Educator Initiative Grant

The Educator Initiative Grant (EIG) Program, administered by the GAR Foundation, supports high-quality teaching and student-centered learning within Summit County, Ohio. Since its inception in 2004, the EIG program has funded teacher-led, classroom-based projects, encouraging educators to design and implement initiatives that promote student achievement and foster academic growth. This annual grant program offers two funding levels: up to $5,000 for individual classroom projects and up to $10,000 for initiatives that span multiple classrooms, grade levels, or departments. The EIG program places particular emphasis on projects that align with Ohio’s Learning Standards, especially those supporting social-emotional learning. Proposals should also incorporate meaningful professional development for educators and demonstrate a commitment to college and career readiness. The application period for the 2026–2027 grant cycle opens on December 1, 2025, and closes on February 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Interested educators must identify a team leader, review the evaluation criteria, and complete the application package, which includes an endorsement form signed by both the school principal and superintendent, a project budget using GAR’s template, and responses to defined application questions. All submissions must be completed online through the GAR Foundation’s portal. Funding may be used for classroom technology (up to 40% of the budget), substitutes (up to 10%), professional development (up to 50%), and refreshments (up to $500). However, the program does not support stipends, capital improvements, student incentives, clothing, or standard school supplies. Each line item must include a rationale, and budgets must adhere strictly to these parameters. Applications are evaluated by a panel of Summit County educators based on need, student and teacher impact, creativity, communication strategy, use of technology, and budget alignment. Final funding decisions are made by the Foundation’s Distribution Committee, with awards announced in May. Applicants are encouraged to review the Applicant's Guide and may attend optional workshops to assist with proposal development. Questions about the process can be directed to EIG Liaison Karen Hodge at khodge@garfdn.org.

Use the Evaluation Criteria to align your proposal with expected outcomes, especially in social-emotional learning and professional development. Complete each section fully, and follow all budget caps carefully.