Classroom Innovation Mini Grants

STeacher preparing her classroommall grants. Big ideas. Brighter classrooms. Have a classroom idea?

Apply today and bring it to life.

Partnership for Children of the Foothills is inviting early childhood educators to apply for Classroom Innovation Mini Grants — monthly $200 grants designed to help bring creative classroom projects to life.

These mini grants support projects that are designed and carried out by early childhood classroom teachers. The goal is to elevate teacher voice, creativity and expertise while supporting meaningful learning experiences for young children.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

  • Work directly with children ages 0–5
  • Serve in an early childhood classroom
  • Work in a licensed or unlicensed child care program in Rutherford, Polk or McDowell County

Educators who are not selected may reapply each month, with or without updates to their proposal. Educators who receive funding may apply again after six months.

Grant Amount

Selected projects may receive $200 in mini-grant funding.

One qualifying project may be awarded each month while funding is available.

What Makes a Strong Project?

Strong applications should show:

  • A clear classroom need
  • A project that benefits children, families and/or classroom teachers
  • A thoughtful plan for using the $200 grant
  • A clear timeline and list of materials
  • Support from the center or program
  • A project designed and carried out by the classroom teacher
  • Alignment with early childhood best practices

Application Tools

2026 Classroom Innovation Mini Grants Overview

Mini Grant Rubric

Early Childhood Classroom Innovation Grant Application

Application Deadline

Applications are due by the last day of each month and need to be submitted via email to Jessica Osteen, Program Director. See contact info below. Submissions will be reviewed monthly, and selected applicants will be notified the following month.

Questions?

Contact Jessica Osteen, Program Director
Jessica@pfcfoothills.org

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