Apply Now for The NEA Foundation’s Grants to Educators!
The NEA Foundation’s Grants to Educators program provides passionate and capable educators with the resources needed to innovate, collaborate, and develop. Because educators deserve to have the conditions needed to flourish, the Foundation has made investing in educators one of its key priorities for decades.
From now until February 17, 2025, we are accepting applications for three grant categories:
- Student Success Grants support projects that promote critical thinking and real-world application
- Envision Equity Grants empower educators to advance students’ cultural understanding, anti-racism commitments, and understanding of civic engagement and democracy.
- Learning and Leadership Grants allow educators to participate in professional development opportunities that are specific to their individual needs and interests.
NEA Foundation Grants to Educators are awarded in amounts up to $5,000. Applicants will be notified in April. Visit our website to learn more!
Get a Sneak Peek at What’s in Store at the Biggest Night in Public Education!
We recently released a new trailer video for the Salute to Excellence in Education—be sure to check it out! Known as the biggest night in public education, the Salute to Excellence in Education is an awards ceremony for educators across the country and champions of public education. Taking place in Washington, D.C., the night includes a black-tie optional gala with seated dinner, live entertainment, and more.
Notably, we recently announced Black Teacher Project as the recipient of The NEA Foundation’s Equity Partner Award. The award, which recognizes organizations or individuals that have made significant contributions to advancing equity in education, will be presented on stage at the Salute to Excellence in Education.
Don’t forget to secure your tickets to the Salute to Excellence in Education today!
Global Learning Fellows Bring Sustainable Development Goals to the Classroom
The 2025 Global Learning Fellowship cohort is deep into the first modules of a yearlong professional development experience. As part of the fellowship, Global Learning Fellows participate in a series of online educational modules and other learning experiences incorporating readings, discussions, and webinars to facilitate engagement with the following questions:
- What is global competence?
- What does access to a quality education look like globally?
- How can global learning be infused into PK-12 classrooms and schools?
- How can you advocate for global learning in your school and your community?
Last month, the 2025 cohort completed its first educational module, digging into the foundational question: What is global competence? In this module, fellows read about, reflect on, and discuss how they can best incorporate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into classroom teaching. Critically, this means not only teaching students the ins and outs of the SDGs, but also, what they can do within their own communities and beyond to help achieve the SDGs.
2025 Global Learning Fellow Dr. Precious Symonette was recently highlighted by her district, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, in a video that shows her teaching the SDGs in her classroom! We are very proud of the great work that Dr. Symonette and all of the 2025 Global Learning Fellows are doing in their classrooms and schools around the country to grow their own and their students’ global competency skills.
Mark your calendars—applications for the 2026 Global Learning Fellowship cohort will open on January 13!
NEA Foundation President and CEO Sara A. Sneed Serves as Chair at Grantmakers for Education Conference
The NEA Foundation was proud to be a sponsor of the 2024 Grantmakers for Education annual conference, which took place in October. NEA Foundation President and CEO Sara A. Sneed chaired the conference. Held in Minneapolis, the convening was titled “Education for a Thriving Democracy: Truth, Discourse, and Transformation” and brought together over 800 grantmakers from across the country whose philanthropy impacts the education ecosystem. The sessions explored the roles of education and philanthropy in fostering a thriving democracy, particularly through partnership, bridge building, and collaboration.
Sneed, who serves as chair of the Grantmakers for Education Board of Directors, has also been named chair of the 2025 Grantmakers for Education conference, which will be held in Memphis, Tennessee.
Educators Receiving The NEA Foundation’s Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence Share Their Perspectives
The 2025 Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence recognizes five public school educators from around the country who exemplify excellence in their profession. The NEA Foundation’s blog, Ideas & Voices, also provides a platform for each Horace Mann Awardee to share the unique perspectives and experiences that make their teaching practices special.
Matt Hamilton is a seventh-grade social studies educator and middle and high school video production educator at East Jordan Public Schools in East Jordan, Michigan. His blog post explores how he turns the fear of failure on its head and encourages students to “fail forward.”
“Failure is often seen in a negative light, but it doesn’t have to be. While failure can bring challenges, it can also offer valuable lessons and lead to success. The fear of failing holds many people back from taking risks or chasing their goals. But I have come to learn that often success doesn’t come without some setbacks along the way.” –Matt Hamilton
Reva Lobatos is a second-grade educator at Fremont County School District #25 in Riverton, Wyoming. Her blog post highlights how bringing global perspectives to her rural Wyoming town has helped her students experience the world around them with curiosity and respect.
“My role as an educator is not just about imparting academic knowledge but about nurturing a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world beyond our immediate surroundings. Teaching in rural Wyoming presents its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of exposure to diverse cultures and global perspectives. Many of my students live in a world that, while rich in natural beauty and close community bonds, may not offer the same exposure to global cultures and ideas as more urban environments.” –Reva Lobatos
Sponsor Spotlight: American Fidelity
The NEA Foundation thanks American Fidelity for its generous support of the 2025 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala and its long-time advocacy for public education. Building on its strong tradition of support for public school educators in Oklahoma and around the country, American Fidelity has been a steadfast and generous partner to the Foundation, helping us to champion teachers’ vital work and dedication to students. For over 60 years, American Fidelity has provided specialized insurance and financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of educators, helping them protect their finances, save for medical expenses, and plan for retirement. American Fidelity’s dedication also extends to its partnership with The NEA Foundation, where its contributions support our commitment to celebrate and showcase excellence in teaching.
American Fidelity’s support of the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala demonstrates its belief in the transformative power of public education and the critical importance of recognizing and uplifting extraordinary educators in classrooms and school communities across the country.
Thank you, American Fidelity, for working alongside The NEA Foundation to make a meaningful difference for public school educators across the country!
To learn more about American Fidelity’s philanthropic efforts, visit Community Giving | American Fidelity
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay current on the latest news and news affecting public education by following The NEA Foundation’s social media channels.
- Facebook: Click Here
- Instagram: Click Here
- YouTube: Click Here
- LinkedIn: Click Here
- X (Twitter): Click Here
- Sign Up For Our Email List: Click Here
