A first-year opportunity
Big ideas can open big doors.
The inaugural DFEO Teacher Grant program supports educators who see a need, imagine a possibility, and want to create a meaningful experience for their students.
Projects should help students access new experiences, interests, skills, resources, or opportunities they may not otherwise have.
Grant priorities
Student need and equity: Address an opportunity gap or specific classroom need.
Enrichment and skill development: Expand students’ interests, confidence, independence, or abilities.
Accessibility and inclusion: Create an opportunity that welcomes students with diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
Lasting impact: Consider how the project may continue benefiting students beyond the grant period.
What could your classroom explore?
Bring your idea to life.
Teacher Grant projects may look different in every classroom. Strong proposals will clearly connect the project to student needs, enrichment, and equitable access.
Explore
STEM, science, technology, environmental learning, hands-on investigation, and real-world discovery.
Create
Art, music, writing, performance, design, cultural learning, and creative expression.
Grow
Classroom libraries, SEL, student confidence, collaboration, leadership, independence, and belonging.
How to apply
A simple path from idea to impact.
Before submitting, applicants should review the RFP, discuss the project with their principal, and prepare a clear budget and impact plan.
Develop your idea
Identify a student need, opportunity gap, or enrichment opportunity.
Build your proposal
Explain who will benefit, how the project promotes access, and what the funds will support.
Get principal approval
Principal approval is required before the application is submitted.
Apply by October 30
Submit your completed proposal by the last business day of October 2026.
Important dates
Mark your calendar.
Help fund a big idea
Support the teachers who open doors.
Your support helps DFEO award more grants and expand meaningful opportunities for DUSD students. Together, we can help teachers move ideas from possibility to practice.
Donate to Teacher GrantsQuestions
Frequently asked questions.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individual DUSD teachers or classrooms may apply. Principal approval is required before submission.
How much funding is available?
Recommended grants range from $500 to $1,500. The number and amount of grants awarded depend on funds raised by DFEO.
What can the grant support?
Projects should address student need, equity, enrichment, skill development, accessibility, inclusion, or lasting student impact.
Are grants first-come, first-served?
No. Applications will be reviewed according to the published criteria and program requirements.
What happens after a grant is awarded?
Recipients will provide brief documentation of how the funds were used and the impact on students. Recipients and participating students may also be invited to present at a DFEO Board meeting or celebration event.