Grants for iPads in the Classroom

Some teachers that I know asked me whether I have some info about grants for iPads in the classroom. There are still many classes in the United States that need technology updates in their classroom. Therefore, I have decided to do a little research and post the result here for everyone to read.

Before trying to get that technology grant, we recommend you contact your local department of technology education. If you’re lucky, you can find programs that can update your classroom technology. Some may even provide iPads for the classroom. That being said, not every district offers this kind of program, but it would be better if you ask.

If your investigation showed that there is no mobile technology program available from your local government, you can try to get the grant. The first thing you have to remember is that getting a grant is not as easy as most people think. You need to seriously invest a good amount of thought, time, and effort to create a good grant application.

Grants for iPads in the Classroom Opportunity

Below are some of the possible grants and their alternatives to fund iPads for your classroom

The Corning Incorporated Foundation grant

There are around 136 education grants available from the CIF. The foundation provides a variety of education grants and one of the categories is technology grants. Last year the Corning Incorporated Foundation spreads out around $3 million for their grants.

The Digital Wish Grants

There are up to 50 technology grants available from Digital Wish. To qualify, the teacher should submit a lesson plan. The Digital Wish grant team will review the application and the best ones will get the grants.

Computers Recycling Center

There is another way for you to update your classroom technology. One of the places I recommend the most is the Computers Recycling Center (CRC). Basically, this organization collects used computers and other technology, refurbishes them, and sends them out to schools that need them.

This way, you can reduce electronic trash while getting an upgrade to your classroom technology. Of course, finding iPads through this means is a difficult task, but there’s always a chance, right? Moreover, it would be more meaningful because you can teach your children to donate and reuse their old stuff.

Donor Programs

As the name suggests, the donor programs will help you to gather funds for your classroom technology-related needs like iPads. Aside from grants for iPads in the classroom, sites like Digital Wish and Donors Choose (http://www.donorschoose.org/) can help teachers to connect with possible funders. In general, you have to tell a story about your class or your current project that needs the iPads. Much like writing a grant application, don’t focus on the device. Instead, focus on how iPads can help your student grow in the classroom.

Last but not least, we would like to mention once more that getting a grant is rather difficult because the competition is high. You need to carefully compile your grant application, and follow the many grant writing tips online.

DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is an online platform where teachers and educators can create fundraisers to obtain resources and support for classroom projects or school needs. Through DonorsChoose, individuals can donate towards specific goals such as purchasing books, technology, art supplies, or other resources that will enhance the learning experience for students.

The award varies depending on the donations received, and the deadline for fundraising is ongoing, allowing educators to continuously seek support for their classroom initiatives.

To apply, teachers or full-time educators who work directly with students can create a project on the DonorsChoose website, outlining their needs and objectives. Once the project is approved, it is listed on the platform, where donors can contribute towards its funding.

The Voya Unsung Heroes

The Voya Unsung Heroes program celebrates innovative and progressive approaches to education by offering grants to educators for funding classroom projects. These grants aim to support teachers who are implementing creative and effective initiatives to enhance student learning experiences.

The awards for the Voya Unsung Heroes program are substantial, with $25,000 awarded for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place. Additionally, each of the 50 finalists will receive an award of $2,000.

For the 2024 cycle, the deadline was April 19th, 2024. Eligible applicants include full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff working in accredited K-12 public or private schools in the United States.

To apply, educators must submit their innovative project proposals, demonstrating how their initiatives contribute to improving student learning outcomes. These projects should showcase creativity, effectiveness, and a commitment to enhancing the educational experience for students.

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF)

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) is committed to empowering young Americans with disabilities to achieve their full potential and actively participate in society. One of its primary focuses is on inclusion, ensuring that young people with disabilities have equal access to educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities and can participate fully alongside their non-disabled peers.

MEAF provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per year for a duration of one to two years. These grants support initiatives that promote inclusion and enable young individuals with disabilities to thrive.

For those interested in applying for funding from MEAF, the deadline for submitting online proposals is from July 15 to November 1 each year. Proposals submitted during this period will be considered for funding in the following year.

MEAF defines “youth” as individuals from birth through college age, typically up to about 26 years old. Therefore, projects targeting this age group and aligning with MEAF’s mission of promoting inclusion and supporting the potential of young people with disabilities are eligible for consideration.

ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips provides Charitable Investment Grants across various sectors including education, the arts, health and safety, natural resources, civic and social services, as well as disaster relief efforts. These grants are intended to support organizations and initiatives that contribute positively to these areas.

The award amount for ConocoPhillips Charitable Investment Grants varies depending on the specific project or program being supported. The deadline for submitting grant applications to ConocoPhillips is July 31st each year.

To be eligible for a ConocoPhillips charitable contribution in the United States, organizations must meet certain criteria. They must be either IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charities, government subdivisions, or accredited schools/systems. This ensures that the grants are directed towards organizations that have a proven track record of operating in the public interest or providing valuable services to communities.

References :

Digital Wish for Teacher
Donors Choose – https://www.donorschoose.org/
Image: youtube.com

Grants for iPads in the Classroom Opportunity