A Guide to Educational Grants for California Teachers
Step into the (exciting...really!) world of educational grants!
As a teacher in California, we understand the challenge of securing additional funding for your classroom, especially when it comes to trying something new.
Look no further – learn more about applying for the financial support you need to innovate your teaching!
What are educational grants?
Grants are financial awards provided by governments, organizations, or foundations to support specific projects or initiatives.
They can be used for a variety of needs, from purchasing innovative technology to acquiring classroom supplies. Throughout the year, numerous grants are available to fund educational technologies in classrooms!
What Edtech Grants are available for Teachers in California?
There are a variety of edtech grants available to Californian teachers seeking additional funding to secure software for the classroom! These grants are offered annually, with many accepting applications in October and December.
Ready to discover some funding opportunities? Let's get started:
The Education Foundation for California Schools
Applications open yearly in October.
Funding Amount: $1,000 (Single teacher application), or $5,000 (School Team; up to 3 teachers per application)
Eligibility: This grant is open to all California public and private school teachers, kindergarten through community college.
Grant Information: The Education Foundation for California Schools provides grants aimed at helping teachers create innovative programs that inspire excellence and foster engagement in core subjects such as Language Arts, Science, Math, Foreign Language, and Social Studies. This grant can be used to purchase educational technology.
California Teachers Association - IFT (Institute for Teaching) Educator Grant
Applications open yearly in December.
Funding Amount: Up to $5,000
Eligibility: Any active member of the California Teaching Association is eligible to apply.
Grant Information: The IFT Educator Grant supports teacher-led initiatives to revamp classrooms and enrich the student learning experience. The grant funding can be allocated towards innovative software that enhances student learning.
California Teachers Association - IFT (Institute for Teaching) Impact Grant
Applications open yearly in December.
Funding Amount: Up to $20,000
Eligibility: Any active member of the California Teaching Association is eligible to apply.
Grant Information: The IFT Impact Grant assists groups of two or more teachers who are leading efforts to revamp classrooms, through captivating and educational student experiences. Grant funds can be utilized to purchase edtech to elevate student learning.
Grant Application Tips
Grant applications can seem intimidating at first, but by following a few simple tips, you can submit an educational grant application you are confident about and proud of!
- Review the Guidelines: Review all guidelines of the grant to ensure you have a thorough understanding of eligibility criteria, deadlines, and specific requirements.
- Research Previously Funded Projects: Research projects that have previously been funded to better understand your eligibility.
- Understand the Mission: Familiarize yourself with the mission and goals of the funding organization, tailoring your application to align with their priorities and objectives.
- Explain the Need: Clearly explain the problem you are addressing and why it is important. Share stories, anecdotes, and data to illustrate the impact of your work.
- Define the Benefits and Impact: It is important to clearly define the impact and benefits your project will have, using data to back up your claims.
- Create a Realistic Budget: Develop a detailed and realistic budget that aligns with the scope of your project.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Make sure to provide all necessary supporting documents.
- Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before submitting your application, carefully review and revise it for clarity, understanding, and coherence! Don’t be afraid to ask a colleague for feedback!
- Submit Early: Keep track of deadline dates and avoid waiting until the last minute to submit your application!
How we can help!
We've become true "egg-sperts" in the grant writing field, having successfully navigated through numerous grant applications ourselves!
If you need inspiration to start your project or some useful advice, feel free to contact us! Email us at hi@goosechase.com, and let’s brainstorm together for your next grant application!
What is Goosechase EDU?
Goosechase is an online platform that helps educators create and run interactive learning experiences in their classrooms and beyond. Sign up and try creating an Experience, or contact us to learn more about our school and district-wide solutions!