Who can apply for education grants?

Schools, school districts, teachers, education nonprofits and community programs, depending on the funder's eligibility rules.

What outcomes do education funders expect?

Improvements in attainment, attendance, skills, engagement or progression, measured with assessments, records and surveys.

How do I show my education approach works?

Cite research or recognized practices, share results from pilots or past cohorts, and explain how you will adapt to your learners.

Should teachers be involved in writing the proposal?

Yes. Teachers can describe needs precisely and help design realistic activities and measures.

Education Grant Proposal: How to Write One + Example

An education grant proposal should identify a specific learning gap, propose an approach with evidence that it works, and promise measurable improvements in attainment, attendance, skills or engagement. Use school data and teacher insight to show the need, explain how the program fits with the school day or curriculum, and make your evaluation as concrete as your activities.

What education funders look for

A clear learning need backed by data: assessment results, attendance, teacher referrals.
An evidence-informed approach: practices supported by research or proven in a pilot.
Fit with the school: timetable, staff capacity, curriculum links, headteacher support.
Equity: reaching pupils who need it most.
Measurable outcomes using tools schools already use where possible.
Sustainability: staff trained, resources kept, approach adopted.

Evidence to include

Assessment data compared with local or national benchmarks.
Numbers of pupils identified as needing support versus current capacity.
Teacher and parent observations.
Results from a pilot or previous year.

Outcomes and indicators

Outcome	Indicator	Tool
Improved reading	Pupils improving one or more levels	School assessments
Better attendance	Attendance rate for participants	School records
Increased confidence	Self-reported confidence	Pre and post survey
Teacher skills	Teachers using new methods	Observation, survey

Write these as SMART objectives: see goals and objectives.

Example summary

Example

Brookfield Primary requests $30,000 to launch a maths mastery program for 120 pupils in Years 3 to 5, where termly assessments show nearly half are working below the expected standard. The program will train six teachers in small-group mastery techniques, provide manipulatives and fund twice-weekly intervention sessions for pupils furthest behind.

We aim for 65% of participating pupils to reach the expected standard by the end of the year, measured by the school's existing assessments, and for all six teachers to embed the approach in everyday lessons.

Budget tips

Include teacher training, cover costs, resources, and evaluation.
Show in-kind contributions such as staff time and rooms.
Note any equipment the school keeps after the grant.

Safeguarding and data

Explain how pupil data will be protected, who will have access, and that staff and volunteers working with children are appropriately checked under local rules.

See the complete process in how to write a grant proposal, and our guide to youth program grants for out-of-school projects. Browse all education grant templates.

How to Write an Education Grant Proposal (Schools and Learning Programs)