Grants-to-Educators

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation’s “Grants-to-Educators” program is designed to support and recognize outstanding classroom teachers and administrators in Ohio's public PK–12 schools. As part of the Foundation’s broader mission to enhance student learning, these grants encourage innovative, instructional projects that deliver measurable academic impact. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the Foundation has a longstanding history of philanthropic investment in public education, and this particular grant aligns with its commitment to fostering learning environments that promote critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication among students. The Grants-to-Educators initiative provides funding of up to $3,000 per project. The grants are available to individual educators and administrators for classroom or school-wide projects. These initiatives must aim to go beyond simple enrichment to foster deep, content-rich learning experiences that are grounded in instructional purpose. Projects are expected to articulate clear learning outcomes—demonstrating what students will know or be able to do differently as a result. Importantly, funded activities must support active student engagement, the development of transferable skills, and measurable academic growth. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose initiatives that align with 21st-century competencies and offer equitable access to quality learning. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate age-appropriateness, address critical student or teacher needs, and cannot be fulfilled through other funding sources such as community, state, or federal support. The evaluation process conducted by the Foundation's Distribution Committee involves a thorough assessment of the innovation, instructional design, alignment with standards, and potential for impact on student learning. Applications that request resources such as books or equipment must clearly show that these are tools to support the instructional goals of the project rather than ends in themselves. The application process requires creating an account on the Foundation’s online application system. Applicants must list their district superintendent as the Head of Organization. Each application must include detailed budget documents and a Letter of Endorsement signed by the school principal on district letterhead. If the grant is awarded, a second Letter of Endorsement signed by the district superintendent is also required before funds are released. Applicants must agree to and submit the Foundation’s Proposal Terms and Conditions, after which funding will be distributed. All awarded funds must be used within one year of disbursement. The program operates on a quarterly cycle, with application deadlines set for February 15, May 15, August 15, and October 15. Funding decisions are typically communicated about six weeks after the submission deadline—specifically, on the third Wednesday of the month following the deadline. The final deliverables include a Final Education Project Report and Final Financial Report, both of which must be submitted through the online dashboard within one year of receiving the funds. For any inquiries or assistance with the application process, applicants may contact Kathy Morris at the Foundation via email at [email protected] or by phone at (216) 589-5700. The Foundation is headquartered in The Halle Building, located at 1228 Euclid Avenue, Suite 240, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. The program exemplifies a structured, student-centered approach to grantmaking, rewarding educational innovation that makes a lasting impact in Ohio’s public school classrooms.

Emphasize student learning outcomes and clear connections to standards.