Photography, STEM & General: the verified school grants directory

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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