Grant and Award Opportunities
Just knowing where to start is half the battle in finding a grant source. The following sites provide listings of opportunities for programs like yours.
New! Hamburger Helper
Hamburger Helper is accepting applications online from August 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007, and they have pledged to give away up to $100,000 to help fund projects in hometowns all across America. Hamburger Helper's "My Hometown Helper" program supports local organizations that show they are addressing a significant need in their community. The grants are for up to $15,000, and one of the projects they specifically mention is providing funding for books for the schools, libraries, or literacy programs. For more specific information and to apply, please visit http://www.myhometownhelper.com/.
New! eScrip
An ongoing opportunity to fundraise for your local RIF program is through Electronic Scrip Incorporated’s program, eScrip. Through this service, you can register your RIF program to receive donations, and then family, friends, and community members register any existing grocery loyalty cards, regular debit or credit cards, and merchant credit cards (like a Macy's card) with eScrip. When a supporter uses the registered card at a participating store, a contribution will go directly to your group. With supporters like Macy's, Barnes & Noble, and Safeway, this has proven to be an excellent fundraising opportunity for other RIF programs. Visit the eScrip website for more information.
3D Action Grants
3D Life Adventures offers grants of up to $500 for creative student-led initiatives or curricula aimed at fostering cultural and/or natural diversity. Projects should be student-conceived and administered, but sponsored and overseen by an adult mentor. Recently funded programs have included environmental education curricula, community improvement projects, and local community partnerships. Applications should be submitted one month before the scheduled start of the project.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation focuses its funding in areas such as: the disabled, arts and culture, education, health, human services and civic activities. With average grants between $2,500 and $5,000, this may be a good opportunity for local RIF programs. For more information, eligibility requirements, and deadlines, visit the Rent-A-Car Foundation website.
ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Program
ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Program will award 4,000 $500 grants totaling $2 million to K-12 educational institutions in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Grants can be used for a variety of programs based on the school's individual need. For more information, contact Paul Chen, ExxonMobil, (703) 846.4467.
The Gannet Foundation
The Gannet Foundation gives grants to organizations in the communities in which Gannett owns a daily newspaper or television station. The Gannett Foundation’s mission is to invest in the future of the communities in which Gannett does business, and in the future of its industry. They support projects that take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education, youth development, and assistance to disadvantaged people. To see if your program is eligible to apply for funding from the Gannet Foundation, visit their website for more information.
International Paper Company Foundation
The International Paper Company Foundation accepts applications from registered 501(c)(3) organizations that have a focus on education, and particularly literacy. To learn more about opportunities your program may be eligible for, visit the International Paper Company website.
International Reading Association: Awards & Grants
The International Reading Association honors those involved in reading and literacy efforts through its nearly 40 awards and grants. An overview of each award—with lists of past recipients, guidelines, and application forms for most—can be found in this section of the IRA website.
The Qwest Foundation
The Qwest Foundation is currently accepting applications from organizations that generate high impact and measurable results in the area of pre-K through twelfth-grade education. Grants usually start at $500. To determine if your program is eligible to apply for a grant, please visit the Qwest Foundation's website.
SchoolGrants
SchoolGrants was created in 1999 as a way to share grant information with Pre-K-12 educators. Grant writing can be intimidating to those who are new at it. SchoolGrants reduces the effort by finding new grant opportunities and listing a variety of opportunities available to elementary and secondary schools and districts across the United States.
U.S. Department of Education: Grants & Contracts
The U.S. Department of Education awards grants and contracts to schools, school districts, researchers, and others to implement new methodologies, research effective practice, implement educational reform, and provide the Department goods and services. Here you'll find information about current funding opportunities and documents to help you understand the grants and contracts processes and rules.
Victor Clarke Afterschool Grants
The Victor Clarke Youth Incentive Program offers grants of up to $1,000 to afterschool nonprofits, specifically to create or maintain amateur youth radio programs. Funds can go towards the purchase or maintenance of equipment, instruction materials, and publicity. A preference is given to programs providing some degree of local matching funds. Applications accepted year-round.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo funds education projects mainly in the western half of the U.S. although they do fund in the north as far east as Ohio. Their funding and application guidelines are very specific to each state, so this should be a good prospect for local programs. Check out their map and grant guidelines. Many local Wells Fargo banking locations have relationships with schools in their community, so you might also want to talk with your local Wells Fargo about ways to be involved.
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