Getting Funding for Your New Classroom

We all have big dreams for the things that we’d like to do in our schools.  Designing active learning spaces.  Creating makerspace environments.  Putting powerful technology into the hands of our students.

Unfortunately, our budgets aren’t always as big as our dreams.  The money is out there if you put in a little time and elbow grease to get it.

1. Look for teacher grants.

Some popular grants include the Fund for Teachers program, Thank America’s Teachers from Farmer’s Insurance and Lowe’s Toolbox for Education. Trying to get funding for furniture items? Start with Stand Up Kids, an organization working to get every public school child a standing desk within the next 10 years as a way to combat sedentary lifestyles and inactivity. For other ways to get funding for furniture, look for words like “classroom supplies” or “innovative learning” where you can interpret it to meet your needs. For instance, this grant from NewSchools says they “invest in entrepreneurs and teams of educators whose bold ideas have the potential to help students reach their highest aspirations.” There’s been a lot of research about how classroom design and setup impacts learning, so don’t be afraid to go big! Todaysclassroom.com has a great list of grants.

Are you a math teacher? Science teacher? Oftentimes you can find grants by focusing on your subject area. For instance, the National Science Teachers Association lists grants specifically available for their members. Another one is the Toshiba grant, which targets science and math teachers for grades K–5. Grants for Teachers is a great site where you can search by grade, subject area, state and more!

3. Work with your PTA.

If you have a special classroom or school request, be sure to talk with your PTA. They often have funds that are completely separate from the school or district, so they can use their own discretion on how to spend it. Attending a PTA meeting is the first step. Bring examples of what you’re looking for, along with the costs and a few different options. The PTA will want to discuss as a group and ask the teacher questions about why your request will benefit the classroom and the students.

4. Go to your school board.

If you have an idea that will better your classroom and students, consider approaching your school board—with permission from your principal or supervisor, of course. Most school board members are easy to approach and welcome the chance to hear from teachers.

You can usually find the email addresses on the district website, or try contacting someone through social media.

Go to a board meeting just to get a feel for how they’re run, then prepare your case. For instance, if you want alternative seating, know what the research says and be prepared to prove the benefits.

5. Find funding within your community.

Because companies like to give back to their own communities, it can help to look at local funding opportunities. You can look at the city level, like the rotary club or local government grants, or at companies based in your state. For example, Target has grants only for Minnesota schools because that’s where the company is headquartered. Insurance companies and banks also often invest heavily in local schools. Again, try the Grants for Teachers website for state-specific grants. You can also check with your local United Way—they will likely be able to point you in the right direction.

6. Start small and raise funds yourself.

If you have an idea on how you want to give your classroom a makeover, think about raising the funds yourself to prove out the concept. Bake sale, anyone? This might be the jump-start you need to get additional funding. For example, if you’re trying to get stand-up desks or new technology like iPads, you might have to start with just one. Then document the impact it had on your class through videos, photos and overall numbers. This will help you develop a strong case when you’re trying to get money for grants and from companies.

7. Online Contests. Look for online contests that provide money for classroom furniture. Example of a possible search: contests to win money for classroom furniture.

8. Try crowdfunding.

In this day and age, there are plenty of ways to take fundraising online. The best-known option is Donors Choose, where you can post a project and solicit donations from acquaintances and strangers alike. Another crowdfunding source to check out is AdoptAClassroom.org. You register your class online, add a few details and then wait for your classroom to get adopted.Hint: The more information and photos you can provide about your needs, the more likely you’ll get your request fulfilled.

If you have any other ideas please share! Happy fundraising to everyone who is taking on the project of finding funding for classroom furniture and equipment.