We know there are so many things we would love to have for our classrooms, but often our school budgets don’t allow for them and our pockets sometimes can’t take the hit. This is when teaching grants are clutch.
Teaching grants are given to teachers by many different organizations, businesses, universities, and foundations to help supplement what they need or want in the classroom but lack the funds to purchase. These grants are usually specific to certain grade levels or subject areas. The specifics of each grant are included in the application materials along with the required documentation needed for consideration.
The criteria for what is considered “most beneficial” to your students can be very subjective depending on your personal goals and the program you are running in your classroom. You should look for things that would enhance or expand on your current project/program as well as provide real-world connections to the classroom. For example, if you were interested in human impact on the environment, a teaching grant might be given to those looking at how humans affect energy consumption and those students could then work on an alternative energy project.
If you are looking for some type of supplemental classroom materials, look for teaching grants that will provide the most benefit to your students. Look for organizations or groups that have given similar direct donations in the past. Contact them directly if need be – many organizations don’t list their grant application information on their websites because of the volume they receive. It is always a good idea to email if you can’t find it anywhere else.
Why are Teaching Grants Necessary?
Teaching grants are important to our students because they provide the tools and materials that the children need to succeed. When I was first introduced to teaching grants, I tried doing a few on my own. Of course, it is easier said than done! In fact, many of my friends that had been trying for years hadn’t gotten one yet.
I think this is where the organizations differ. Many of the teaching grants with strict criteria want to invest in those who have a proven success track record and future goals. It’s as if they know that once you get one grant, you will continue applying for more and more!
Many companies that give these grants are large corporations like Target, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and HP. These companies partner with high-performing schools to help provide materials for students who need them most. Sometimes they don’t necessarily want the scholarship; it’s really about helping to promote their company through your outreach efforts. You can easily search for teaching grants in your area with a quick Google search.
Distribution and Disbursement of Teaching Grants
How do you receive a teaching grant? Most companies usually ask for an application that includes short essay questions about what you would do with the materials and how it would benefit your students. If you are looking for something specific, you should look to apply for teaching grants that are specific to your field of study.
Some teaching grants do not require essays, but rather an entire proposal about the plans you have for your class and how they would benefit from receiving materials provided by the organization/company. The distribution and disbursement process varies depending on the company giving the grant. Some will send you all the materials up-front, while others will wait for you to purchase the materials yourself before sending reimbursement.
Teaching grants are given out to those who have gone through an extensive application process involving essays and proposals. You are more likely to receive a teaching grant if you have previous experience working with similar programs. Find organizations that gave direct donations in the past to increase your chances of receiving a teaching grant.
Are Teaching Grants Helpful?
Yes, teaching grants can be extremely helpful. They provide the materials that your students need to succeed and often include up-front funding as well as individual reimbursements after you use the materials. If you are looking for something specific, try applying for a grant that is more general in nature. This ensures that you still get what you want while giving you maximum flexibility on how you distribute the supplies.
Grants are helpful because they provide the best quality materials for your students at no cost to you. You can purchase any additional items not included in the grant on your own after receiving reimbursement from the company providing the grant. The distribution of teaching grants varies depending on each organization, but most include up-front funding, individual reimbursements, and distribution of the materials directly to your students.
If you are looking for funding to provide materials or supplies for your students, apply for a teaching grant. You can find several organizations online that offer these types of opportunities so it should be easy to get started. Always do your research on past organizations they have worked with and make sure you are qualified to apply.
Tips for Success When Applying for Teaching Grants
-Do not give up if you are unsuccessful with your first, second, or even third application. Keep trying! The more teaching grants you apply for the better your chances are of getting one that fits into your criteria.
-You do not need to have a close relationship with the company you are applying for. You just need to prove that you are committed to your students and their success, which will also benefit the corporation in some way.
-Follow directions carefully! Make sure all of your applications are filled out correctly so no problems arise later.
-Be creative! The best teaching grants provide the tools for your students to succeed, but you can also ask for funds if you want to attend a conference or seminar.
-Show them what they are receiving by making it easy to distribute. You do not need to spend all of the materials beforehand before receiving reimbursement, just make sure that whatever you ask for can be sent to the corporation easily.
-Make a plan for how you will use the supplies and materials. Make sure your students receive direct benefits from what you are requesting.
-Increase your chances of success by asking companies who have worked with them in the past for their opinion or advice on getting a teaching grant.
How Can I Find Worthwhile Teaching Grants?
You can find worthwhile teaching grants on different company websites or by contacting agencies. You need to be qualified for most grants so make sure you know what they are looking for before applying. This ensures that your application is filled out correctly and increases your chances of success.
Worthwhile teaching grants can be found on company websites or by contacting specific agencies. You need to be qualified for most grants so make sure you know what they are looking for before applying. This ensures that your application is filled out correctly and increases your chances of success.
Try searching online using keywords like “teaching grant” and your topic or level of expertise. This should help you find applications to fill out but, like anything else, you do need to watch out for scams.
You can also try contacting your local school district as they may be able to direct you towards available grants.
Another way is by attending seminars and conferences as they sometimes offer teaching grants as a giveaway or incentive for attendees. If you attend these types of seminars or conferences, make sure you know what to bring with you.
Make sure to contact the representative of the company who makes the grant easily accessible on their website for further information. This helps you avoid any miscommunication about your expected responsibilities or due dates.
Do not forget to ask someone who has received a teaching grant before for their opinion or advice on getting one. They can give you great insight into how to increase your chances of success.
Always remember that the size of the grant will vary depending on who is providing it and what you are applying for. Some may only provide up-front funding while others may provide individual reimbursements after you use the supplies. This means the organization provides money upfront for you to purchase the supplies and then reimburses you after you submit proof of use.
Also, make sure that it is worth your time applying for a teaching grant before you begin filling out the application. Remember, some may only apply to teachers in certain locations or with certain credentials. Make sure this fits into your requirements and does not conflict with anything else.
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About the Author: Jenn Breisacher
After moving from a teacher-dominated classroom to a truly student-centered one, Jenn found herself helping colleagues who wanted to follow her lead. In 2018 she decided to expand outside of her school walls and help those out there who were also trying to figure out this fantastic method of instruction to ignite intrinsic motivation in their students. Read more about her journey with Student-Centered World at studentcenteredworld.com/about
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