North Carolina · Private/State Foundation

Friday Institute for Educational Innovation Grants (North Carolina)

Funding

$9.1M total (2024); individual Catalyst Grants up to $15K

Grade Focus

K–12

Application Due

Annual; check fi.ncsu.edu for current cycle

Level of Gov't

Private/University (NC-based)

Eligibility

K–12 schools in North Carolina
Nonprofit educational organizations in the region
Teachers and program coordinators applying directly
After-school and enrichment program providers

Program Goals

NC State University's Friday Institute awards grants for AI integration and educational technology research in North Carolina schools. 2024 cycle: $9.1M to 14 projects.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Annual; check fi.ncsu.edu for current cycle

Grant Award Amount

$9.1M total (2024); individual Catalyst Grants up to $15K

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

micro:bit Starter Kit — Programmable microcontroller kits that introduce hands-on coding and electronics projects. Qualifies as CS/coding hardware for K-12 classrooms and supports physical computing education goals.
Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum connecting computer science to real-world community problems. Qualifies for CS education and digital literacy funding; builds computational thinking through authentic challenges.
MicroChat — AI-powered classroom learning tool that introduces students to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. Qualifies for AI literacy, educational technology, and computer science grant programs.
CHARGE Climate Sensor — Hands-on micro:bit-based climate and environmental sensor kit for real-world data collection. Supports place-based STEM learning and qualifies for environmental science and physical computing programs.

Keep in Mind

Watch for the application window

Deadlines for this grant vary by cycle. Subscribe to notifications from the funder and prepare your project proposal now so you can move quickly when the window opens.

AI literacy is a growing priority — especially in NC

North Carolina's EVERY Framework and Executive Order No. 24 have put AI education front and center. Funders in this space respond strongly to programs that go beyond using AI tools to building students' understanding of how AI actually works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Friday Institute for Educational Innovation Grants (North Carolina) in North Carolina?

K–12 schools in North Carolina Nonprofit educational organizations in the region Teachers and program coordinators applying directly After-school and enrichment program providers

How much funding is available through Friday Institute for Educational Innovation Grants (North Carolina)?

$9.1M total (2024); individual Catalyst Grants up to $15K. Check the current program guidelines for the latest award ranges and allocation details.

Can Friday Institute for Educational Innovation Grants (North Carolina) funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. Friday Institute for Educational Innovation Grants (North Carolina) funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.

How do schools apply for Friday Institute for Educational Innovation Grants (North Carolina)?

Annual; check fi.ncsu.edu for current cycle

How can Forward Education help with Friday Institute for Educational Innovation Grants (North Carolina) funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for North Carolina schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Friday Institute for Educational Innovation Grants (North Carolina) funds. Contact us before submitting your application.

Grant Support

Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?

Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.

Curriculum alignment documents — TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines

Talk to Our Team

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