educator GRANTS: Bringing ideas to life

Quick Links:

Grant Application

Read the Full Grant Guidelines 

Read the Steps to Selecting Grant Recipients & & View Scoring Rubric

Have an idea that could make learning better for KSD students? 

KSDEF Educator Grants provide funding for innovative, engaging projects that directly benefit Kearney School District students. Grants are designed to help educators bring meaningful learning experiences, new ideas, and additional resources into their classrooms, programs, and schools. If you have an idea that would benefit students but isn’t covered by your building or district budget, we want to hear about it.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Educator Grants are available to:

• Teachers and certified staff

• Classified staff supporting student learning

• Departments and grade-level teams

• Collaborative groups of KSD employees

• KSD-sponsored student academic organizations, clubs, and co-curricular programs with a staff sponsor

Applications may be submitted individually or as a team.

GRANT LEVELS

• Classroom Grant: $250–$1,000

• Grade-Level Grant: Up to $2,000

• Multi-Grade / Department Grant: Up to $3,000

• School-Wide / District-Level Grant: Up to $5,000

Need more funding?

If your project falls outside the grant amounts listed above, contact KSDEF before submitting your application. Larger/smaller requests may be considered depending on the project's scope, available funding, and potential impact on students.

Annual Grant Cycles

Educator Grants are offered three times each school year.

Cycle 1:

Application Period: August 1 - September 20

Notification: October

Funding Available: Upon approval

Funds Must Be Used By: May 1 of the current school year

Cycle 2: 

Application Period: December 1 - January 20

Notification: February

Funding Available: Upon approval

Funds Must Be Used By: May 1 of the current school year

Cycle 3: 

Application Period: March 1 - April 20

Notification: May

Funding Available: Beginning August 1

Funds Must Be Used By: December 31 of the following school year

What Can I Request? 

Grant funds may be used for projects, materials, equipment, technology, experiences, and other resources that enhance student learning and engagement. Click here to see projects that don't qualify for funding. 

Strong proposals:

• Directly benefit KSD students

• Support meaningful learning experiences

• Introduce innovative or creative approaches

• Extend learning beyond standard classroom resources

• Support district or curriculum goals

• Have a clear and measurable student benefit

If you're not sure whether your idea qualifies, contact KSDEF before making a purchase.

HOW THE GRANT PROCESS WORKS

1. Develop Your Idea

Identify a project, resource, or experience that would benefit your students. Consider what you want students to learn or experience and why the project cannot be funded through your existing building or district resources.

2. Complete the Application

Submit the Educator Grant Application during one of KSDEF's annual grant cycles. Applications should clearly explain the project, who will benefit, how the funds will be used, and the expected impact on students.

3. District Review

Applications are reviewed by KSD administration to confirm that the proposed project:

• Aligns with Missouri learning standards and district goals

• Is not already funded through another source

• Is not included in the building's existing budget

• Is not a planned district expense for the upcoming year

4. KSDEF Review

Eligible applications are then reviewed by the KSDEF grant review committee. Applications are evaluated based on student impact, educational value, creativity, feasibility, and responsible use of funds. Applicant names are not shared with the grant review committee.

5. Award Notification

Applicants will be notified of the committee's decision following the review period. If awarded, KSDEF will provide information about next steps and how funds should be accessed and used.

6. Bring Your Idea to Life

Once your grant is approved, it's time to put your idea into action! Grant recipients may be asked to provide a brief update, photos, or student impact story so KSDEF can share the difference these grants are making across KSD.

Before You Apply

Be ready to explain:

• What you want to do

• Who will benefit

• Why the project is needed

• How much you are requesting

• What the funds will purchase

• How the project will benefit students

A clear, specific application makes it easier for reviewers to understand your idea and its impact. 

Want to know more?

• View Full Grant Guidelines — Complete grant requirements, procedures, and funding rules.

• Read the Steps to Selecting Grant Recipients & Scoring Rubric — See how applications are evaluated and learn how applications move from submission to funding decision.

Important Reminders

• Do not purchase items before your grant is approved.

• Grant funds must be used for the purpose described in your approved application.

• Purchases must follow KSD purchasing procedures.

• Projects should not duplicate funding already available through your building or district.

Questions?

Not sure which grant level is right for your project or whether an expense qualifies? Contact the KSD Education Foundation before you apply.

Ready to submit your idea? Click Here to APPLY FOR AN EDUCATOR GRANT