Built with early educators, for early educators.
Grants & opportunities

Find funding without searching alone.

Explore scholarships, classroom funding, professional learning, and program opportunities for early childhood educators in Illinois and across America.

Local support

Illinois opportunities

Tuition supportTuition assistance

Gateways Scholarship Program

Helps eligible Illinois early childhood and school-age professionals pay a percentage of college tuition and fees.

Deadline
Ongoing
Eligibility
Illinois early childhood and school-age practitioners
Visit official program →
Wage supportWage supplement

Great START Wage Supplement

Rewards eligible practitioners for continuing their education and remaining with their current employer.

Deadline
Check official program
Eligibility
Employment and education requirements apply
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Across America

Nationwide opportunities

Classroom and professional growthUp to $500

AAE Foundation Scholarships & Classroom Grants

Competitive awards for professional development, continuing education, classroom materials, and student-focused projects.

Deadline
October 1 and March 1
Eligibility
Available to educators; confirm current application requirements
Visit official program →
Professional learningUp to $5,000 individually

Fund for Teachers

Funds self-designed professional learning for eligible educators. Team awards may reach $10,000.

Deadline
2027 application opens October 1, 2026
Eligibility
Generally full-time pre-K–12 teachers with 3+ years of experience
Visit official program →
Student projectsUp to $5,000

NEA Foundation Student Success Grants

Supports student-focused projects, supplies, technology, and educational experiences.

Deadline
Check official program
Eligibility
Current NEA members in public education
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Professional learningSee current program

NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grants

Helps cover professional learning expenses such as training, registration, travel, and materials.

Deadline
Check official program
Eligibility
Current NEA members in public education
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Garden and outdoor learning$750

KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant

Supports school and youth programs creating or improving educational gardens.

Deadline
December 11, 2026
Eligibility
Programs serving 15+ youth and an under-resourced community
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Classroom projectsProject-based funding

DonorsChoose

Allows eligible educators to request funding for classroom materials and projects.

Deadline
Ongoing
Eligibility
Eligible public schools, district-run pre-K, charter schools, and qualifying Head Start centers
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College scholarshipsVaries by state

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood®

A national network of state programs offering scholarships for early childhood credentials and degrees.

Deadline
Varies by state
Eligibility
Availability and requirements vary by participating state
Visit official program →
Please verify before applying. Funding amounts, deadlines, and eligibility rules can change. Each link leads to the official organization.