Rural Tech Fund
What This Grant Funds
The Rural Tech Fund provides small grants to rural K-12 schools to purchase technology tools for coding and computer science education. Designed specifically for rural communities that are often overlooked by large funders, the Rural Tech Fund removes the barrier of expensive application processes and makes small, targeted investments in rural CS education.
Who Is Eligible in Illinois
Rural Illinois public K-12 schools are eligible. Illinois has hundreds of rural schools in central and southern Illinois that face significant technology access gaps. Schools must demonstrate rural designation (NCES rural locale codes) and a plan to use technology for coding or CS education.
Funding Amounts
Grants range from $2,000 to $10,000. The small grant size is perfect for purchasing a class set of coding tools like micro:bit kits without requiring a large, complex application.
How Forward Education Products Qualify
Forward Education's micro:bit starter kits fall well within the Rural Tech Fund's grant range. A rural Illinois teacher can request a class set of micro:bit coding kits — enough to equip 15-30 students — through a single Rural Tech Fund grant. This is one of the most direct paths to getting physical computing tools into rural Illinois classrooms.
How to Apply and Key Deadlines
Applications are submitted through the Rural Tech Fund website on a rolling basis. The fund reviews applications every 30-60 days. The application is simple — a description of your school, what you need, and how you will use it. No lengthy narrative required. Check ruraltech.fund for the current application.
Keep in Mind
Rural Tech Fund grants are small but quick. For rural Illinois teachers who need tools now, this is one of the fastest paths to classroom technology funding. Consider applying for this while pursuing larger grants from ISBE or federal sources.
