs (arts or non-arts) registered with the SC Secretary of State with federal tax-exempt status; colleges/universities; units of state or local government. Schools and districts cannot apply directly -- arts organizations apply to bring programs to K-12 students.

Annual. FY26-27 window was February 10 through April 23, 2026. Projects run July 2026 through May 2027.

Fiscal sponsor required

South Carolina Arts Commission · Up to $15,000. Match: 1:2 ratio (at least 50% cash).

Summer Arts Education Project Grants -- South Carolina

SC nonprofits (arts and non-arts), colleges/universities, and units of government. Schools and districts cannot apply directly. Programs serve preschool (3K through 4K) and/or K-12 students over summer.

Annual. FY25-26 deadline was December 18, 2025 for the May 1 through June 26, 2026 grant period.

Fiscal sponsor required

North Carolina Arts Council · $5,000 to $15,000.

Project Support Grants -- Youth Arts Education -- North Carolina

NC-based nonprofits with 2+ years of high-quality programming and prior-year cash operating expenses of $20,000+. Schools cannot apply directly. The Youth Arts Education option supports arts programs occurring exclusively outside school hours (summer, after-school).

Annual. FY2026-27 deadline was March 2, 2026 (OPAL portal; opened January 5, 2026). Project period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Note: a new teaching-artist roster and school-request process launches summer 2026 -- check ncarts.org.

Fiscal sponsor required

Georgia Council for the Arts · $1,000 to $5,000. Requires 50% cash match; grant covers up to 66% of project cost. Reimbursement-based.

Arts Education Program Grant -- Georgia

Georgia-based nonprofits, government entities, public libraries, K-12 schools, and colleges/universities. Schools may apply directly. Supports K-12 arts in visual art, music, theater, dance, media arts, and creative writing (in-school, after-school, residencies, virtual). One GCA grant type per cycle.

Annual, typically February. FY27 applications are closed and under review. Next deadline February 2027 for FY28.

Direct applicant

Virginia Commission for the Arts · Up to $4,000. Minimum 10% cash match. Max one application per fiscal year.

Lifelong Learning Grants -- Virginia

Virginia public, charter, private, alternative, special-ed, homeschool programs, and CTE centers with federal tax-exempt status; VA 501(c)(3)s; VA units of local/tribal government. K-12 schools may apply directly. Programs must be hands-on, multi-session, in-person, in ADA-compliant VA facilities; teaching-artist fees must be 50%+ of the budget. FY27 General Operating Support / Community Impact recipients are ineligible.

Two rolling, first-come cycles per fiscal year. Cycle 1: July 1 through December 1, 2026 (activities Aug 1, 2026 through June 15, 2027). Cycle 2: January 1 through May 1, 2027 (activities Feb 1 through June 15, 2027). Submit at least four weeks before activities begin.

Direct applicant

New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) · $10,000 to $49,500 for the Support for Organizations category. Discipline-specific caps vary by budget -- download the FY2027 Guidelines PDF for exact amounts.

Arts Education Grants (Support for Organizations) -- New York

Nonprofits incorporated/registered in NY, NY Native American tribes, and units of NY municipal government. Schools do not apply directly -- arts nonprofits and organizations apply to provide instruction, residencies, and hands-on learning (pre-K through adult).

Annual. FY2027 Support for Organizations deadline July 8, 2026, 5:00 PM ET -- no exceptions.

Fiscal sponsor required

California Arts Council · Up to $5,000 (2026 indication); prior years showed up to $25,000. No match required. Confirm the current amount on the official page before applying.

Arts Integration Training (AIT) Grant -- California

CA-based nonprofits, public agencies, tribal governments. Requires documented collaboration between an arts nonprofit, teaching artists, and an educational entity (teachers or site/district/county administrators). Cannot also apply for Arts and Youth in the same cycle. Contact: [email protected] / 916-322-6555.

Annual. 2026 deadline was May 12, 2026 (grant period Oct 1, 2026 through Sep 30, 2027). Typically opens in spring.

See official page Fiscal sponsor required

California Arts Council · Up to $25,000 (multiple secondary sources); the CA Grants Portal listed the amount as Dependent on state budget finalization. Confirm the current amount on the official page.

Arts and Youth Grant -- California

CA-based 501(c)(3)s, public agencies, tribal governments with a principal CA place of business and 2+ years of consistent arts programming. Serves ages 0 through 25 (schools, after-school, community). Cannot also apply for Arts Integration Training in the same cycle. Organizations over $250,000 revenue cannot request more than 50% of most recent fiscal-year revenue. Contact: [email protected] / 916-322-6555.

Annual. 2026 deadline was May 12, 2026 (grant period Oct 1, 2026 through Sep 30, 2027). Decision Aug 14, 2026; funds estimated January through March 2027.

See official page Fiscal sponsor required

Texas Commission on the Arts · Minimum $1,000; maximum equals 50% of project budget. FY2026 awards ran approximately $1,250 to $7,000. Dollar-for-dollar (1:1) match required.

Arts Respond Project Grant -- Texas

Arts organizations with a verified TCA budget (including arts orgs of color, established orgs, college arts institutions, rural providers). Schools and districts cannot apply directly. Education projects must align with TEKS and be run with school officials; before/after-school programs are not eligible under the Education priority.

Two deadlines per fiscal year: January 15 (projects Apr 1 through Aug 31) and July 15 (projects Sep 1 through Mar 31). One application per deadline; max two priority areas annually.

Fiscal sponsor required

Category 3 of 6

Foundation Grants

14 programs · 13 direct applicants · 1 require a fiscal sponsor

NEA Foundation · Up to $5,000 (12-month funding period).

NEA Foundation Student Success Grants

Current NEA members who are teachers, education support professionals, or specialized instructional support personnel in U.S. public schools or public higher ed. Administrators ineligible; current NEA Foundation grantees ineligible until a prior grant closes. Funds materials/supplies/equipment/transportation/technology -- not standalone laptops/tablets or salaries.

Annual. Window June 15 through September 15 (registration closes September 10). Optional info sessions July 8 and August 19.

Direct applicant

NEA Foundation · Up to $5,000 (12-month funding period).

NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants

Current NEA members (teachers, ESPs, specialized instructional support personnel) in U.S. public schools. Funds professional development -- travel, registration, materials. No tuition or salaries. Previous grantees ineligible until prior grant closes.

Annual. Window June 15 through September 15 (registration closes September 10). Applied via Fluxx portal.

Direct applicant

NEA Foundation · Up to $5,000 (12-month funding period).

NEA Foundation Envision Equity Grants

Active NEA member educators, specialized instructional support personnel, and ESPs pursuing project-based learning on cultural understanding, anti-racism, civic engagement, and equity. Not for current NEA Foundation grantees.

Annual. Window June 15 through September 15. Virtual info sessions July 8 and August 19.

Direct applicant

Dollar General Literacy Foundation · Up to $5,000 (applying does not guarantee the full amount).

Dollar General Literacy Foundation -- Youth Literacy Grants

K-12 schools, public libraries, and IRS-verified nonprofits providing direct literacy services to students below grade level. Organization must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and in a DG state. Two-year rule: funded two consecutive years = ineligible the third.

Annual. 2026 cycle ran March 5 through April 2 (closed); winners announced September 10, 2026. 2027 cycle expected to open January 2027.

Direct applicant

Dollar General Literacy Foundation · Up to $3,000.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation -- Summer Reading Grants

Nonprofits, public libraries, and schools creating/expanding summer reading for pre-K through 12, prioritizing new/below-grade readers and students with learning disabilities. Within 15 miles of a DG store. Two-year rule applies.

Annual. 2026 deadline was approximately February 5 (closed); winners announced May 8, 2026. 2027 cycle expected to open January 2027.

Direct applicant

Dollar General Literacy Foundation · Up to $10,000.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation -- Family Literacy Grants

Nonprofits running comprehensive family literacy programs with all three components -- adult education, children's education, and parent-child interactive learning. Within 15 miles of a DG store. No consecutive-year restriction.

2027 cycle expected to open January 2027. Confirm the exact date on the official page.

See official page Fiscal sponsor required

Fund for Teachers · Up to $5,000 (individual); up to $10,000 (teams of two or more).

Fund for Teachers -- Self-Designed Fellowship

Full-time preK-12 teachers at public/private/charter schools in the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska who spend 50%+ of their time in direct instruction and have 3+ years of experience by the end of the current school year. Must intend to return to teaching. Previous recipients wait five years to reapply.

Annual. Applications October through January; the 2027 cycle opens October 1, 2026.

Direct applicant

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation · Up to $10,000/year, max $20,000 over two years.

McCarthey Dressman -- Teacher Development Grants

Licensed K-12 teachers in public or private schools with relevant background to complete the project. One person submits (project may involve multiple educators). Only the first 200 applications per cycle are considered -- apply early.

Annual. January 15 through April 15 (or when 200 submissions are reached, whichever comes first).

Direct applicant

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation · Up to $10,000/year, max $20,000 over two years.

McCarthey Dressman -- Academic Enrichment Grants

Staff at schools or nonprofits with direct contact with pre-K through 12 students from low-income households and the experience to complete the project. Only the first 200 applications per cycle are considered -- apply early.

Annual. January 15 through April 15 (or when 200 submissions are reached).

Direct applicant

DonorsChoose (nonprofit crowdfunding; funded by individual donors and corporate partners) · Varies by project and donor contributions; no fixed cap.

DonorsChoose

U.S. public school teachers. Teachers post specific classroom resource requests; donors choose what to fund. Corporate partners periodically run matching campaigns. Approximately 68% of U.S. public schools have had a project posted.

Rolling -- post any time; projects stay active until funded or expired.

Direct applicant

Toshiba America Foundation · Up to $1,000.

Toshiba America Foundation -- Grades K-5

Teachers currently teaching K-5 proposing innovative, project-based STEM. Public, private, and homeschool eligible. Schools may hold only one active grant at a time.

Annual -- deadline October 1.

Direct applicant

Toshiba America Foundation · Up to $5,000 (standard tier, rolling quarterly); more than $5,000 for larger projects (biannual review).

Toshiba America Foundation -- Grades 6-12

Teachers in grades 6-12 proposing project-based STEM with measurable outcomes. One active grant at a time. Does not fund salaries, textbooks, computer hardware, A/V equipment, or research.

Under $5,000: quarterly March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1 (decisions within approximately 6 weeks). Over $5,000: May 1 and November 1.

Direct applicant

Walmart U.S. stores, Sam's Clubs, and Distribution Centers · $250 to $5,000.

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants

K-12 public or nonprofit private schools with a valid NCES number or 501(c)(3) status, verified through Deed on walmart.com/nonprofits. Applications tie to the nearest Walmart/Sam's Club facility.

Three annual cycles: Cycle 1 Feb 1 through Apr 15; Cycle 2 May 1 through Jul 15; Cycle 3 Aug 1 through Nov 30.

Direct applicant

Voya Financial · 50 awards of $2,000 each; top three of $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000. At least one grant per state (if a qualified application was received).

Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program

Full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff at an accredited U.S. public or private K-12 school. Voya client status not required.

Annual; opens approximately March. 2026 deadline was April 17, 2026 (closed). Next cycle expected March 2027. Verify the current-year date on the official page.

Direct applicant

Category 4 of 6

Corporate Grants

11 programs · 9 direct applicants · 2 require a fiscal sponsor

Walmart / Sam's Club · $250 to $5,000.

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants

K-12 public or nonprofit private schools and charter schools with an NCES number or 501(c)(3), verified via Deed. Applies to Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs, and Distribution Centers nationwide. Create a Spark Good account at walmart.com/nonprofits.

Three FY27 cycles: Cycle 1 Feb 1 through Apr 15; Cycle 2 May 1 through Jul 15; Cycle 3 Aug 1 through Nov 30.

Direct applicant

Voya Financial · 50 finalists at $2,000; top three at $5,000, $10,000, $25,000. At least one award per state if a qualifying application was received.

Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program

Full-time K-12 educators (teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, classified staff) at an accredited U.S. public or private school. Voya client status not required. $6M+ awarded over a 29-year track record.

Annual; opens approximately March. 2026 deadline was April 17, 2026 (closed). Next cycle expected March 2027.

Direct applicant

Target Corporation · $1,000 to $15,000.

Target Community Engagement Funds

K-12 public or nonprofit private schools and charter schools with an NCES number; also nonprofits. Focus areas: Thriving Families, Vibrant Neighborhoods, Emerging Creative and Culture, Economic Opportunity. One application per program per cycle; max 10 active applications per organization.

Two cycles a year. Cycle 1 closed (Apr 6 through May 6, 2026; decisions July). Cycle 2 open August 3 through September 3, 2026; decisions November 2026.

Direct applicant

Dollar General Literacy Foundation · Up to $5,000.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation -- Youth Literacy Grants

K-12 schools, public libraries, and nonprofits serving students below grade level in reading; organization within 15 miles of a DG store or distribution center.

Annual. 2026 window March 5 through April 2 (closed); winners announced September 10, 2026. Next cycle expected January 2027.

Direct applicant

Toshiba America Foundation · K-5: up to $1,000. Grades 6-12: up to $5,000 (rolling quarterly); larger grants with specific review deadlines. See the official page for the current schedule.

Toshiba America Foundation STEM Grants (K-5 and 6-12)

STEM teachers at accredited U.S. K-12 schools. K-5: any STEM teacher with an innovative classroom project. 6-12: science/math teachers with project-based proposals. One active grant at a time; final reports must be approved before new applications.

K-5: October 1. Grades 6-12 under $5,000: quarterly March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1. Over $5,000: May 1 and November 1.

See official page Direct applicant

SONIC Foundation · Variable -- SONIC Foundation donates directly to fund classroom projects. Historically approximately $600 per top-voted project; the 2026 model shifted to direct Foundation donation.

Sonic Limeades for Learning (via DonorsChoose)

K-12 public school teachers with projects on DonorsChoose. Must be registered as a SONIC Teacher on DonorsChoose to be eligible for SONIC funding.

Ongoing year-round; key windows around Teacher Appreciation Month (May) and Back to School (August).

Direct applicant

The Home Depot Foundation · Up to $10,000 (Home Depot gift cards for tools, equipment, or training-space improvements).

Home Depot Path to Pro Education Grants

Accredited K-12 schools with an existing skilled-trades program (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC). U.S.-based, minimum $300,000 operating budget, audited financials (or alternative documentation if audit-exempt). Narrowly focused on skilled trades/construction -- not general K-12. Contact: [email protected].

Rolling; launched nationwide March 10, 2026. Decisions within approximately 45 days of a completed application.

Direct applicant

Pet Care Trust (sponsors include Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, Petland) · Rebates, not cash -- small animal/bird/hermit crab $75; fish/aquarium/reptile/amphibian $125; Betta $75; sustaining (returning teachers) $50. Store-coupon grants also available.

Pets in the Classroom

Pre-K through 12 teachers at accredited U.S. public/private schools. Create an account at petsintheclassroom.org and meet school verification. Best for science/life-skills classrooms wanting a classroom pet.

Annual. 2026-2027 cycle opened July 3, 2026; applications generally accepted through May of the following year.

Direct applicant

NEA Foundation (National Education Association) · Up to $5,000 (12 months from award).

NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants

Current NEA members only -- teachers, ESPs, or specialized instructional support personnel in public K-12 or public higher ed. Previous grantees ineligible until a prior grant closes. NEA membership is a hard requirement.

Annual. 2026 window June 15 through September 15 (registration closes September 10). Fluxx portal.

Direct applicant

State Farm · $25,000 per winning cause; 40 causes per annual cycle.

State Farm Neighborhood Assist

Historically 501(c)(3) nonprofits and qualifying organizations including schools. Causes submitted by community members and decided by public vote. Public schools may need a parent nonprofit or foundation to apply. No 2026 cycle has been confirmed -- verify directly at statefarm.com before planning.

UNCONFIRMED FOR 2026. Historically submissions open approximately February; last confirmed active cycle was 2022. Do not treat as active without verification.

Status uncertain Fiscal sponsor required

The Clorox Company Foundation · Not publicly disclosed.

Clorox Company Foundation Grants

By invitation only. Focus: Youth Development and Education (literacy, STEM), Community Wellness, Sustainability, Disease Prevention/Disaster Relief. Primarily near Clorox facilities in Oakland, CA and other company locations. Schools cannot apply directly without an invitation. Inquire at [email protected] or [email protected].

Invitation-only; no open application cycle.

Status uncertain See official page Fiscal sponsor required

Category 5 of 6

Arts, Theatre, Music & Journalism

12 programs · 11 direct applicants · 1 require a fiscal sponsor

Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) · $10,000 per school.

Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant

All U.S. high school theatre programs, regardless of EdTA membership. Must produce a play/musical encouraging dialogue on diverse perspectives; engage one performance mentor and one technical-theatre mentor whose backgrounds reflect the student demographic; culminate in 3+ performances plus one community gathering.

Annual -- February 1 through April 1.

Direct applicant

Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) · Not specified on the official page -- create an EdTA account for full details.

ETF Thespian Growth Excellence Fund -- Production and Educator Grants

Active EdTA Thespian troupes and EdTA members. Production Grants support specific plays/musicals or community-building productions; Educator Grants cover equipment, professional development, production expenses, and other troupe costs.

Annual -- February 1 through April 1.

See official page Direct applicant

Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), with Music Theatre International and iTheatrics · Approximately $12,000 per year over three years in services and materials (training, mentoring, production support, equipment stipends, teacher compensation) -- in-kind, not a cash grant.

JumpStart Theatre Grant

Middle schools in underserved Title I communities with no current curricular theatre access. Competitive selection; designed to build a sustainable musical theatre program over three years.

Rolling -- complete an interest inquiry form; no fixed annual deadline.

Direct applicant

NAMM Foundation · $5,000 per recipient.

NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education -- Opportunity Award

Public, private, independent, and charter K-12 schools and districts; also 501(c)(3) community music schools. Must first win the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation; the Opportunity Award sub-grant goes to BCME winners serving communities with demonstrated financial need. Contact: [email protected].

Annual. 2027 cycle window October 14, 2026 through January 31, 2027; awardees announced April 2027.

Direct applicant

NAMM Foundation · $5,000 to $25,000.

NAMM Foundation Music Program Grants

501(c)(3) nonprofits and international equivalents. Direct school applications likely need a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Projects must support participatory music learning and career mobility, benefiting historically underrepresented communities.

Annual -- deadline April 1. Official page returned an error during research verification; verify the current deadline and requirements at the URL before applying.

See official page Fiscal sponsor required

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation · Student-model musical instruments (brand at foundation's discretion) -- in-kind, not a cash grant.

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Instrument Grants

U.S. public K-12 schools (including public charters) and schools in U.S. territories. Requirements: 65%+ economically disadvantaged students; an established instrumental/choral/general music program 2+ years old operating during school hours; a dedicated music teacher with 2+ consecutive years at the school; existing instruments and a secure music classroom. Only music teachers submit the pre-qualification form; award is by invitation after review. Contact: [email protected] / 818-762-4328.

No fixed deadline -- rolling pre-qualification; the foundation initiates invitations after review.

Direct applicant

Give A Note Foundation · $4,000, plus national press coverage and an all-expenses-paid trip to the MusicPro annual conference.

Give A Note Foundation -- Music Education Innovator Award

K-12 music teachers at publicly funded U.S. schools. Program must be integrated into the regular school day (not exclusively after-school). Applicant must have already implemented the program with demonstrated student success. Contact: [email protected].

Annual. 2026 cycle is closed; next opening date not yet announced.

Status uncertain Direct applicant

The Mockingbird Foundation · $100 to $10,000.

Mockingbird Foundation Music Education Grants

501(c)(3) nonprofits or government entities including public K-12 schools. For schools: the program must take place at and not be independent of the school, and be supervised by the applicable municipality. Preference for diverse/unusual musical styles. Extremely competitive -- funds fewer than 1% of inquiries.

Annual, two-stage. Online inquiry opens June 15, closes January 15; selected applicants invited in March to submit full proposals in April; awards announced mid-June. Official page returned an error during research verification -- verify at the URL before applying.

See official page Direct applicant

Journalism Education Association (JEA) · $4,000 (national winner); up to $1,200 each for up to five national finalists.

JEA Journalist of the Year Scholarships

High school seniors who won their state's Journalist of the Year contest. The adviser must be a current JEA member at time of application. International students who won an equivalent contest may apply through JEA's global engagement director. Funds go directly to the winner's college.

Annual -- state winners' applications due March 15, 11:59 PM CDT.

Direct applicant

Journalism Education Association (JEA) · Recognition award -- no cash prize specified on the official page.

JEA Student Journalist Impact Award

High school students; the nominating adviser must be a current JEA member. Entry must be original student work published within two years of the deadline. Advisers, teachers, or students may nominate; multiple students per school allowed.

Annual -- March 15.

See official page Direct applicant

Journalism Education Association (JEA) · Up to two scholarships of $1,000 each annually.

JEA Future Journalism Teacher Scholarship

College juniors/seniors or master's students in an education program preparing them to teach journalism at the secondary level; current high school journalism instructors pursuing advanced degrees also eligible.

Annual -- July 15. Requires a 250-word essay, two recommendation letters, and college transcripts.

Direct applicant

Journalism Education Association (JEA) · Complimentary convention registration for adviser and two students, one NSPA publication critique per student group, and JEA Outreach Academy participation -- in-kind, not cash.

JEA First-Time Convention Grant

Journalism/yearbook advisers who have never attended a JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention. Geared toward newer advisers and those from underserved areas. Covers the adviser plus up to two students.

Awarded per convention (spring and fall). Fall 2026 (Orlando, Nov 19-22): applications due 11:59 PM CDT September 4, 2026. Verify at the current convention's first-time-grants page each cycle.

Direct applicant

Category 6 of 6

Photography, STEM & General

7 programs · 6 direct applicants · 1 require a fiscal sponsor

Toshiba America Foundation · Up to $1,000.

Toshiba America Foundation Grants -- Grades K-5

Certified K-5 classroom teachers at U.S. public or private schools. STEM-focused, project-based. One active grant at a time.

Annual -- October 1.

Direct applicant

Toshiba America Foundation · Up to $5,000 (quarterly cycle); over $5,000 (biannual cycle).

Toshiba America Foundation Grants -- Grades 6-12

Certified STEM teachers in grades 6-12 at U.S. public or private schools. Project-based. One active grant at a time; final reports must be approved before new applications.

Under $5,000: quarterly March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1. Over $5,000: May 1 and November 1.

Direct applicant

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) · $10,000 to $100,000 (standard); $10,000 flat (Challenge America); $30,000 to $150,000 (local arts agencies subgranting).

NEA Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) -- Arts Education

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, units of state/local government, federally recognized tribes, and local education agencies (districts/LEAs). Requires 5+ years of arts programming and $20,000+ operating expenses. 1:1 nonfederal match (cash or in-kind). Covers photography, visual arts, media arts, and pre-K through 12 arts education.

Two cycles (February and July). FY2026 GAP 2: Part 1 (Grants.gov) July 9, 2026; Part 2 (NEA portal) July 21, 2026. Open now.

Direct applicant

NEA Foundation · Up to $5,000 (12 months from award).

NEA Foundation Student Success Grants

Current NEA members (teachers, ESPs, specialized instructional support personnel) at public schools or public higher ed. Administrators ineligible; current grantees ineligible until a prior grant closes. Funds materials/supplies/equipment/transportation/technology -- not standalone laptops/tablets or salaries.

One annual cycle. Open June 15 through September 15 (registration closes September 10). Optional sessions July 8 and August 19.

Direct applicant

Laura Bush Foundation / George W. Bush Presidential Center · Approximately $5,000 average per library (distributed $1M+ to 220 libraries in the 2025-2026 cycle; average approximately $4,545).

Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries

Title I public schools (including charter and magnet), AND private/parochial schools where 50%+ of students qualify for financial aid. Must have an operational library or designated book-lending space managed by a certified librarian or paid professional. Principal digital signature required. Funds only books, periodicals, eBooks, reference materials, and subscriptions.

Annual. The 2025-2026 deadline was December 31, 2025 (closed). Next cycle expected to open fall 2026 -- confirm at bushcenter.org/lbf or [email protected].

See official page Direct applicant

Dollar General Literacy Foundation · Amount not stated publicly.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation -- Beyond Words (Library Disaster Relief)

K-12 public school libraries that sustained significant damage to books, media, or equipment from a natural disaster, fire, or federally recognized act of terrorism. Apply within 36 months of the disaster. School within 15 miles of a DG store or distribution center.

Rolling/ongoing -- no fixed deadline. Apply any time at grantprograms.dgliteracy.org.

See official page Direct applicant

Best Buy Foundation · Reported by third parties as approximately $60,000/year for staffing plus approximately $10,000 annual tech refresh -- unconfirmed; official page was unreachable during research.

Best Buy Foundation Teen Tech Center Grants

By invitation only, for nonprofits -- not schools directly. Local nonprofits with a track record of asset-based, out-of-school-time youth programming in disinvested communities, within 25 miles of a Best Buy store. Schools may benefit indirectly by partnering with a qualifying nonprofit.

Invitation-only; no public application window.

Status uncertain See official page Fiscal sponsor required

About this directory

Research reference, not a promise

Every program listed here is sourced from the official funder website at compile time (July 2026). Award ranges, eligibility requirements, and deadlines change — always confirm the current details on the official page before investing application time. Appearing in this directory does not mean a school qualifies or will win a grant.

Programs marked Fiscal sponsor required require a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscal sponsor as the applicant of record. Schools participate as a beneficiary, not the grantee — do not invest application time without a sponsor in place. Programs marked Status uncertain are paused, invitation-only with no public window, or whose active status could not be confirmed as of July 2026. Programs marked See official page had a key detail — amount or exact deadline — that could not be confirmed at compile time.

This directory is a service to school programs, advisers, and grant writers. It is an independent reference — not a government agency, not a funder, and not affiliated with any program listed. It is not an endorsement of any listed program, and we have no commercial relationship with any funder shown.

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