IRTA Foundation Excellence in Education Grants
Eligibility
Active Illinois public school teachers may apply. Projects must demonstrate innovation in classroom instruction that benefits students. Retired teachers may apply on behalf of current active teachers. There is no subject restriction — all classroom subject areas are eligible.
Program Goals
The IRTA Foundation Excellence in Education Grants program provides annual classroom grants to active Illinois public school teachers for innovative instructional projects. The program reflects the IRTA Foundation's commitment to supporting the teaching profession and improving student outcomes in Illinois public schools. Awards recognize teacher creativity and fund new classroom learning experiences.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted online through the IRTA Foundation website between January 1 and April 30 each year. The next cycle opens January 1, 2027, and closes April 30, 2027. Awards are announced by July 1. Submit a project description, innovation rationale, student goals, and budget.
Cycle Notes
IRTA Foundation Excellence in Education Grants run on an annual January 1 – April 30 application window. The next cycle opens January 1, 2027. Awards are announced by July 1. Visit irtafoundation.org for the current application.
Grant Award Amount
Excellence in Education Grants award up to $1,500 per project for classroom materials, curriculum, equipment, and supplies tied to the approved innovation project.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for IRTA Foundation classroom innovation grants
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI and technology tools for Illinois teacher innovation projects
- Coding for Good Kit — project-based CS curriculum for IRTA Foundation grant applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for IRTA Foundation Excellence in Education Grants?
Active Illinois public school teachers may apply. All subject areas are eligible. Retired teachers may apply on behalf of an active teacher colleague.
How much funding is available through IRTA Foundation grants?
Awards are up to $1,500 per project.
Can IRTA Foundation grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. IRTA Foundation grant 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 Illinois teachers apply for IRTA Foundation grants?
Apply online at irtafoundation.org between January 1 and April 30, 2027. Submit a project description, innovation rationale, student goals, and budget.
How can Forward Education help with IRTA Foundation grant funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Illinois schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes IRTA Foundation grants fund. Contact us before submitting your application.
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 — Illinois 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
Explore more Illinois funding resources
View all Illinois AI & CS grants →Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
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