Best Buy Children's Foundation

The Best Buy Children’s Foundation supports K–12 technology and youth programs that enhance kids’ educational experiences through innovative use of technology. Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis. National grants tend to be fewer and larger. The foundation makes grants through several programs. One funds programs in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota) metropolitan area. The Richfield Kids’ Technology Initiative assists K–12 technology programs in Richfield, Minnesota. A national partnership program also supports programs serving a nationwide audience. All programs must provide innovative, educational access or content to students, or involve technology education for youths. Grants support specific curriculum development or direct project support, and may include product purchases.
Website: http://communications.bestbuy.com/communityrelations/teach.asp

No Child Left Behind: Enhancing Education through Technology

This program provides assistance to states and localities for the implementation and support of a comprehensive system that effectively uses technology in elementary schools and secondary schools to improve student achievement. The program’s goals include helping all students become technologically literate by the end of eighth grade. The program also seeks to help teachers, principals and administrators integrate technology effectively into their curricula.
Website: www.ed.gov/programs/edtech/index.html

Sprint Foundation Grants

The Sprint Foundation supports educational projects that foster school reform through the use of new technologies and fresh approaches to the enhancement of teachers’ skills. The foundation recommends that applicants identify how their projects support the following objectives: innovation and the use of technology in the classroom; enhanced education for minorities and the disadvantaged; and increased employee and public support of education. Because these grants are supported by Sprint-employee contributions matched by foundation funds, grants are available primarily for projects in areas with a significant Sprint-employee presence, such as Kansas City, Atlanta, Dallas and Sacramento. Schools and other education-related nonprofit agencies can apply for grants totaling about $500,000 per year. The Sprint Foundation reviews unsolicited proposals on a continuous basis. Applicants typically receive a response within four to six weeks.
Website: www.sprint.com/proposals

TEACH Wisconsin Block Grants

TEACH (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Wisconsin provides educational technology block grants to public school districts, Milwaukee charter schools and secured juvenile correctional facilities to accelerate their investments in educational technology. The grants, which are outside school district revenue limits, offer a flexible source of funds to meet the educational technology needs of each school district. Block grants may be used for any educational technology purpose excluding the salaries and benefits of school district employees. In order to receive a block grant, schools must adopt a block grant resolution annually and submit it to TEACH. Practical uses of the block grant funds include, but are not limited to, purchasing computer hardware, software and related peripherals; purchasing distance education classroom equipment; and providing staff training in educational technology.
Website: www.teachwi.state.wi.us/programs.html