Illinois, like many other states, recognizes the important role that teachers play in the education and development of their students. To support and empower these educators, there are a variety of grants for teachers in Illinois.
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These grants can provide funding for a wide range of projects and initiatives, from classroom supplies and materials to professional development opportunities and innovative teaching methods.
The List of Grants for Teachers in Illinois
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top programs and grants for teachers in Illinois and highlight the eligibility requirements and application processes for each.
Whether you’re a new teacher just starting out or a seasoned veteran looking to bring new ideas into your classroom, there are grants available to help you achieve your goals and provide the best possible education for your students.
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation Classroom Grants
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation Classroom Grants Program provides financial assistance to Illinois public school teachers for creative and imaginative classroom projects.
The program awards grants ranging from $100 to $1,000 to fund projects that enhance the curriculum and engage students in learning.
Teachers can apply for the grants individually or as a team, and the projects must be conducted during the academic year. Find more information here.
The Illinois Education Association Foundation Grants
The Illinois Education Association Foundation Grants Program offers grants to Illinois educators to promote excellence in education.
The grants are awarded to support innovative classroom projects and professional development opportunities for teachers.
Teachers can apply for grants ranging from $250 to $1,000, and the projects must benefit Illinois public school students. Find more information here.
The Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching Awards
The Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching Awards recognizes and rewards outstanding teachers in Illinois. The foundation awards up to ten $5,000 awards annually to recognize exceptional teaching in Illinois.
The award is open to full-time Illinois teachers who have taught for at least five years and have demonstrated exceptional teaching abilities. Find more information here.
The Fund for Teachers Fellowship
The Fund for Teachers Fellowship Program provides Illinois teachers with funding to travel and study anywhere in the world to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The program awards fellowships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support teachers in pursuing innovative ideas and engaging in professional development opportunities.
Teachers can apply individually or as a team, and the fellowship must be completed during the summer break. Find more information here.
The NEA Foundation Grants
The NEA Foundation Grants Program provides funding to support classroom innovation and professional development for Illinois teachers.
The program awards grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to support projects that enhance the curriculum and engage students in learning.
Teachers can apply for the grants individually or as a team, and the projects must benefit Illinois public school students. Find more information here.
The Illinois State Board of Education Teacher Quality Grants
The Illinois State Board of Education Teacher Quality Grants Program is one of the most popular and sought-after grants in the state. This program provides funding for professional development programs that aim to enhance teacher knowledge and skills.
The grants are awarded to eligible applicants, including school districts and non-profit organizations that provide professional development for teachers. The program supports innovative initiatives that improve the quality of education and student learning. Find more information here.
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DonorsChoose.org Classroom Funding
Another grant available to teachers in Illinois is the DonorsChoose.org Classroom Funding. This program provides teachers with the opportunity to fundraise for resources and materials needed for their classrooms.
Teachers can create a project on the DonorsChoose.org website, and donors can donate directly to the project.
This grant is beneficial for teachers who have limited funding and need additional resources to support their students’ learning. Find more information here.
The Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Mini-Grants
The Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Mini-Grants Program is designed to support teachers in Illinois who teach foreign languages.
The grant provides funding for teachers to attend workshops, conferences, and professional development programs to enhance their knowledge and skills.
The program also supports innovative classroom projects that promote foreign language education and cultural awareness. Find more information here.
The Illinois Arts Council Agency Arts Education Project Grants
The Illinois Arts Council Agency Arts Education Project Grants is another grant designed to support teachers in Illinois. This grant provides funding for projects that promote the arts in education.
Teachers can apply for this grant to fund art-related programs, such as music, dance, theater, and visual arts.
The program also supports initiatives that increase access to arts education for students with disabilities and underserved communities. Find more information here.
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Teacher Institute Grants
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Teacher Institute Grants provide funding for teachers who specialize in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.
The program supports professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their knowledge and skills in STEM education.
The grants are awarded to eligible applicants, including school districts and non-profit organizations that provide professional development for STEM teachers. Find more information here.
The Illinois Reading Council Research Grant
The Illinois Reading Council Research Grant Program is one of the grants available for teachers in Illinois. This program provides funding for research projects that focus on reading and literacy.
The grant is open to all Illinois teachers who are members of the Illinois Reading Council. Applicants can receive up to $2,500 to fund their research project. Find more information here.
The Illinois Science Teachers Association Professional Development Grants
The Illinois Science Teachers Association Professional Development Grants are another grant program available for teachers in Illinois.
This program provides funding to help science teachers attend professional development conferences, workshops, or courses.
The grant is open to all Illinois science teachers who are members of the Illinois Science Teachers Association. The grant amount varies and can be up to $1,000. Find more information here.
The Illinois Humanities Open Illinois Grant
The Illinois Humanities Open Illinois Grant Program is another grant program that teachers in Illinois can apply for.
This program provides funding to support projects that promote civic engagement, community development, and cultural understanding.
The grant is open to all Illinois teachers, community organizations, and non-profit organizations. The grant amount varies, and applicants can receive up to $15,000. Find more information here.
The Illinois State Historical Society Teacher Grant
The Illinois State Historical Society Teacher Grant Program is a grant program that provides funding to support history education in Illinois.
The grant is open to all Illinois teachers who are members of the Illinois State Historical Society.
The grant funds can be used to develop and implement a history curriculum, purchase materials for the classroom, or attend conferences and workshops. The grant amount varies and can be up to $500. Find more information here.
The Illinois State Archaeological Survey Teacher Resources Grants
The Illinois State Archaeological Survey Teacher Resources Grants is another grant program that teachers in Illinois can apply for.
This program provides funding to support the development of archaeological education materials for K-12 classrooms. The grant is open to all Illinois teachers, and the grant amount varies, with the maximum being $1,000. Find more information here.
Illinois Council for the Social Studies Grants Program:
This grant is intended to support social studies education in Illinois. It offers funding for classroom materials, professional development opportunities, and field trip experiences.
Teachers who are members of the Illinois Council for Social Studies are eligible to apply. Find more information here.
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Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Grants Program:
This grant is focused on promoting health, physical education, and recreation for students in Illinois.
Funding can be used to support initiatives such as equipment purchases, professional development opportunities, and student scholarships.
Teachers who are members of the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance are eligible to apply. Find more information here.
Illinois Association of School Business Officials Foundation Education Grants Program:
This grant is designed to support classroom initiatives in Illinois by providing funding for classroom materials, technology purchases, and professional development opportunities. It is open to all Illinois public school teachers. Find more information here.
Illinois Computing Educators Professional Development Grants:
This grant is intended to support computer science education in Illinois. Funding can be used to support initiatives such as professional development opportunities, curriculum development, and the purchase of equipment and software.
Teachers who are members of the Illinois Computing Educators organization are eligible to apply. Find more information here.
Illinois Music Education Association Grants Program:
This grant is focused on promoting music education in Illinois. Funding can be used to support initiatives such as the purchase of instruments and music technology, professional development opportunities, and student scholarships.
Teachers who are members of the Illinois Music Education Association are eligible to apply. Find more information here.