Grants-to-Educators

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation’s “Grants-to-Educators” program supports innovative and impactful educational initiatives developed by classroom teachers and administrators in Ohio’s public PK–12 schools. Established to recognize and encourage excellent teaching practices, these grants are designed to foster deep learning through classroom-based or school-wide projects that align with specific educational focus areas. The Foundation, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, has a long-standing commitment to improving public education across the state and places emphasis on funding programs that contribute to student learning, teacher development, and educational innovation. The Grants-to-Educators initiative provides financial support of up to $3,000 per project. The grants target six core areas: the development of students’ skills in reading, writing, research, and math; fostering problem-solving and self-directed learning; engaging students in thinking as scientists, social scientists, and artists; promoting interdisciplinary learning; and supporting meaningful problem- or project-based learning. Successful proposals are expected to clearly align with one or more of these learning goals. The funds must be used within one year of receipt and cannot be allocated for general materials unless directly tied to learning outcomes outlined in the application. Applicants must be current teachers or administrators in Ohio’s public schools. All proposals must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal. During the application process, applicants are required to include a signed Letter of Endorsement on district letterhead from their principal. If awarded, an additional signed Letter of Endorsement from the superintendent is required before funding is disbursed. Applicants must also complete and submit a "Proposal Terms and Conditions" form through the Foundation’s dashboard prior to the release of any funds. The application review schedule for 2025 includes six due dates: December 15, February 15, April 15, June 15, August 15, and October 15. Reviews typically occur by the end of the following month, and funds are disbursed on the 20th of the subsequent month, or the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday. This consistent review cycle facilitates planning for educators and ensures timely support for implementation of funded projects. Starting in 2026, the Foundation plans to revise this timeline as part of its Visioning Forward process. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria including innovation, potential impact, alignment with learning objectives, appropriateness of activities, and whether the proposal addresses critical student or teacher needs. Reviewers also consider whether requested items could be funded through other means and if the proposed evaluation plan effectively measures impact on student learning. Accuracy, clarity, and grammar in the application are also important. For further support, applicants are encouraged to consult the grants overview page and contact the Foundation with questions. Communication regarding application status and decisions is handled through the applicant’s online dashboard, with notifications typically sent on the third Wednesday of the month following the deadline. The Foundation can be reached by phone at (216) 589-5700. All materials must be submitted online; hardcopy or email submissions are not accepted.

Ensure innovation, alignment with student learning goals, and proofread application.