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Grants, Awards & Freebies

The Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program recognizes educators across the country for creative projects that enhance student learning. Funding must be used to further projects within the school or school system. This program is open to teachers, classified staff and paraprofessionals in K–12 public schools. A group of 50 selected finalists will each receive an award of $2,000. Of the 50 finalists, three will be chosen for additional recognition: first place will receive a bonus of $25,000, second place will receive an additional $10,000 award and the third-place honoree will receive $5,000. 

DEADLINE: April 19.
DETAILS: https://www.voya.com/page/voya-unsung-heroesr

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation awards Teacher Development Grants to support small teams of teachers to create and implement innovative K–12 classroom instruction. Successful applicants are encouraged to integrate fresh strategies that encourage critical inquiry and must document their success with these new approaches. Teachers reflect and write about their projects and share their results with other educators. Grants are awarded in amounts up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $20,000 over two years, provided eligibility requirements continue to be met. A maximum of 200 submissions will be accepted; the application will close if this quota is met prior to the deadline. 

DEADLINE: April 15.
DETAILS: https://mccartheydressman.org/teacher-development-grants

Math for America’s Master Teacher Fellowships are available for accomplished New York City public school teachers in grades K–12 who have been teaching full time for at least two years as a math, science or computer science teacher. Fellowships last for four years and stipends of up to $60,000 are granted. A Praxis content knowledge exam must be successfully completed prior to submitting an application. Fellows receive professional development opportunities, funding for education conferences, travel and classroom materials, and access to a professional network of fellow STEM teachers. 

DEADLINE: April 10.
DETAILS: https://www.mathforamerica.org/about-fellowships/mfa-master-teacher-fel…

The ASM Materials Education Foundation annually awards grants to help K–12 teachers across the country bring the world of materials science into their classrooms. Grants of $500 are awarded to support the development and implementation of creative projects and lessons that are hands-on, curriculum-based and involve student observation, teamwork, mathematics and science skills.

DEADLINE: March 31, 2024.
DETAILS: asmfoundation.org/teachers/K-12-grants

The Awesome Foundation is a global community awarding $1,000 micro grants to people and groups working on awesome projects. These grants are not exclusively for teachers, but they may apply. The application deadline is the last day of each month. Tips for submissions are to be brief, unique and specific about how you would use the grant funds. If your project is not selected in a given month, you are free to reapply.

DEADLINE: ongoing, on a monthly basis.
DETAILS: awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/nyc

The Pets in the Classroom Grants Program issues grants of up to $125 to teachers in pre-K to 9th grade to teach about responsible pet care and allow students to bond with animals. Funding is to be used to offset costs of pet maintenance or to purchase new pets for the classroom. Eligible pets include small mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and arachnids.

DEADLINE: ongoing from Aug. 1, 2023 to June 1, 2024.
DETAILS: www.petsintheclassroom.org/choose-a-grant

The Kids In Need Foundation’s Supply A Teacher Program provides essential classroom supplies to teachers in underserved schools who would otherwise spend their own money on materials for their students. Applications are open to teachers at schools where 50% or more of students are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program. Each teacher grantee will receive two large boxes filled with enough supplies to last for at least one semester. Pencils, pencil pouches, folders, notebooks, sharpeners, erasers, rulers and pens are included in every box and additional items are included based on student grade level.

DEADLINE: Ongoing
DETAILS: supplyateacher.org/teachers/apply

The Fund for the City of New York honors exceptional educators in New York City public high schools with the Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. Awards spotlight creative mathematics and science teachers who inspire students to excel in science and mathematics and pursue careers in related fields. Seven teachers are selected for a $5,000 award; their school’s science or mathematics department also receives $2,500. Besides being featured in a full-page ad in the New York Daily News and receiving media recognition, winners receive a commemorative video, brochure, portrait and award. Nominees must have been New York City public high school math or science teachers for at least five years and teach at least four periods a day. Nominations are welcome from administrators, colleagues, students, parents and others familiar with the teacher’s work.

DEADLINE: Ongoing
DETAILS: www.fcny.org/sloan-teaching-awards