The National Park Trust has announced the 16th annual Kids to Parks Day School Grants Program in celebration of Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday in 2026. This is a terrific opportunity for DeKalb’s Title I schools to design student-driven, standards-aligned field experiences in partnership with our remarkable national parks and historic sites.
As we enter the holiday season, many of our students and families are facing genuine financial stress. Here are two practical, low-lift ways your school can help: Target’s Local Store GiftCard donations and the annual Great Giftogether holiday program
Target has a long history of investing in local communities. Since 1946, the company has directed 5% of its annual profits back to communities through products, cash, and the Target Foundation. That commitment translates into millions of dollars in support every week, and our schools are eligible to access a portion of that help.
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award recognizes schools that prioritize music education for all students. A BCME designation elevates your ensemble’s work, strengthens advocacy with families and partners, and helps sustain staffing, schedules, and student access. Beginning in 2026, honorees may also qualify for Opportunity Awards of up to $5,000 to support underfunded programs. Applications are due by January 31, 2026, with winners announced in April 2026.
The Walmart Foundation’s Healthier Food for All (HFFA)
Here’s a timely opportunity to strengthen academics and reduce food insecurity for our students and families. The Walmart Foundation’s Healthier Food for All (HFFA) invests in organizations that expand access to healthy food and build confidence in selecting, preparing, and serving nutritious meals, especially in underserved communities.
The Justin J. Watt Foundation (JJWF)
The Justin J. Watt Foundation (JJWF) invites after-school athletics programs to apply for equipment and uniform funding that directly expands access, builds character, and boosts student engagement. If your middle-grades (6–8) program meets between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. and your school serves a community with ≥60% Free/Reduced Lunch, you qualify to apply.
The ALDI Community Gift Card (ACGC) Program
The ALDI Community Gift Card (ACGC) program offers gift cards ranging from $100 to $1,000 to support after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks and pantries that purchase essential products. This program is a quick and flexible way to address small barriers that can significantly impact student engagement, attendance, and readiness to learn.
Amazon Future Engineer Curriculum and Teacher Trainings
The Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) program, an extension of the Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge, provides free access to CoderZ’s virtual robotics modules for 1,000 Title I teachers during this school year, which can serve up to 150 students per educator over a six-month period. After a three-hour introductory challenge, teachers can assign students to more advanced modules tailored to their grade level and abilities.
Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants - Round 4
The Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning and the Georgia Foundation for Public Education have launched Round 4 of the Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants. This initiative is designed to enhance partnerships with quality-rated childcare providers and align literacy practices with those of Pre-K and kindergarten students. Grant awards of up to $5,000.
Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation Instrument Grants
Looking to enhance student access to music and improve engagement? Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (MHOF) Grants provide new, high-quality instruments and equipment to schools in low-income communities, helping to strengthen existing music programs. Grants aim to expand current offerings—like adding beginning strings to a general music curriculum—rather than start new programs. MHOF has donated more than 39,000 instruments to over 1,800 schools.
Ben Carson Reading Projects THINK BIG
The Ben Carson Reading Project helps schools create inviting Reading Rooms with engaging books and student-friendly furniture strategically designed to promote independent reading and reflect Dr. Carson’s THINK BIG philosophy. So far, the project has established over 300 Reading Rooms in 24 states- including Georgia- and D.C., expanding access to enjoyable, everyday reading for students who need more practice with engaging books.
Teacher Innovation Grants
Are you ready to transform your classroom with a powerful idea that inspires deeper learning and student engagement? The Teacher Grants for Innovation, offered through the Georgia Teachers Initiative and funded by the Georgia Foundation for Public Education, are designed to support creative, classroom-based projects that lead to measurable improvements in student achievement.
DonorsChoose for Small Asks and Big Wins!
Founded in 2000 by Bronx teacher Charles Best, DonorsChoose was created after he observed that educators often spend hundreds of their own dollars each year. The platform helps classrooms secure funding for additional resources. So far, DCSD educators have raised $5.7 million from more than 22,500 donors, supporting nearly 10,000 projects for over 3,000 teachers. These resources are shipped directly to schools.
Georgia Outdoor Learning Project Grant
The Georgia Department of Education, in partnership with the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia, is offering an exciting opportunity through the Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration (GOLD) Projects Grant for 2025–26. This competitive grant funds innovative outdoor learning projects that can transform schoolyards and community spaces into engaging, hands-on classrooms.
