Creative Educator Grants
Passion + classrooms = magic
Lack of funding should never get in the way of projects that excite curiosity, deepen understanding, and encourage new ways of seeing. That’s why we award grants of up to $2,500 to K–12 educators. We love projects that spark something new and want to see proposals for helping kids create and teachers innovate. The 2025-26 application period will be open August 15-September 30, 2025.
What is a creative class project?
Learning isn’t limited to traditional curriculum via textbooks or projectors. We believe some of the most important and impactful learning for students can take place through hands-on class projects. As you prepare your Creative Educator Grant application, don’t hesitate to explore your most creative ideas. Feel free to see previous funded projects below if you're looking for inspiration!
Check out Classroom Makeovers
If you're looking for funds to transform your learning space rather than launching a creative classroom project, check out our Classroom Makeovers. Each year, recipients can receive up to $15,000 for classroom transformations. In 2024, we awarded nearly $42,000 to three educators across Oregon!
[The Sphero National Parks Project] was a hit with my fourth graders. They couldn’t have been more excited to construct and paint their park models, and then code their Sphero robot ‘park rangers’ to show their classmates around. Without SELCO's grant, this learning experience would not have been possible.
Grant Spotlight: Jenifer Gerlach
The connection between brain development and music sparked an idea for this educator! Jenifer, the music instructor at Prairie Mountain School, applied for a Creative Educator Grant and received funding for a new set of ukeleles to help her students gain hands-on experience and learn new skills in the music classroom.
“When a student can play an instrument it creates neuropathway connections that they will use the rest of their lives. If I can get more neuropathways created just through having fun with ukeleles, that’s a win.”
-Jenifer Gerlach, 2024 Creative Educator Grant recipient from Prairie Mountain School in Eugene
Grant Spotlight: Jill Plumb
Creativity is the name of the game when it comes to telling a story! Learn more about how Jill, an educator at Springfield High School, ignited that creativity with her students through film.
Check out the 2023 RecipientsGrant Spotlight: Martha Dyer
Out with the oldie moldies and in with the new, as 2022 grant recipient, Martha Dyer, says! An educator at César E. Chávez Elementary School, learn more about how she stepped up to find creative ways to encourage excitement around new library book offerings.
Check out the 2022 RecipientsGrant Spotlight: Judy Tacchini
With each project there is the possibility of unexpected barriers – and unexpected breakthroughs. Hear more as Judy Tacchini, an educator at Cascade Middle School and 2021 grant recipient, highlights her students’ creative project, “Bruh… How Are We Supposed to ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ in These Conditions?”
Check out the 2021 Recipients