Technology Grants for Public School

Technology is not limited to high-tech electronics such as interactive white boards and laptop computers. When it comes to education, technology can be described as anything that enhances learning. This includes the obvious computers and interactive tools, but it also includes videos, hand-held responders, word processors and even MP3 players. Though public schools receive funding from their respective states, most must supplement that allotment with grants to buy needed items. Grants can be found through private donors, large corporations and special interest organizations. The process for applying for such grants varies from organization to organization.

Technology in schools is often funded through grants.

Government Funding

Title I programs are government-funded programs that provide funding assistance to low-income school districts. The money originates at the national level and is then disbursed to state departments of education. At this point, the state distributes the funds as needed to local school districts. In return for receiving the funding, school districts are required to meet standards of performance established at state levels.
Title VII programs grant funding to public schools for Indian education. Schools with significant populations of Native American students are eligible for this grant. The monies allocated with this grant are intended to go toward educating students on Native American issues and may be used to purchase technologies such as videos, computer programs and books, among other necessities.
Schools receiving these types of funding from the government are required to provide annual reports detailing how the funds were used and how the purchases impact student growth and achievement.

Private Funding

Often, grants are available through the generosity of individual citizens. These privately funded grants have varying requirements and deadlines based upon the needs of the benefactor. However, most ask that applicants, whether they are individual teachers or school districts, describe what they would like to purchase, how they would use it in their classroom, and how it would impact student learning. These grants vary in amount from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the benefactor. Some of these grants can be found on websites such as Teachers Count and Donors Choose.

Corporate Funding

Many well-known national corporations offer grants to both schools and individual classroom teachers. Some give money to be spent on specific items, while others give money freely to be used as needed. Some corporations, such as the Tommy Hilfiger Foundation, offer grants for technologies to specifically benefit women, minorities and students who are potentially at-risk. Toyota sponsors a grant for science teachers to use toward science education and to develop scientific technologies in schools. General Mills awards tens of thousands of dollars in grants to schools and communities nationwide for the development of creative ways to maintain a balanced lifestyle and diet through education and technology.

Competitions and Awards

Though many grants are based on funding needs alone, some are awarded to allow participation in competitive events. Oftentimes, additional money or prizes are given as a result of the competitions. The American Horsepower Challenge sponsored by the Humana Foundation provides "smart" pedometers for students to allow them to monitor progress and compete with other schools across the nation. The Stock Market Game allows students to invest an imaginary $100,000 in a fictitious online stock portfolio. Students then compete with other individuals and schools to have the most virtual money at the end of the quarter. Thinkquest and Oracle Education sponsor a contest for students to create a website for prizes and funds.

Tips

The best places to start searching for grants to fund technology are the state department websites.
There are hundreds of grants waiting for the right applicant; if you find a grant that applies explicitly to what you intend to do, you will be more likely to be considered.
You may apply for more than one grant at a time.
Pay particular attention to requirements and specifications. You may be disqualified from consideration if you fail to follow directions exactly.
Adhere strictly to deadlines; late submissions are almost never accepted.