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. We’re awarding grants of up to $2,500 to K–12 educators this year. We love projects that spark something new and want to see proposals helping kids create and teachers innovate.
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 2025, we awarded $45,000 to three educators across Oregon!
“My grant expanded our sewing and embroidery programs and gave me the ability to take on a larger class and teach students a real-life skill,” Thomson said. “These classes were a big hit, and many students went on to develop their own projects at home. This grant program is absolutely amazing. It was so simple to apply, but the funds made a huge impact on our school.”
Grant Spotlight: Jennie Herbert
Ready, set, go! See how Jennie Herbert, an educator at Elmira Elementary, sparked her students’ love for running and goal setting.
Check out the 2025 Recipients
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