Funding Opportunities for AquaGrove Educators
As every educator and school administrator is aware, school does not stop for Summer. Summer break is the ideal time for not only planning students’ schedules, but for teachers to plan their classes, as well as make room for new hands-on and creative learning opportunities.
Depending on the financial support available, and annual budgets, the 2021-22 school year may have ample room for growing new programs, or may be limited, and it is important to explore all funding options available to ensure that your program can continue each year.
When it comes to learning, there is nothing quite like hands-on programs for solidifying the understanding of processes, especially those within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics); as many AquaGrove users have experienced, the unique Learn and Grow AquaGrove system is ideal for integrating hands-on learning with STEM concepts, teamwork, and sustainability. Whether it is to acquire and install your first AquaGrove or expand your current program, here are a few funding opportunities that may be of interest as you plan for programming in the coming school year:
Toshiba America Foundation – Grants for Grades K-5
Teachers for grades K-5 are invited to apply online for a Toshiba America Foundation Grant. Awards are up to $1,000 and should be used to support an innovative project for the classroom that improves STEM learning. Grants will be awarded to project-based learning that includes measurable outcomes with a program that ultimately makes science and math fun for students. Grant applications are due on October 1, 2021. To learn more about this funding opportunity visit Toshiba’s grant guidelines.
Wild Ones – Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education
For more than 20 years, this Wild Ones donor-funded program has provided grants ranging from $100-$500 for native plant gardens and landscaping projects throughout the U.S. The funds are designated for acquiring native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage students (preschool to high school) directly in planning, planting, and caring for native plant gardens. Examples include pollinator gardens, rain gardens to improve water quality, native plant monarch waystations featuring citizen science activities, sensory and natural playground, and more.
Applications must be submitted between July 15th – October 15th, 2021. The link to the 2021 will be available soon. Learn more by visiting their website here.
Toshiba America Foundation – Grants for Grades 6-12
While similar to Toshiba’s grant opportunity for grades K-5, this grant program is designed for teachers of grades 6-12. The foundation offers grants of up to $5,000 (and more) to support educators in bringing new teaching ideas to life and to address STEM through project-based learning. The next application deadline for grants under $5,000 is September 1, 2021, and November 1, 2021 for grants more than $5,000. To review guidelines, funding schedule and the application, visit the Toshiba America Foundation website here.
In addition to the above listed grants, AquaGrove provides a “Fundraising Resources Kit” with each system purchased to help growers and educators gain support from both foundations and corporate sponsors. As sustainability becomes increasingly more important, new grant programs for teaching the next generation are developed, and the team at AquaGrove will continue to share new funding opportunities as they become available.
To learn more about how you can get started with your own AquaGrove Learn and Grow system and begin fundraising to enrich your students’ progress in becoming leaders in STEM and Sustainability, contact us.