Making a U.S.-Japan connection:

The United States-Japan Foundation is requesting applications for its Pre-College Education grants program. The program supports innovative education projects that help young Americans and Japanese learn about each other’s society, culture and country, as well as learn to work together on issues of common concern. Eligibility: K–12 schools. Funds: Vary by request. The foundation focuses on K–12 education and throughout its history has been at the forefront of supporting teacher professional development projects that train U.S. teachers to teach about Japan and Japanese teachers to teach about the U.S.

DEADLINE: July 15 for letters of inquiry; Aug. 31 for full, invited proposals.
CONTACT: The United States-Japan Foundation.

Improving math, science instruction:

The Toshiba America Foundation makes grants for projects in math and science designed by classroom teachers to improve instruction for students in grades K–12. Grades 6–12 educators can apply now for grants of $5,000 or more; grades K–5 can apply in October.

DEADLINE: June 1.
CONTACT: Toshiba American Foundation.

Supporting physics teachers:

The American Association of Physics Teachers’ Frederick and Florence Bauder Endowment for the Support of Physics Teaching was established to support special activities in the area of physics teaching. Activities can include — but are not limited to — the development and distribution of innovative apparatuses for physics teaching, traveling exhibits of apparatuses and local workshops. Maximum award: $2,500. Eligibility: AAPT members.

DEADLINE: July 1.
CONTACT: The American Association of Physics Teachers.

Boosting the First Amendment:

The Society of Professional Journalists is requesting applications for the Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award. The award seeks to honor a person or persons who have fought to protect and preserve one or more of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. Funds: $10,000 cash award, an engraved crystal and transportation (airfare and two-night hotel stay) to the national convention. Eligibility: Individuals.

DEADLINE: June 21.
CONTACT: The Society of Professional Journalist; awards@spj.org

Unsung heroes wanted:

Are you an educator with a class project that is short on funding but long on potential? Do you know a teacher looking for grant dollars? The Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program could help you turn great ideas into reality for students. With more than $5 million in awarded grants, Voya Unsung Heroes has proven to be a popular program with educators. The program’s “alumni” have inspired success in the classroom and affected countless numbers of students. Each year, 100 educators are selected to receive $2,000 to help fund their innovative class projects. Three of those are chosen to receive the top awards of an additional $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000. All K–12 educators can apply.

DEADLINE: April 30.
CONTACT: The Voya Unsung Heroes.

Virtual reality equipment for your classroom:

The Beacon, with support from Fios.Verizon.com, is looking for applications for the 2019 Technology Teacher Grant program. The program provides funding to help educators purchase virtual reality equipment to use in the classroom. Funds: $1,000 grants. Eligibility: K-12 educators. To apply, educators are asked to submit a brief lesson plan (500-word maximum, written in English) that creatively details how they would use virtual reality equipment in the classroom to enhance the education experience.

DEADLINE: May 21.
CONTACT: The Beacon.

Flower power:

Each year the City Gardens Club of New York City pays program fees for a limited number of NYC public school teachers to attend activity-oriented summer workshops at the New York Botanical Garden; the Brooklyn Botanic Garden; the Queens Botanical Garden; the Horticultural Society of New York; and a residential program at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont. Scholarships cover the costs of tuition, P in-service credit where available, course materials, and room and board when applicable. Elementary, middle and high school teachers who teach science in the classroom are eligible.

DEADLINE: May 4.
CONTACT: Application forms and descriptions of the programs are available online.