Upcoming Funding Opportunities for Educators
As most educators are aware, financial support is necessary for creating and maintaining new programs and classroom enhancements. While much of AquaGrove’s equipment and resources can be easily sponsored or acquired through a fundraiser (see previous post on AquaGrove’s Fundrasing Resources Kit), there are also numerous grants and funding opportunities available from public and private sources that can assist with both program start-up costs and ongoing expenses.
Periodically, we review the latest grant and funding sources that are applicable to educators and organizations for the purpose of STEM, gardening, and learning related to the AquaGrove program. Although amounts and deadlines are subject to change based on the funder, as of today the following grant opportunities are active and able to support educators in the development of environmental education and aquaponics learning plans:
2023 GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant
The GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant is designed to bring the life-enhancing benefits of gardens to communities across the U.S. In 2023, 160 programs will receive funding to start or expand their youth garden or greenspace. A total of $95,000 will be awarded. Programs will have the opportunity to apply for additional funding through various specialty award categories.
As published on their website: “Any nonprofit organization, school district, university, government entity, or tax-exempt organization, such as religious organizations and Tribal governments, in the United States and US Territories serving at least 15 youth is eligible to apply. Applicants must be planning to use the funds to install new or improve existing youth gardens or greenspaces.”
Application Period: The deadline for application submission is Friday, February 10, 2023, at 11:59 pm PT.
NEA Foundation Student Success Grants
According to its website, the NEA Foundation aims to support educators engaging students in project-based learning to support the development of skills and dispositions contributing to success and fulfillment in a changing world. Grant funds can be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, or technology. Funds are available to current members of the National Education Association who are teachers, education support professionals, or specialized instructional support personnel. There are two levels of funding ($1,500 and $5,000), and grants fund activities for 12 months from award date.
There are currently three application periods listed as follows:
#1 Application Period: December 1, 2022 - February 1, 2023
#2 Application Period: March 1, 2023 - April 27, 2023
#3 Application Period: June 15, 2023 - September 15, 2023
Toshiba America Foundation Grant
Toshiba America Foundation offers grants for grades 6-12. The program supports innovative ideas for improving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning in the classroom. Grants of $5,000+ are available for teachers who are actively working with 6th-12th grade students. Applications are received on a rolling basis (see website), with the next deadline being March 1, 2023.
While the above listed grant opportunities are just a few of the many available to schools and educators, they are a good place to start when looking to implement a new program in STEM, aquaponics, and/or sustainability. Follow our blog for more opportunities and begin documenting/tracking sources so that you can review them each year to fund your next big project.
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