The Rural Tech Fund puts technology into public schools and libraries in rural or high-poverty areas, so students can discover careers in computer science, robotics and cybersecurity. Most grants are $500 to $2,500 in equipment and materials, and there's no deadline: the fund reviews and awards grants every 30 to 60 days.
What the Rural Tech Fund pays for
- Rural Technology Education: teacher- and student-led projects that spark interest in technology careers. Grants provide equipment and materials such as robotics kits, Raspberry Pi computers and 3-D printers, not cash. Most are $500 to $2,500.
- Assistive Technology: equipment and software that make learning more accessible for students with disabilities. Most are $500 to $2,000.
What it won't fund
- Projects at private or charter schools
- Projects that reach only a few students, or only a gifted and talented program
- Projects that use computers to teach non-computer subjects
- Esports and VR projects
How to apply
Apply online any time. The application asks about your school, student population and the share of students who receive free or reduced-price lunch, and someone from the Rural Tech Fund contacts you after your application is reviewed. Name the exact equipment you need and explain how many students will use it.
Projects that fit
The Coding for Good Kit is a hands-on robotics and coding kit for grades 3-12, with 11 plug-and-play sensors and modules, 4 servos and a water pump. Kits go back in their cases after class, so one set serves every section you teach.
- A $2,500 request: eight Coding for Good Kits with micro:bit V2 Go Packs come to $2,375.92 before shipping, enough for 16 students working in pairs.
- A $1,000 request: three kits with micro:bit V2 Go Packs come to $890.97, a starter station for small-group rotations.
Free lessons such as Data-driven Smart Farming and Wildfire Detection with Autonomous Vehicles connect coding to rural careers in agriculture and forestry.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Rural Tech Fund give?
Most grants are $500 to $2,500 in equipment and materials. Larger awards are uncommon.
Is there a deadline?
No. Applications are reviewed and awarded every 30 to 60 days.
Can charter or private schools apply?
No. The Rural Tech Fund doesn't fund projects at private or charter schools.
Does the fund send money or equipment?
Equipment and materials. List the specific items your project needs.
How can Forward Education help?
We can build a project plan from our lessons, align it to your state's standards, write an official quote for your budget and provide a letter of support. Contact our grant team.
Source: Rural Tech Fund, "Projects We Fund" and online application, checked November 1, 2026.
