Funding
How to fund a WOW Room
Our team decided to focus on grant based funding opportunities rather than district based funding. District funding is not always guaranteed, and often the process of applying and receiving district funding has many hoops for schools to jump through. Grants, while also not guaranteed, have much more flexibility. There are different types of grants schools can apply for, as well as a plethora of grants schools can apply to. Crowdsourced funds, like DonorsChoose, are also viable means of funding this type of project.
Additionally, our team has tried to reduce the reliance on grants by reducing the number of recurrent costs for the space. Meaning that one or two years of demanding grant writing could yield many more years of WOW Room use.
Below is a sampling of available grants for classroom project. Look to local businesses and NGOs for more possibilities of funding or supplying.
Grants
American Honda Foundation Grants for Education
Deadlines: February 1st and August 1st for New Application, May 1st if Returning
Amount: $20,000-$75,000 over a 1 year period
Who Qualifies: Public Schools
Description/Notes: They prioritize youth education, specifically in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the environment, job training and literacy. There is an eligibility quiz. To be considered for funding organizations MUST have two years of audited financial statements examined by an independent CPA for the purpose of expressing an opinion if gross revenue is $500,000 or more. If gross revenue is less than $500,000, and the organization does not have audited financial statements, it may submit two years of financial statements accompanied by an independent CPA's review report instead.
NEA Foundation Student Achievement Grants
Deadlines: February 1st, June 1st, October 15th every year
Amount: $2,000-$5,000
Who Qualifies: Current members of NEA who are in public education
Description/Notes: Funds last for 12 months. Grant funds can be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, technology, or scholars-in-residence. Although some funds may be used to support the professional development necessary to implement the project, the majority of grant funds must be spent on materials or educational experiences for students. Preference for incorporating STEM or global competence.
Deadlines: 2019 deadlines not determined, check website for updates
Amount: $2000-$5000
Who Qualifies: K-12 Teachers
Description/Notes: Projects should fall into one of the following categories: technology upgrades, tools for STEM programs, facility renovations and safety improvements. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant.
Northrop Grumman Foundation Excellence in Engineering Education Award
Deadlines: December 17th, 2018 (deadline found under “award details” link)
Amount: $5000 for classroom materials and equipment, a cash prize of $3000, and $2000 to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education.
Who Qualifies: K-12 Public school science/engineering teacher, 3 years experience,
Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program
Deadlines: 2019 Dates not announced
Amount: $250-$5000
Who Qualifies: Public K-12 institutions
Description/Notes: Education: Providing after-school enrichment, tutoring or vocational training for low income individuals and families in the United States
Deadlines: October 1st
Amount: $1000
Who Qualifies: K-5 Teachers
Description/Notes: The Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) grants will fund the the projects and ideas that make math and science classes more innovating. Toshiba is looking to fund teachers and small groups with projects for their own schools. The mission of the Toshiba America Foundation is to assist classrooms in becoming more fun and engaging to students. Applications MUST consider problem-based learning (have measurable outcomes), applications solely for computers will not be considered.
Deadlines: year-round (based on chapter)
Amount: $1000
Who Qualifies: Variable
Description/Notes: There are many Awesome chapters, some will support projects that are not local.
Association of American Educators Grants
Deadlines: Fall Deadline is October 1st, Spring Deadline is March 1st
Amount: up to $500
Who Qualifies: All full time educators who have not received an AAE grant in the past two years
Description/Notes: More competitive, funds must be used within one year of the application deadline
AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant
Deadlines: January 11th 2019 (website will update for future grant cycles)
Amount: $500
Who Qualifies: K-12 educators who are AIAA Members
Description/Notes: A clear connection to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) with an emphasis on Aerospace must be included in the grant proposal. Each school can apply for 2 grants a year. List of items for which funding would be DENIED is on the site, as well as evaluation criteria.
Deadlines: Unstated on Website, check again later
Amount: $100-$500
Who Qualifies: Public School K-12 Teachers in High-Needs Schools (>70% Free and Reduced Lunch)
Description/Notes: The Teacher’s Tool Kit Grant lets K-12 teachers in high-needs schools fund classroom projects that aim to foster creativity and critical thinking in students. Grants are awarded based on financial need, a description of how the project meets the students’ needs and the number of students who will be involved.
Deadlines: August 1st-June 1st of every year.
Amount: up to $175
Store grants at one of 6 participating retailers
Rebate grants ($75 for small animal, $125 for fish/reptile/amphibian)
Sustaining grant ($50/year for animal care needs)
Who Qualifies: Pre K-Grade 9, first time applying for the school year
Description/Notes: Pets in the Classroom is an educational grant program that provides financial support to teachers to purchase and maintain small animals in the classroom. The program was established by the Pet Care Trust to provide children with an opportunity to interact with pets—an experience that can help to shape their lives for years to come.
Deadlines: Applications are reviewed year round
Amount: UNCLEAR
Who Qualifies: UNCLEAR
Description/Notes: The VWR Foundation provides grants to schools supporting grades K-12 for STEM programs that go beyond the textbook (not funded through government or tuition dollars), scholarships for students attending science related camps or grant programs to provide training for science teachers. Dollars can be applied to support the purchase of supplies and equipment or for scholarships to cover the cost of the programs for students. There is an eligibility quiz to take before applying.
Deadlines: N/A
Amount: N/A
Who Qualifies: Public School teachers
Description/Notes: Not a traditional grant, more like a kickstarter for public school projects. Teachers write a proposal for their classroom idea on the site, make very specific lists of supplies you need, and donors get to browse projects and choose which ones they want to support with how much money.