Stewart's Holiday Match
Eligibility
Nonprofits and community organizations located in areas served by Stewart's Shops (primarily upstate New York and parts of Vermont) are eligible. Programs must serve youth, families, or the community with a focus on education, health, recreation, or emergency assistance. Schools and educational nonprofits regularly receive Holiday Match awards.
Program Goals
Stewart's Holiday Match is an annual giving program run by Stewart's Shops that distributes significant grant funds to nonprofits and community organizations in the Stewart's service area. Each year, customers donate to the Holiday Match program and Stewart's matches those donations, creating a large pool of community grants. Education programs, after-school initiatives, youth sports, and school projects are among the common recipients.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted online through the Stewart's Shops Holiday Match portal, which opens November 26, 2026, and closes January 31, 2027. Submit a program description, organizational details, and funding request. Organizations in the Stewart's service area should apply early as demand is high.
Cycle Notes
Stewart's Holiday Match opens annually on or around Thanksgiving (late November) and closes in late January. The 2026-27 cycle opens November 26, 2026, and closes January 31, 2027. Visit stewartsshops.com/holidaymatch for the current application.
Grant Award Amount
Holiday Match grants award up to $5,000 per organization. Award amounts vary based on customer donations and the matching pool. Individual awards are announced in spring.
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 upstate New York school programs funded by Holiday Match
- Coding for Good Kit — project-based CS curriculum for Stewart's Shops-funded school programs
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI and technology literacy for education programs in the Stewart's service area
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Stewart's Holiday Match in New York?
Nonprofits and community organizations in Stewart's Shops service communities (primarily upstate New York) are eligible. Education programs and schools are common recipients.
How much funding is available through Stewart's Holiday Match?
Grants award up to $5,000 per organization. Total distribution depends on customer donations and the annual matching pool.
Can Holiday Match funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Holiday Match 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 New York schools apply for Stewart's Holiday Match?
Apply online at stewartsshops.com/holidaymatch between November 26, 2026, and January 31, 2027. Submit a program description and funding request. Apply early as demand is high.
How can Forward Education help with Holiday Match funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for New York schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Holiday Match funds. 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 — New York 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
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