NEA Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The NEA Foundation supports educators as they enhance classroom learning and pursue professional development. NEA is a partner in the Breakfast in the Classroom program.
IP TAKE: Prioritizing teacher development, student success, STEM and global education, the NEA Foundation accepts applications from educators and teams of educators who are members of their parent organization. While very accessible, this funder’s grants are competitive. The foundation also works collaboratively with school districts toward the implementation of high quality STEM learning programs. This funder is responsive.
PROFILE: Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NEA Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Education Association, the largest professional organization of educators in the U.S. Established in 1969, the organization aims to “improve public education for all students” through its extensive grantmaking, fellowship and awards programs. The foundation’s initiatives are the improvement of teaching and learning in public schools, the broadening of educators’ and students’ perspectives, the recognition of excellence in teaching, the implementation and improvement of STEM learning programs, and the publication and distribution of multicultural literature. The organization offers envision equity, student success and learning and leadership grants to educators and provides support for STEM and school breakfast programs to public school districts. NEA also runs a global learning fellowship program—a year-long professional development program that involves seminars, on-line coursework and an international field study experience.
Grants for K-12 and STEM Education
NEA’s student success grants support teachers’ efforts to foster critical thinking and problem solving by providing funds for equipment, supplies, technology, or transportation for learning experiences. The foundation’s learning and leadership grants, in contrast, support professional development for both individuals and groups of teachers. Emphasizing STEM learning and global competencies, teachers generally use these grants to attend conferences, institutes and seminars, or to develop collaborative study and research groups.
Grants for Racial Justice and Indigenous Rights
NEA’s newest grantmaking program, envision equity, aims to “help educators to advance students’ cultural understanding and appreciation, anti-racism commitments, and understanding of civic engagement and democracy.” Funding from this program may support projects and programs including professional development, equity-focused curriculum materials and supplies, family and community outreach and programs supporting students understandings of racial equity, racism, civic engagement and community life.
Important Grant Details:
Over 100 student achievement and learning and leadership grants are awarded in the amounts of $2,000 or $5,000 to educators or groups of educators who are members of NEA each year. A grantee archive provides descriptions of previously funded projects.
The NEA Foundation runs an open application program for its educator grants. Due dates, guidelines and eligibility may vary by program. Inquiries may be directed to the association’s staff via email or telephone at (202) 822-7840.
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