Educator Grant Overview
The Education Foundation is proud to support educators through our Educator Grants Program, which provides funding for projects that inspire innovation, and enhance student learning in St Vrain Valley Schools. For the 2026/2027 grant cycle, the program has been expanded into four distinct funding areas, giving educators the opportunity to apply for grants that best match their project goals:
- Special Education Enrichment Grants – provide funding for projects that enhance learning opportunities and support services for students with special needs. These grants help educators implement innovative strategies, tools, and programs that promote academic growth, independence, and an inclusive, accessible classroom environment. (Click Here for an application worksheet)
- STEAM Innovation Grants – provide funding to educators who bring creative, hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to their classrooms. These grants support innovative projects that foster problem-solving skills, result in improved achievement for students, enhance curriculum outcomes and encourage students to explore STEAM in meaningful and engaging ways. (Click Here for an application worksheet)
- Wellness Grants to Support Mental Health – support educators in creating projects that strengthen students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health. By fostering resilience, connection, and healthy coping skills, these grants help build positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where all students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. (Click Here for an application worksheet)
- Access Fund Grants – Click Here for information on this special funding category.
We encourage educators to submit proposals that:
- Inspire creativity
- Improve student outcomes
- Close achievement gaps
- Expand access to meaningful learning
By investing in these projects, the Education Foundation seeks to empower educators, inspire students, and strengthen classrooms across St. Vrain Valley Schools.
2026/2027 Educator Grants Timelines
Fall 2026 Grant Cycle
- Applications Opens:
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
at 10:00 am
- Educator Grants Q&A Zoom Meeting:
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
at 4:00 pm
- Applications Deadline:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
at 11:45 pm
- Grant Award Announcements:
Friday, October 23, 2026
- Educator Grant Evaluation Due:
Wednesday, June 2, 2027
Winter 2027 Grant Cycle
- Applications Opens:
Wednesday, January 20, 2027
at 10:00 am
- Educator Grants Q&A Zoom Meeting:
Tuesday, February 2, 2027
at 4:00 pm
- Applications Deadline:
Wednesday, February 7, 2027
at 11:45 pm
- Grant Award Announcements:
Thursday, March 4, 2027
- Educator Grant Evaluation Due:
Wednesday, June 2, 2027
Award Amounts
The Education Foundation will be funding grants in the following categories:
- Special Education Enrichment Grants – projects with proposed budgets up to $1,000.
- STEAM Innovation Grants – larger scale projects with proposed budgets up to $5,000. Funding larger projects means that we may fund fewer projects this grant cycle.
- Wellness Grants to Support Mental Health – projects with proposed budgets up to $2,000.
Educator Grants Important Information
Application Process:
- All grant applications must be submitted electronically using the application that best matches your project.
- The application deadlines:
- Fall grant cycle – Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11:45pm
- Winter grant cycle – Wednesday, February 7, 2026 at 11:45 pm
- Only ONE grant application per educator will be accepted each grant cycle.
- Projects must be reviewed with your school principal before submission.
- Principals are encouraged to apply for projects that would benefit their entire school community.
Technology Requests:
If your project includes technology items, please contact District Technology Services (DTS) or visit the SVVSD Technology Store in ClassLink to confirm that items are supported by the district. DTS is available to consult on technology purchases to ensure functionality and compatibility.
Funding Process – Grants Will Not Support:
- Curriculum not approved or aligned with district strategic priorities
- Curriculum or books already available through the SVVSD Online Library
- Technology not supported by SVVSD, or items included in a school’s Tech-Choices selections
- Apps not approved by DTS or that cannot be provisioned to a single teacher or school
- Uniforms for sport teams, choirs, bands, orchestras or other groups
- Items covered under the capital outlay budget process
- Transportation for field trips or out of state trips (exceptions may apply for Special Education Enrichment Grants)
- Gift cards or food for students, teachers or staff
- Teacher professional development
- Wages or contracts for school staff
Review Process:
Applications will be reviewed and scored by the SVVSEF Review Board using a rubric aligned with the application. Projects will also be vetted by district staff to ensure alignment with strategic priorities, curriculum standards, and supported technology.
Educator Grants Q&A Zoom Meeting
Are you interested in applying for an Educator Grant but have questions about the process? Join us for an upcoming Educator Grants Q&A Zoom Meeting. During this session, we’ll review the application process, highlight important dates, and answer your questions about eligibility, project ideas, and funding guidelines. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Educator Grants program and ensure your application is as strong as possible.
- Fall Educator Grant Cycle
- Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 4:00 pm via Zoom
- Click Here to register for the Zoom meeting
- Winter Educator Grant Cycle
- Tuesday, February 2, 2027 at 4:00 pm via Zoom
- Click Here to register for the Zoom meeting
Evaluation
To support continuous improvement and future funding opportunities, each recipient of an Education Foundation Educator Grant is required to complete one of the following evaluations listed below. Completing an evaluation is essential both for eligibility in future grant cycles and for helping us demonstrate the value of innovative teaching initiatives.
- Written Evaluation – online form submitted at the end of the school year in which funding was received. The evaluation collects key information on project implementation, outcomes, impact, and any challenges encountered, while also providing an opportunity for awardees to share feedback about the program.
- Site Visit Evaluation – schools can schedule a time for an Education Foundation staff member to visit their school and see the project in action. Through the in person evaluation staff will be observing key information on project implementation, outcomes, impact, and any challenges encountered, while also providing an opportunity for awardees to share feedback about the program. To schedule a site visit reach out to Program Manager, Tammy Palombo at tammy@stvrainfoundation.org.
