Alternative Expedition Funding: Finding a Sponsor
Given the limited number of awards available, we recommend that you also investigate local funding opportunities. By getting all of your own funding, you can choose any expedition. You can also combine the funding you solicit with an Earthwatch Education Award.
Stores, banks, law firms, civic organizations, local newspapers, cable television stations, religious organizations, local rotary clubs, and school departments often have discretionary funds available to benefit outstanding members of the community. Keep in mind that sponsor's donations are tax-deductible when sent directly to Earthwatch Institute for use towards your Share of Cost.
Feel free to contact the Education Department for materials, proposal templates and advice on writing grants. Download our brief outline for funding requests as a guide.
The Expedition Fund
Start your own personal Earthwatch Expedition account and have $250 or more automatically deposited from your personal checking account into your Earthwatch Expedition Fund towards your tax-deductible dream expedition. Learn more about Expedition Funds.
Resources for Educators
National Education & Environment Partnership The President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF), is proud to announce a new program of Environmental Education Teacher Professional Development Awards. This program identifies outstanding K-12 teachers who are environmental educators and/or use the environment as an integrating context for learning for their students. Awardees will receive a Certificate of Merit and an award of $1,000 to be used for their own professional development.
Fund for Teachers
The Fund for Teachers (FFT) is a unique foundation whose mission is to enrich the lives of schoolteachers and students by providing outstanding teachers with recognition and opportunities for renewal. Making a difference one teacher at a time, FFT provides funds for direct grants to teachers to support summer learning opportunities of their own design.
International Reading Association
The International Reading Association presents a number of awards and grants each year to recognize outstanding teachers of reading and literacy at all levels; to support teachers' efforts to enhance their knowledge and teaching skills; and to make meaningful contributions to their profession.
Toshiba America Foundation
Toshiba America Foundation contributes to the quality of science and mathematics education in U.S. communities by investing in projects designed by classroom teachers to improve science and mathematics education for students in grades 7 thru 12.
Tech Learning
A very useful site with information on Writing and Winning Grants! This site includes sample winning proposals; types of grants; and advice on writing grants.
The Foundation Center
Contains very useful information such as a Proposal Writing Short Course; top 100 US Foundations; grant maker websites; training opportunities for grant seekers; and much more
Jordan Fundamentals
Nike and Michael Jordan created this grant program to help teachers buy resource materials, equipment, and software to fulfill their lessons.
Volvo Adventure
An environmental awards program for young people to gain international recognition for their environmental projects and supports environmental education in the schools
American Association of University Women
One-year grants provide seed money for new projects. Topic areas are unrestricted, but should include a clearly defined activity that promotes education and equity for women and girls.
Two-year grants provide start-up funds for longer-term programs that address the particular needs of the community and develop girls' sense of efficacy through leadership or advocacy opportunities. Two-year grants are restricted to projects focused on K-14 (including 2-year colleges) girls' achievement in math, science, and/or technology. Funds support planning activities, coalition building, implementation and evaluation.
National Geographic Society Education Foundation Teacher Grants
This year, the Foundation plans to make approximately $100,000 in grants of up to $5,000 each to help you-or a group of your peers-make an even greater impact in your classroom, school, district, and/or community through innovative geography education projects.
ING Unsung Heroes Awards Program
Do you or someone you know have a creative, unique educational program that is helping students reach new heights? Or is there a program you'd like to implement, if only you had the proper funding? Applications for the 2005 ING Unsung Heroes program are now available - you can receive an application by contacting your ING representative, or by contacting Scholarship America at (800) 537-4180 or via e-mail. In addition, you can download a copy of the application directly from their website.
The NEA Foundation
The foundation's grants provide opportunities for teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff to engage in high-quality professional development and lead their colleagues in professional growth. Grants also fund project-based learning and break-the-mold innovations that significantly improve achievement for underserved students.
Donors Choose
If you are a public school teacher, DonorsChoose invites you to propose an activity or resource for your students. Please note that teachers do not receive any monies. If a donor funds your proposal, DonorsChoose will purchase and deliver what you requested.
They currently serve public schools in New York City, North Carolina, and the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma.)
The Captain Planet Foundation
The Captain Planet Foundation awards grants of $500-$2,500 to schools and nonprofit organizations that develop innovative environmental projects for youth. Deadlines are June 30, September 30, and December 31.
Lowes Outdoor Classroom Grant Program
The Lowe's Outdoor Classroom Grant Program awards grants of up to $2,000 to at least 200 K-12 schools across the country. Awards are granted three times a year; the current application cycle runs May 1-August 31.
Adobe Classroom Action Grant
The Adobe Community Action Grant provides onetime $5,000-$20,000 cash awards. Awards are granted quarterly.
For more information about the Education Awards Program for Educators, please email EducationAwards@earthwatch.org