Spotlight Funds

Spotlight Funds shine a light
on specific areas of need.

What are Spotlight Funds?

Spotlight Funds are a grant program for K-12 educators. Each fund supports a specific subject area or addresses a need facing K-12 educators and students.

Educators who receive a Spotlight Fund Grant can use the funds to order the materials they need to support their curriculum and meet their students’ needs.

Recipients are selected through a combination of an application process and need-based awards. Information on when and how to apply for a Spotlight Fund Grant can be found on our Funding Opportunities page.

Current Spotlight Funds

Arts Fund
The Arts Fund supports all art forms, including visual and performing arts. Exposure to the arts is part of an enriching educational experience for children. Participation in the arts decreases school dropout rates among at-risk youth, and improves students’ success in other subject areas. When we provide children with the tools they need to engage in the arts, we encourage their creativity and open up a whole world of possibilities for their future. Learn more or give.

Inclusive Classroom Fund
The Inclusive Classroom Fund addresses inequity in the classroom on the basis of race, ethnicity, family background, sexual and gender identity, ability, or any personal or social circumstances. Educators are often in need of materials that serve and represent their diverse classroom populations. This fund helps educators meet their students’ individual learning needs and acknowledge their unique circumstances with the exact materials students need to thrive in the classroom. Learn more or give.

Natural Disaster Relief Fund
The Natural Disaster Relief Fund helps educators replace lost or damaged supplies and meet students’ needs in the wake of a disaster. Schools and educators provide support, safety and a sense of community for our nation’s students. A disaster, such as a hurricane, wildfire, or pandemic, can take that away in an instant, putting many students who may already be vulnerable at even greater risk of food insecurity, homelessness, and/or psychological trauma. Educators are often left scrambling to meet students’ educational needs, adapt to new education settings, and/or replace items that were damaged or destroyed. Learn more or give.

Racial Equity in Schools Fund
Students of color deserve a school environment where they can thrive. To create systemic change, educators need training and resources. As schools face massive budget cuts, funding for these items is tighter than ever. The Racial Equity in Schools Fund supports proven strategies and resources that will have long-lasting benefits for students of color nationwide. Funding for this grant focuses on providing flexible funding to BIPOC educators. Learn more or give.

STEM Fund
The STEM Fund (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) helps educators access the materials needed to incorporate a rich, experiential STEM-based curriculum in their classrooms. STEM-based curriculum is critical to prepare our young people for 21st-century jobs. Many schools are not equipped to meet this need, particularly those in underserved communities. Learn more or give.

For Donors and Sponsors

If you’re interested in donating to support one or more of our Spotlight Funds, click “Learn more or give” to see how you can help. Your tax-deductible donation will be applied to the fund(s) you choose to support.

If you would like to get updates in your inbox about our Spotlight Funds, and other ways your support makes a difference in education, sign up for our supporter newsletter.

We also offer sponsorship opportunities for each Spotlight Fund. If you’re interested in learning more about Spotlight Fund sponsorship opportunities, please visit our Spotlight Fund Sponsorship page or contact us at [email protected].

For Teachers and Schools

We offer Spotlight Fund Grants for educators several times each year. When a Spotlight Fund Grant opportunity is available, we often issue a call to entry, inviting K-12 educators from public, private, and charter schools to apply. Educators are asked to tell us their vision for how instruction and opportunities in the area of the fund will enhance student learning and outcomes, as well as what materials they would purchase with the funds.

Our staff reviews and scores grant applications based on predetermined evaluation criteria. While we give priority to educators from high-needs schools, educators with the highest scores are awarded grants. Recipients are required to submit a final impact report after they receive their supplies.

The average Spotlight Fund Grant award generally ranges from $500-$1,000 per educator and about $5,000 per school.

Grant opportunities and application deadlines are announced:

• Via email – Sign up for our newsletter for teachers or for school administrators.

• Through our Teacher Dashboard – Log in or Register and create a classroom page.

• On our Funding Opportunities page – Find current and upcoming Spotlight Fund Grant application due dates

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