Adopt-A-Classroom Grants
Teachers can register at the Adopt-A-Classroom website to be adopted by an individual, a business or a foundation. Once adopted, teachers will receive $500 worth of credit to purchase items that enrich the learning environment, including classroom technology. Teachers help solicit their own sponsors by downloading and distributing fliers within their community or by sending out a personalized, prewritten e-mail from the Adopt-A-Classroom website. Every donor receives information about the classroom it has adopted, including an itemized list of what teachers bought, so donors can see the impact of their donation.
Website: http://www.adoptaclassroom.com
AT&T Foundation Grants
The AT&T Foundation awards grants to education projects that focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning through the effective use of technology, developing workforce skills for the information technology industry, and advancing diversity in education and the workplace, especially in the fields of science, math, engineering and technology. Accredited public and private elementary and secondary schools and two- and four-year institutions of higher education, as well as educational nonprofit organizations are eligible for consideration. AT&T funds are typically distributed through invitational programs or through projects that AT&T proactively develops with nonprofit organizations. Unsolicited applications are reviewed but rarely supported. Those who wish to submit an unsolicited proposal should send a brief letter of introduction and description of their organization and project.
Website: http://www.att.com/foundation
Citigroup Smarter Schools & Smarter Classrooms Grants
The Citigroup Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Citibank Corp., dedicates approximately 75 percent of its charitable contributions to community development and education programs. The foundation's K–12 giving focuses on strengthening education in low-income neighborhoods. Its grants emphasize the creation of "smarter schools" and "smarter classrooms." The "smarter schools" initiative supports improvements in the governance of public schools and higher standards for student performance. It also funds alternative schools that offer more individual attention to students, as well as mentoring and tutoring programs. The "smarter classrooms" initiative supports innovative classroom technologies and successful school-to-work programs. The Citigroup Foundation prefers to solicit proposals from grantees with demonstrated success. Unsolicited proposals will be accepted, but a favorable decision is less likely. For guidelines, see the foundation's website.
Website: http://www.citigroup.com/citigroup/corporate/foundation
Corning Foundation Grants
The Corning Inc. Foundation, established in 1952, develops and administers projects in support of educational, cultural and community organizations. Over the years, the foundation has contributed more than $83 million through its grant programs. Each year, the foundation fulfills approximately 225 grants totaling some $2.25 million. Corning's areas of involvement have included community service programs for students, curriculum enrichment, student scholarships, facility improvement and instructional technology projects for the classroom. The foundation also supports youth centers, YMCAs and local chapters of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. All requests for support must be made in writing.
Website: http://www.citigroup.com/citigroup/corporate/foundation/
Improving Literacy through School Libraries program
Seventy-three school districts will share more than $12 million in grant funds to improve student reading achievement by enhancing school libraries.
Website: http://www.ed.gov/programs/lsl/index.html
Intel Community Grants
To support K–12, higher education and community programs that advance science, math and technology education, particularly for women and underserved populations
Website: http://www.intel.com/community/grant.htm
Large Grants Program
The Toshiba America Foundation awards grants for programs and activities that improve the classroom teaching and learning of science, mathematics and technology for students in grades K–12. Public and private schools, local educational agencies and youth organizations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico may apply. Projects should provide direct benefits to students and should include teacher-led, classroom-based experiences.
Website: http://www.toshiba.com/about/taf.html
Microsoft's Unlimited Potential Initiative
Microsoft Corporation plans to commit more than $1 billion over the next five years to Unlimited Potential (UP), a global initiative focused on providing technology skills to disadvantaged individuals through community-based technology and learning centers. In the first round of UP grants, Microsoft awarded $8.1 million in cash and software to 82 nonprofit organizations. Initially, UP will provide funding to help community-based technology and learning centers hire and train technology instructors. Subsequent phases of the initiative will offer an online global support network delivering technology curriculum, research, tools and help-desk services. UP also will sponsor a global and regional awards program, which will invest in technology solutions that deliver a social benefit. The awards are designed to encourage innovation and provide the funding necessary to help further develop the best technology solutions for broader use.
Website: http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/giving/apply
NFIE Innovation Grants and Learning & Leadership Grants
The National Education Association's Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE) offers grants up to $5,000 each on an ongoing, year-round basis. These grants fund classroom innovations or professional development for improved practice in public K–12 schools and higher education institutions. NFIE awards up to 250 Innovation grants worth up to $5,000 per year and 75 Leadership & Learning grants ranging between $1,000 and $5,000. Grants fund activities for 12 months from the date of the award.
Website: http://www.neafoundation.org/grants.htm
RGK Foundation Grants
The RGK Foundation awards grants in the broad areas of education, community and medicine or health. The foundation's primary interests within education include programs that focus on formal K–12 education (particularly mathematics, science, and reading or literacy), after-school tutoring and enrichment, integrating technology into the curriculum, teacher development and higher education. The foundation is particularly interested in programs that attract female and minority students into the fields of mathematics, science and technology. The foundation does not consider unsolicited grant proposals; instead, applicants are required to submit an electronic letter of inquiry on the foundation's website. Letters of inquiry are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so there is no deadline for submission. The foundation will respond to letters by e-mail within three weeks to let applicants know if they should submit a formal proposal.
Website: http://www.rgkfoundation.org/guidelines.php
Verizon Partnerships
Supports programs that create innovative eSolutions, help bridge the digital divide, foster basic and computer literacy, help enrich our communities and create a skilled workforce. The guidelines do not exclude hardware/equipment purchases.
Website: http://foundation.verizon.com/02001.shtml
