Federal Grant Money for Educators

Teachers and educators can apply for a variety of grants offered by various federal agencies of the United States government. Federal grants are available for educators at every level–from those entering the profession to those who are pursuing a graduate-level education and those pursuing a specialized career path. The key to finding federal grants is to stay abreast of funding programs for educators within various federal agencies. Visit, bookmark and continually check two major sources for grant opportunities and information: The United States Department of Education and Grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education is considered the “hub” of federal grant opportunities for teachers. Take advantage of grants to expand your capabilities in languages, math and technology. The range and scope of grant opportunities for teachers is far ranging. The department continually updates and provides new grants, so be sure to check the site frequently. Be sure to check grant listings under the “discretionary grants” tab. These grants are often the newest listings, with a focus on priorities within the U.S. Department of Education. Federal departments also provide discretionary grants to meet and fulfill needs in the areas of language skills and teaching, technology and media and teaching the disabled.

Grants.gov
Teachers who wish to conduct a “deep dive” search of federal grant opportunities should continually search Grants.gov. This is the official website and clearing house for all federal grant information. Teachers will find a wealth of opportunities to broaden their base of searching grant opportunities. Start by using search terms that include “teacher.” This will provide you with a range of federal grant opportunities to pursue, especially if you are continuing with graduate level studies. In addition, you can search to find grant opportunities within other federal agencies to maximize and leverage your teaching credentials. 



Federal Department Grants
Teachers should explore additional grant opportunities, spending time exploring, bookmarking and searching opportunities with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor, to name a few. For example, connect your areas of expertise and interest with needs within the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Public Safety and the Library of Congress. Be strategic in making the most of your experience to pursue a federal grant to fulfill your career path and professional goals. Always maximize and leverage your credentials, achievements and experience when you pursue and apply for a federal grant.

The Teach Grant
Those who are about to pursue an education to become a teacher should look into the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant, commonly referred to as the TEACH grant. If you receive a grant and become a teacher, you must agree to three conditions within eight years: first, become a full-time teacher for at least four years; second, teach in a school that educates and serves low-income students; and third, teach in a “high need” area. The latter condition of teaching in a “high need” area will be defined by the Department of Education based on staffing needs when the recipient graduates.

Network and Let Others Know Your Goals
Network and exchange resources with other teachers and educators about your interest to receive a federal grant. Make connections with faculty members at colleges and universities. They can provide valuable insights on federal grant requirements and the application process. Utilize every resource available to achieve your goal to become a recipient of a federal grant for teachers.