Grants for School Supplies
Teachers and schools can access grants to purchase classroom supplies, educational technology, books, learning materials, and equipment. These grants help educators provide quality resources without spending out-of-pocket. Most grants range from $100 to $10,000 and support everything from basic supplies to innovative STEM programs. Below are 118 verified funding opportunities.
Types of Grants for School Supplies
đź“š Books & Learning Materials
Grants for classroom libraries, textbooks, workbooks, literacy programs, reading materials, and educational resources for all grade levels.
đź’» Technology & Equipment
Funding for computers, tablets, software, STEM kits, science equipment, robotics, coding tools, and educational technology integration.
🎨 Art & Specialty Supplies
Support for art supplies, music instruments, physical education equipment, drama programs, and specialized curriculum materials.
✏️ Basic Classroom Supplies
Grants for pencils, paper, markers, calculators, manipulatives, organizational tools, bulletin boards, and everyday classroom essentials.
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply?
- Individual Teachers: K-12 public, private, and charter school educators
- Schools & Districts: Elementary, middle, high schools, and district offices
- Nonprofit Organizations: 501(c)(3) educational organizations and PTAs
- Homeschool Groups: Some grants available for registered homeschool cooperatives
- Title I Schools: Priority funding for schools serving low-income communities
Common Requirements
- Current Teaching Position: Active employment at an accredited educational institution
- Project Description: Clear explanation of how supplies will be used and students impacted
- Budget Justification: Itemized list of supplies needed with estimated costs
- Student Benefit: Demonstration of how supplies improve learning outcomes
- Matching Funds: Some grants require 10-25% school or personal contribution
- Reporting: Final reports documenting purchase and implementation (photos, receipts)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can I get for school supplies?
Most classroom grants range from $100-$2,000, while larger school-wide or district grants can reach $5,000-$50,000. Popular programs: DonorsChoose (flexible amounts), Adopt-A-Classroom ($500), NEA Foundation ($2,000-$5,000), Target Field Trip Grants ($700), Lowe's Toolbox for Education ($5,000). Technology grants like ISTE or Google for Education can provide $10,000+ for comprehensive digital transformation projects.
Do I need to repay school supply grants?
No, legitimate grants do not require repayment. However, you must use funds as specified in your application and provide documentation (receipts, photos, student impact reports) as required by the funder. Misuse of funds may require repayment. Be wary of "grants" requiring upfront fees—these are typically scams. Legitimate grant programs are free to apply.
Can I apply for multiple grants at once?
Yes! Teachers commonly apply for 5-10+ grants simultaneously to maximize chances of funding. Most funders don't restrict receiving other grants. However, be honest about other funding received—don't double-dip by requesting the same items from multiple sources. Many teachers create a "grant calendar" tracking deadlines year-round, as different programs have different application periods (fall, spring, summer cycles).
What makes a strong grant application for school supplies?
Strong applications include: (1) Clear student benefit—how supplies improve learning outcomes with specific examples; (2) Detailed budget—itemized list with research-backed prices from vendors; (3) Authentic need—data showing why these supplies are critical (test scores, lack of resources, student demographics); (4) Implementation plan—timeline for purchase and integration into curriculum; (5) Sustainability—how you'll maintain the program after grant ends. Include student quotes, photos of current conditions, and alignment with educational standards. Proofread carefully and follow all instructions.
Are grants available for private school or homeschool supplies?
Availability varies by program. Federal grants (like Title I or IDEA) typically serve public schools, but some foundation grants welcome private and parochial schools. Homeschool grants are rare and usually require registering as a recognized homeschool co-op or umbrella school. Options include: DonorsChoose (public schools only), local community foundations (sometimes private schools), corporate programs like Target or Lowe's (varies), and subject-specific grants (STEM, literacy) that may accept private schools. Always check each program's eligibility criteria carefully.
When should I apply for school supply grants?
Grant deadlines vary year-round, so apply consistently. Key periods: Fall (August-October)—many programs fund for current school year; Spring (March-May)—early bird funding for next year; Summer (June-August)—back-to-school grants with quick turnarounds. Set up profiles on major platforms (DonorsChoose, AdoptAClassroom.org) early. Create a spreadsheet tracking 20-30 recurring grants with typical deadlines. Many small grants (under $500) have rolling deadlines or quick approval (2-4 weeks). Large federal/state grants may require 3-6 months planning. Start gathering budget data, student demographics, and photos now.
How to Find & Apply for School Supply Grants
Step 1: Identify Your Supply Needs
Create an inventory of what you need vs. what you have. Prioritize based on student impact: What will most directly improve learning outcomes? Be specific—instead of "general supplies," list "30 graphing calculators for algebra class" or "10 STEM robotics kits for 120 students." Categorize needs: basic supplies, technology, specialized equipment, curriculum materials. Estimate costs using vendor catalogs (School Specialty, Lakeshore Learning, Amazon Business). Consider multi-year needs if seeking larger grants.
Step 2: Research Grant Opportunities
Search multiple sources: (1) DonorsChoose.org—crowdfunding platform where teachers post projects; (2) AdoptAClassroom.org— direct supply donations to teachers; (3) Foundation grants—search by subject (math, literacy, STEM) or funder (NEA Foundation, State Farm, Lowe's, Target); (4) Local businesses—many community banks, credit unions, and companies offer small teacher grants; (5) Professional associations—subject-specific organizations (NCTM, NSTA, ILA) offer member grants; (6) School district office—ask about internal mini-grants or partnerships. Build a list of 10-20 opportunities matching your needs.
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
Gather standard materials used across applications: (1) Professional bio—your background, teaching experience, credentials; (2) School profile—demographics, Title I status, community context; (3) Budget template—itemized spreadsheet with vendors and prices; (4) Photos—current classroom conditions, existing resources, students at work (permissions required); (5) Impact data—test scores, attendance, prior grant success stories; (6) Letters of support—principal, department chair, or parent testimonials. Save templates to reuse and customize for each application. Keep digital copies organized by grant name and deadline.
Step 4: Submit Applications (Plan for Volume)
Successful teachers treat grant-writing as ongoing work, not one-time effort. Block 1-2 hours weekly during planning periods or weekends. Aim to submit 1-2 applications monthly (12-24 per year). Most will be rejected—this is normal. Winning just 20% of applications can still yield $3,000-$5,000 annually. Use a tracking spreadsheet: grant name, deadline, amount requested, status (submitted, pending, approved, denied), notification date. Follow all instructions precisely—missing required fields is the #1 rejection reason. Proofread multiple times. Ask colleagues to review before submission.
Step 5: Follow Through & Report Impact
If awarded: (1) Thank the funder promptly—send personalized note within 48 hours; (2) Purchase supplies according to approved budget—keep all receipts; (3) Document implementation—take before/after photos, collect student work samples, record testimonials; (4) Submit required reports on time—most grants require final reports within 30-90 days of purchase; (5) Share impact publicly— post on school website, social media (with permission), or newsletter to build credibility for future applications. Maintain positive relationships with funders—many offer recurring grants or expanded opportunities to past recipients.
Essential Resources for School Supply Grants
DonorsChoose
The largest classroom crowdfunding platform. Teachers create projects requesting specific supplies, and individual donors contribute. Over $1 billion funded since 2000. Projects typically fund within 30-90 days. No application fees.
Visit DonorsChoose →Adopt-A-Classroom
Direct supply support to K-12 teachers. Free signup, and teachers receive $500 supply kits annually if matched with a donor. Focus on Title I schools and under-resourced classrooms. Simple application process.
Visit Adopt-A-Classroom →NEA Foundation Grants
National Education Association offers grants up to $5,000 for learning & leadership projects, and up to $2,000 for student success initiatives. Open to PreK-12 public school educators. Competitive but high award amounts.
Visit NEA Foundation →Target Field Trip Grants
$700 grants for K-12 field trips to cultural institutions, including transportation, admission, and related educational materials. Applications accepted twice yearly (fall and spring). Quick turnaround time (4-6 weeks).
Visit Target Grants →Available School Supply & Education Grants
118 grants currently accepting applications. Click any grant to view full details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions.