Educator Grants
Now accepting applications!
School year grants for teachers and teams.
Overview
Grant types
Individual Grants
In previous years, Individual Grants were called “Educator Grants.”
Award
Up to $5,000
Led by
Individual educator
Impact
Classroom or single group of students
Team Grants
In previous years, Team Grants were called “Impact Grants.”
Award
Up to $20,000
Led by
2 or more educators (3 suggested)
Impact
Multiple classrooms or sites within a district
Timeline
Jan 12, 2026
Online applications open
Apr 2, 2026
Deadline to submit application
May 2026
Grants reviewed and recommended by IFT Grant Selection Committee
Jun 2026
IFT Board votes on Committee recommendations
Jul 2026
Notifications sent to applicants
Aug – Sep 2026
Funds disbursed
Jul 31, 2027
Summary and financial reports due
Eligibility
All grant projects must implement IFT’s Strengths-Based Strategy
01
Equity
Student Equity
How does your project promote learning opportunities and access for all students?
02
Agency
Student-Centered Learning
How does your project empower students to thrive at school?
Student-Centered Learning
How will your project enhance students’ skills and build their capacity for future success?
03
Advocacy
Student Advocacy
How will your project advance student voice, support team building, and student collaboration?
04
Solidarity
School-Wide Relations
How will your project increase teamwork and camaraderie among your colleagues?
School-Family Relationships
How will your project engage and build connections with parents and families?
Community Solidarity
How does your project enable networking and coalition building with community groups and organizations utilizing a lens of racial and social justice?
Eligibility requirements
All grant participants must be a CTA member throughout the grant implementation period.
Not yet a member? Join CTA
Projects must have a designated Project Coordinator to fulfill the grant requirements.
Grant participants must give notice to and obtain signature from your CTA local association president.
What we fund
Projects that are innovative, creative, practical, action-oriented and student-centered.
Projects that address all seven pillars of our Strengths-Based Strategy.
Projects that address the needs of diverse learners and improve student learning.
What we don’t fund
Projects that are not student centered.
Projects that require sustainable, long-term funding sources.
Teachers who are currently participating in a Team Grant, have been approved for a 2025-2026 carryover, or have not yet submitted reports for a previously awarded grant.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by April 2, 2026.
Application checklist
Jan 2026
Before applying
Ensure your grant proposal meets all eligibility requirements.
Discuss the project with your site administrator. Identify special permits or district approvals you may need.
Review the Project Coordinator requirements.
If applying for a Team Grant, designate the Project Coordinator in your team of two. We strongly recommend teams of three team members.
Create a budget. See a sample budget.
Line items must be clear and specific, reflect the amount of grant funds you’re requesting, and support the accomplishment of your proposal.
Create a timeline consistent with your proposal. See a sample timeline.
Include specific activities students will engage in. It can be weekly, monthly or quarterly but should reflect the entire grant implementation year.
Have your budget and timeline ready to upload as a PDF.
Jan to Apr 2026
During the application
Start this process ahead of the deadline.
Complete the online application form, ensuring that your proposal thoroughly addresses the Strengths-Based Strategy.
Notify your local union president that you are applying for the grant.
During your application, they will receive an email to fill out a Fiscal Agent Form on your behalf.
Apr to Jul 2026
After applying
Your application will be evaluated by the IFT Grant Selection Committee and IFT Board.
Grantees will be notified in July 2026 via email.
If you are awarded the grant, meet with your local treasurer to discuss the reimbursement process.
IFT will only disburse funds to local associations.
Looking for examples?
Frequently asked questions
May all CTA members apply?
Yes. All members with an active CTA membership may apply.
Can I apply for more than one IFT grant?
No. During the application period (Jan 12 to Apr 2, 2026) you can only apply for either an Individual or Team Grant. Team Grants require a team of two or more members and all team members must be active CTA members.
If I was awarded an IFT grant previously, when am I eligible to apply for another IFT grant?
You are eligible to apply when you have been notified that all previous grant requirements have been met. You are not eligible if you are implementing a grant project for the latest school year, have been approved for a carryover, are currently serving as a team member for a Team Grant, or have not submitted the required reports for a previously awarded grant.
Can grant projects be implemented at different school sites?
Yes. Team Grants or Team Renewal Grants may be implemented at different school sites within the same school district. All team members must be listed in the online grant application.
Can my team members be from different school districts or local associations?
This question only applies to Team grants. Team members can work at different school sites but must work within the same school district and be members of the same local association. If your grant application is selected and awarded, your local association must also agree to serve as the Fiscal Agent for the awarded grants.
What is the online grant application timeline for approvals?
Online IFT grant applications are due by April 2, 2026. The IFT Grant Selection Committee will meet in May 2026 to review applications and select proposals to recommend to the IFT Board. The IFT Board will meet in June 2026 to approve the recommendations for funding.
As an IFT Grant Project Coordinator may I utilize unused grant funds during the next school year?
If the awarded grant funds are not utilized during the implementation year or if there are left over funds, they must be returned unless a carryover request is submitted and approved.
Support
The IFT team is here to help with your grant proposal. Please email us with any questions at ift@cta.org.
