Educators Grant Program

The FORUM Foundation Educator Grants program is administered by FORUM Credit Union through its Foundation. The Foundation designates an annual total of $30,000 to support educators, with a maximum grant amount of $3,000 per educator. These grants are specifically intended to fund direct classroom expenses that can enrich and enhance the learning experience for students. The program underscores FORUM Credit Union's commitment to supporting education in the communities it serves. The primary purpose of the Educator Grants is to assist teachers and administrators in creating more effective and engaging learning environments by providing them with the necessary resources. Grants can be used for a variety of classroom-related needs, including supplies to support specific classroom projects, essential supplies that may be lacking, and supplemental items that enhance classroom learning. The funds can also be used to support experiences that foster an enriched educational atmosphere for students. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to teachers or administrators employed at K–12 accredited schools within six Indiana counties: Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Boone, Hendricks, and Hancock. Applicants must also meet specific membership criteria related to FORUM Credit Union. If an applicant is a current FORUM member, their account must be in good standing. If they are not a current member, they must not have caused a financial loss to FORUM in the past. In addition, applicants are required to provide a signed consent form from their school principal to verify support for the proposed project. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens. The application period for the 2025/2026 grant cycle is now open. Applicants can submit their proposals via the provided online application link. The official rules document contains additional details about eligibility and exclusions, and interested applicants are encouraged to review these rules carefully. There is no mention of pre-application deadlines or formal Q&A sessions within the provided source material. The closing date for applications is not explicitly stated in the provided information, and no information regarding an award date or timeline for announcements is available. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. However, given the nature of the program, it is reasonable to infer that proposed projects will be evaluated based on their potential to enhance classroom learning and meet the stated goals of the Educator Grants program. Interested educators are encouraged to stay informed about the program throughout the year by signing up for email updates. The program has demonstrated significant impact since its inception in 2014. To date, $276,842 has been awarded, funding 173 projects and positively affecting over 57,780 students across 173 schools. Grants have supported a wide range of classroom needs, with funding distributed across categories such as literacy, STEM, art and music, physical education, and learning environment enhancements. FORUM Credit Union is headquartered at 11313 USA Parkway, Fishers, IN 46037, and can be contacted at 317-558-6000. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the designated application portal and to review all official rules and requirements to ensure eligibility and compliance with program guidelines.