Best Grants for Elementary Education in New York

Public school classroom teachers serving grades 3–8 can receive donated Walking Classroom materials to boost student physical activity and academic enrichment, including in New York. Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides this evidence-based program for classrooms, after-school, and summer settings, prioritizing schools with the greatest socioeconomic and academic need that have not previously received sets.

Elementary education and food access nonprofits in New York and across the U.S. can apply for Takeda’s corporate giving to support K-8 math, STEM enrichment, college success, and nutrition-focused programs. Organizations, especially near Greater Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, or Brooklyn Park, MN, may benefit if they address health disparities through food or STEM education.

Focused on early childhood education, Francis R. Dewing Foundation invites New York schools, districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek seed funding for innovative projects serving children through sixth grade. U.S.-based applicants proposing new, untried classroom, day care, or elementary education approaches may be eligible for small grants to pilot and refine their ideas.

Elementary K–8 schools in New York with 501(c)(3) status and established gardens or culinary education programs can access funding to develop integrated gardening and teaching kitchens. Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports horticulture, nutrition, and culinary arts education, prioritizing schools serving middle- to low-income students and able to scale experiential, garden-based learning campus-wide.

Nonprofit organizations running elementary education or related community programs in New York counties served by TD can seek support for initiatives in areas like early childhood development, literacy, and primary education. With a mission to improve quality of life, TD Charitable Foundation prioritizes inclusive programs for diverse, historically underserved, and low-to-moderate income communities.

Students pursuing elementary education careers in Illinois can receive scholarship support for college costs, with typical one-year awards of US $1,000. Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley provides funding for graduating high school seniors with permanent addresses in its scholarship service area, which includes counties such as Kane, Kendall, DuPage, and surrounding regions.

Shelby County residents pursuing elementary education careers can apply for the Vera DoLean Ginn Kiwanis Scholarship, receiving US $1,000 toward a certificate or degree. Students with at least a 3.5 GPA who show financial need, academic strength, and community or school service may benefit, including those interested in elementary education work similar to New York programs.

Nonprofit and public agencies operating lending bookmobiles that serve underserved children in New York and across the U.S. can apply for $500 - $3,000 from the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation to buy children’s books. Funding supports preschool through grade 8 fiction and nonfiction for checkout, which may benefit elementary education programs.

New York elementary education nonprofits can access funding through the Barney Family Foundation to support K-8 programs or related early learning initiatives. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 for projects that measurably improve children’s educational experiences, with additional support possible for cancer and Alzheimer’s research efforts.

Elementary schools, districts, and nonprofit math education organizations in New York and nationwide can receive up to US $4,000 to design hands-on math interventions for students with disabilities in grades 2–8. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics supports projects that build conceptual understanding, expand mathematical fluency, and are shared with other educators.

New York students pursuing elementary education degrees may be eligible for scholarships supporting higher education costs. Any graduating senior from a high school in Cumberland, Hoke, or Harnett counties with a 3.0 GPA, active church membership, and plans to study elementary education full time can apply to the Lula T. and James L. Crosby Scholarship Fund, managed by Cumberland Community Foundation.

High school students planning to study elementary education can receive scholarship support that may benefit future New York elementary programs. Grants from Community Foundation of Carroll County help aspiring teachers pursue higher education focused on elementary school teaching. Awards are US $1,000 and open to Carroll County high school students preparing for elementary education careers.

Focused on higher education access, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites New York graduating seniors to apply for the Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship. Eligible students are from specific high schools, show financial need, volunteerism, and strong academics, with preferences for education, criminal justice or law enforcement, or healthcare-related majors at 4-year colleges.

Elementary-serving local PTAs planning family engagement activities in New York can receive US $2,000 and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes to support healthier, more connected school environments. National Congress of Parents & Teachers, through the Here for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off Grant, funds meaningful in-school experiences that foster connection and lasting memories for families nationwide.

Elementary education and youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Chicago area can receive McGraw Foundation support for programs such as tutoring, after-school enrichment, special needs education, and literacy. Grants, typically US $2,000 - US $10,000, may cover general operating support, specific projects, or occasionally capital needs, and may interest New York-focused educators seeking comparable models.

K–5 classroom teachers in public or nonprofit private schools can receive up to US $1,000 for hands-on math and science project materials, including those in New York. Toshiba America Foundation supports teacher-designed projects that spark student curiosity and improve elementary STEM learning in U.S. schools.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Madelyn L. Laschober Endowment Fund, established by the Partners of the Americas Foundation, supports projects focused on youth, education, and microenterprise development. Offering an annual grant of up to $1,000, this initiative honors Mrs. Laschober's legacy and her contributions to Latin America. Through this fund, Partners of the Americas aims to empower communities and foster meaningful connections across the Western Hemisphere, reinforcing the importance of education and entrepreneurship.

The Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant, offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to enhance career pipelines in the water utilities sector. This funding opportunity supports institutions and organizations in expanding access to water utility jobs through apprenticeship, education, and training programs. By fostering collaborations and increasing public awareness, the initiative seeks to address the workforce needs of water systems, contributing to community health and environmental protection.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant supports events that honor civil rights activist Ruby Bridges by encouraging students to walk to school and engage in discussions about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Grants of $500 or $1000 are available based on the number of students reached. This initiative aims to inspire positive changes within communities and promote meaningful dialogue among young people about social justice issues.

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) is offering the Project SAFE Grant Program to enhance student safety and well-being. The program aims to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) in implementing strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with CDC guidelines. This initiative is particularly focused on supporting LEAs that face financial penalties from state educational agencies for adopting these necessary health measures, ensuring a safer learning environment.

The A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust supports organizations committed to enhancing the lives of children and young adults. They focus on educational institutions, health-related initiatives, and community services in the St. Marys, Pennsylvania area. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating accountability and measurable outcomes, with a preference for projects that benefit the community at large. The Trust encourages collaborative funding efforts and endeavors that inspire hope and vision.

The Mockingbird Foundation offers competitive grants for music education for children. Focused on underserved communities, the foundation supports innovative projects that engage children directly through music. Grants are only available for nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, including public schools, in the U.S. The aim is to enhance creative expression and provide music education in unconventional settings. Applications must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their programs.

The Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund, managed by the RRCA, offers financial support to running clubs, schools, and nonprofits that promote inclusive youth running programs. Since 2007, the fund has awarded over $385,000 to 495+ programs, helping more than 198,500 children embrace running. Grants between $500 and $1,000 are available for structured, gender-inclusive programs that meet specific criteria, encouraging healthy lifestyles and regular participation in running activities.

The Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the mathematics content knowledge of dedicated elementary school teachers. This initiative focuses on developing teacher-leaders who will deliver ongoing professional development to fellow educators, thereby strengthening instructional practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers or full-time mathematics coaches committed to improving mathematics education. The program supports projects that align with enhancing the mathematics learning environment.