Educational grants offer a critical funding source for nonprofit organizations focused on learning, development, and community advancement. These specialized funding opportunities can transform an organization’s ability to deliver impactful programs, expand reach, and create lasting change.
The landscape of educational funding continues to evolve, with new opportunities emerging alongside established programs, making it difficult for board administrators to keep up with the best opportunities.
Whether your nonprofit focuses on early childhood education, adult learning, STEM initiatives, or community outreach, understanding the available grant options and application processes matters. This comprehensive guide provides a list of the top educational grants available to nonprofits in 2025, so your nonprofit treasurer and finance committee can secure valuable funding.
What is an Educational Grant?
An educational grant is a financial award provided to individuals, schools, nonprofits, or other educational institutions to support learning and academic pursuits. Grants are not expected to be repaid, making them an invaluable funding source for organizations operating in the education sector.
You can use educational grants in a variety of ways to strengthen your organization and enhance your programming. These funding opportunities support institutions and programs through multiple avenues, including:
- Technology and equipment acquisition
- Curriculum and materials development
- Professional development opportunities
Without adequate funding, organizations face immediate operational challenges including program reductions, staff layoffs, and delayed equipment purchases that directly impact their ability to serve students and families. As a result, an organization might be forced to look for new nonprofit fundraising ideas to fill the funding gap, though these alternative sources often take months to develop and may not provide the substantial, sustained funding that educational programming requires.
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Types of Educational Grants
Educational grants are issued from a variety of sources. Some of the most common types include:
1. Federal Grants
Federal grants are grants provided by the United States government. These grants typically support large-scale initiatives, national programs, and research projects that align with federal education priorities. Federal grants can provide substantial multi-year funding for qualifying organizations. Because federal grants often require extensive documentation, detailed budgets, and comprehensive evaluation plans, you will need a skilled nonprofit grant writer to compile and submit applications.
2. State Grants
State grants are awarded by a specific state agency. They focus on addressing local and regional educational needs, often complementing federal initiatives while targeting specific state priorities. These grants may be more accessible to smaller nonprofits and typically have shorter application cycles than federal opportunities. State grants often emphasize partnerships with local school districts, community colleges, and other regional nonprofits with 501c3 tax-exempt status.
3. Institutional Grants
Universities, colleges, and educational institutions frequently offer grants to support community-based educational programs. These institutional grants may provide funding for collaborative projects, research partnerships, or programs that align with the institution’s mission and community engagement goals. Such grants often come with opportunities for technical assistance and academic partnerships.
4. Private Grants
Private grants are financial awards offered by individuals, corporations, or foundations. They often focus on innovative approaches, underserved populations, or specific educational methodologies. Private grant funders may also provide valuable networking opportunities and ongoing support beyond financial assistance.
5. Research and Project-Based Grants
Research and project-based grants are grants that are offered for a specific research purpose or a certain type of project. These can be offered by the federal government, state government, private sources, and other organizations. Research and project-based grants often require partnerships with academic institutions or other research organizations and may include requirements for data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings to the broader educational community.
Best Educational Grants for Nonprofits
Educational grants for nonprofits can help you offer more services. Some of the best grants include:
1. U.S. Department of Education Grants
The U.S. Department of Education offers thousands of grants each year for educational purposes. These comprehensive funding opportunities include support for early childhood education, K-12 programming, adult education, special education services, and educational research initiatives. The Department’s grant portfolio represents billions in annual funding distributed through competitive and formula-based programs that address national education priorities and local community needs.
DoE grants provide substantial, multi-year funding that enables nonprofits to develop sustainable programs and achieve measurable impact at scale. The federal backing also lends credibility to your organization and can attract additional funding from other sources.
Eligibility requirements vary by specific program, but generally include nonprofit status, demonstrated experience in education programming, and alignment with specific grant objectives and priorities. Most programs require detailed needs assessments, comprehensive evaluation plans, and evidence-based program design. Organizations must also demonstrate fiscal responsibility and the capacity to manage federal funds according to strict compliance requirements.
2. National Science Foundation Education Grants
The National Science Foundation Education grants offer money to hundreds of groups and individuals to explore and develop new scientific advancements. NSF education grants fund innovative approaches to STEM education, teacher professional development, informal science learning, and research on effective educational practices. These grants specifically target programs that broaden participation in STEM fields, particularly among underrepresented groups and underserved communities.
Eligible organizations include nonprofits with demonstrated expertise in STEM education, partnerships with educational institutions or community organizations, and the capacity to conduct rigorous program evaluation. Applications must demonstrate innovation, potential for broader impact, and alignment with NSF’s strategic priorities for STEM education. Strong evaluation components and sustainability plans are typically required.
3. NEA Foundation Grants
The NEA Foundation offers both fellowships and grants for people who are in the education profession. These grants play a crucial role in addressing educational equity by providing resources directly to the educators and organizations serving students with the greatest needs. These grants often support creative and innovative approaches that may not receive funding from traditional sources.
Nonprofit organizations working in partnership with educators or serving students in high-need communities are eligible for NEA Foundation grants. Applications must demonstrate clear connections to student learning outcomes, educator professional growth, or systemic educational improvement. The Foundation prioritizes programs that serve diverse student populations and address educational equity concerns.
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When it comes to grant-seeking, the platform can help boards stay organized around funding opportunities, track application progress across multiple grants, and ensure the governance documentation and board resolutions required for grant applications are readily accessible and professionally formatted.
OnBoard Supports Nonprofit Board Leaders
Securing educational grants requires sophisticated organizational infrastructure, strategic planning capabilities, and robust governance systems. A board portal platform, like OnBoard, provides this support.
With purpose-built features for the nonprofit sector, OnBoard addresses the specific challenges educational nonprofits face in today’s competitive funding environment. The platform’s intuitive board meeting agenda builder ensures grant discussions receive appropriate attention and follow-through, while comprehensive document management capabilities keep critical grant information organized and accessible. When your nonprofit treasurer needs to present financial reports related to grant applications or compliance, OnBoard provides the tools necessary for clear, professional presentations that build confidence among board members and potential funders.
Beyond grant cycles, the platform enables organizations to maximize resources and mission impact through more productive and effective governance.
Ready to see why OnBoard is the leading board portal solutions for nonprofits? Request a free trial today.
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About The Author
- Gina Guy is an implementation consultant who specializes in working with nonprofit organizations get the most from their board meetings. She loves helping customers ease their workloads through their use of OnBoard. A Purdue University graduate, Gina enjoys refinishing furniture, running, kayaking, and traveling in her spare time. She lives in Monticello, Indiana, with her husband.
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