AdoptAClassroom.org is now accepting applications for our Fall 2021 Classroom Grants for educators. We will be accepting applications for three of our Spotlight Funds: Inclusive Classroom Fund, STEM Fund, and COVID-19 Relief Fund.
*Note: The Fall 2021 Classroom Grant Application has closed. To be notified of our upcoming grant applications or other funding opportunities, register your classroom here or school here.
This fall’s grant process will involve two rounds. Round #1 is a simple form for educators that will take only a few minutes to fill out. Enter Round #1 through October 27, 2021. 100 educators will be selected for $100 on AdoptAClassroom.org and be invited to fill out the Round #2 written application for a $1,000 classroom grant. Read on for more information about the application process, including the questions for Round #2.
Looking for grant-writing tips and resources? Join us and our community of teachers for our live #ClassroomGrantChat Twitter Chat on Thursday, October 21 from 7pm–9pm CT to ask questions to the AdoptAClassroom.org staff who review the grant applications. Teachers who participate in our discussion and follow @Adopt_Classroom on Twitter will enter for the chance to receive one of five $100 AdoptAClassroom.org donations. Learn more here.
Fall 2021 Classroom Grant Timeline
- October 27, 2021: Round #1 Application Closes
- November 5, 2021: Accepted Applicants Notified and Invited to Apply for Round #2
- November 29, 2021: Round #2 Application Closes
- December 15, 2021: $1,000 Grants Awarded
- March 15, 2022: Donor Reports Due
Grants for Educators Eligibility Requirements
- Educators must have a complete AdoptAClassrom.org classroom or school page by the application deadline. A complete page answers all writing prompts and includes a photo (step-by-step instructions here). Teachers: Log in here or register here to create your classroom profile page. School administrators; Log in here or register here to create your school page.
- Any licensed PreK-12 educator or certified staff member, employed at an accredited PreK-12 public, private, or charter school in the United States as identified by our Terms of Use.
- Educators who apply for funds give consent for their application and classroom or school page content, name, photo, city/state, and name of the school where they teach to be published in communications by AdoptAClassroom.org and/or their partners to promote their mission and/or partnership.
- Educators must agree to and follow AdoptAClassroom.org’s Terms of Use to apply and receive funds.
- Educators who have had $50 or more of AdoptAClassroom.org funds expire from their account, due to a failure to spend funds prior to the 12-month expiration date of donations, are ineligible for Spotlight Fund Grants.
- Educators applying for funds give consent for their application content, name, photo, and school name to be published in communications by AdoptAClassroom.org and/or their partners to support their mission.
Round #1 Evaluation Criteria
AdoptAClassroom.org will be evaluating Round #1 applications for the following:
- School Need: Educator’s school fits AdoptAClassroom.org’s definition of a high-needs school based on the following:
- Relatively high number of students receiving free or reduced-priced lunch (80% or above)
- Relatively high number of students with IEP’s
- Relatively high number of English-language learners
- School location (to ensure disbursement of funds nationwide)
- Number of students benefiting from the grant
- or Educator gave a compelling reason why their classroom is in need if their school does not meet this criteria
- Educator Need and Activity: Educator has not received donation(s) on AdoptAClassroom.org valued at more than $500 in the previous 12 months. Educator has logged into their AdoptAClassroom.org account recently.
Round #2 Application Information
100 educators will be invited to apply for a $1,000 Classroom Grant from the AdoptAClassroom.org Spotlight Funds. To be considered for a grant, educators will need to select their area of need and answer the following written questions by November 29, 2021. Educators selected to apply for Round #2 will be notified by email with the application link.
$1,000 grants will be awarded by December 15, 2021. All Round #2 grant recipients will be required to submit a Donor Report by March 15, 2022.
Each written application will be evaluated by at least two AdoptAClassroom.org staff and scored out of a total of 10 points.
Educators will be asked to respond to questions for one Spotlight Fund in writing:
Inclusive Classroom Fund
Questions
The Inclusive Classroom Fund promotes equity in education on the basis of ability, race, ethnicity, family background, sexual and gender identity, or any other personal or social circumstances.
- How are you currently creating an inclusive environment in your classroom or school? Which population/s of students have you observed benefiting from this teaching practice?
- How will you use this $1,000 grant to make your classroom more inclusive for your students? Please share details about specific projects, lessons, units, programs, or ideas you will complete using the funds.
- Which items will you order with this grant? (Please research the items you need from the AdoptAClassroom.org marketplace of vendors, if possible.)
Grading Criteria
- Educator clearly demonstrates they are a leader in building equity in education on the basis of race, ethnicity, family background, sexual and gender identity, ability, or any personal or social circumstances. (5 points)
- Educator clearly demonstrates that they will utilize funds to deliver an impactful and innovative experience for students. (5 points)
STEM Fund
Questions
- What is the impact of meaningful STEM instruction for students? How do you reinforce this in your classroom?
- How will you use this $1,000 grant to improve STEM innovation and learning in your classroom? Please share details about specific projects, lessons, units, programs, or ideas you will complete using the funds.
- Which items will you order with this grant? (Please research the items you need from the AdoptAClassroom.org marketplace of vendors, if possible.)
Grading Criteria
- Educator confidently understands the impact providing meaningful STEM instruction can have on students. (2 points)
- Educator clearly portrays themselves as an education leader, and an expert in STEM instruction. (3 points)
- Educator clearly demonstrates that they will utilize funds to deliver an impactful and innovative experience for students. (5 points)
COVID-19 Fund
Questions
- How has COVID-19 disproportionately impacted your classroom or students due to poverty, lack of resources, or in another way? A student story might help us better understand your needs.
- How will this $1,000 grant help you to directly address a problem within your classroom caused by the pandemic and create a positive outcome?
- Which items will you order with this grant? (Please research the items you need from the AdoptAClassroom.org marketplace of vendors, if possible.)
Grading Criteria
- Educator clearly explains how COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted their students. (5 points)
- Educator articulates a problem that a $1,000 grant can realistically address and how the grant will make an impactful change in their classroom or for their students. (5 points)
Donor Report Information
Each $1,000 classroom grant recipient will be required to submit a Donor Report by March 15, 2022. There are three elements to the Donor Report:
- Answer a few short questions about the impact this donation made.
- Upload photos of the materials purchased and/or photos of students using the supplies.
- Not sure what types of photos to submit? View example photos here.
- For photos that show you or your students’ faces, please provide a release form.
- Longer narrative about impact. – Please consider a video!
- Your impact narrative can be either a one-page document or a video that tells us about what was purchased for your classroom or school, and the impact it made on the students. We encourage you to create a short video, as they are much more dynamic and fun for your supporters to view!
If you are interested in future grants for educators, be sure to register your classroom or register your school to receive updates about upcoming grants and donations for educators.