IDEA Mini-Grants

2026- 2027 Opportunities

The IDEA Mini-Grant Program is currently being reimagined to support the evolving needs of Illinois educators. Stay tuned for future updates and opportunities.


The program has helped IDEA members bring creative, student-centered projects to life—from makerspaces and classroom technology to emerging tools and learning experiences. We remain committed to supporting Illinois educators and celebrating ideas that inspire innovation and directly benefit students.


Please stay tuned for updates about the future of the IDEA Mini-Grant Program and other funding opportunities.


Questions? Contact the IDEA team at info@ideaillinois.org.

Invest in Illinois Educators

Sponsorship and Support

Great ideas can transform classrooms, but educators often need financial support to bring those ideas to life.


Your donation to IDEA’s Mini-Grant and Scholarship programs helps Illinois educators access professional learning, explore innovative practices, and create meaningful opportunities for their students. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps us reach and empower more educators across the state.


Invest in an educator today and help inspire what’s possible tomorrow.

Donate

Proposal Guidelines

The following guidelines apply to all Mini-Grant proposals:


  • The primary applicant must be an IDEA member in good standing. 


  • The primary applicant must be an employee of a public, private, or parochial PK-12th grade school.


  • The maximum amount of the Mini-Grant award is $1,000.  Projects for any amount up to $1,000 are welcome. Budget should reflect the actual amount needed to fund the project. Subscriptions are less likely to be funded based on the one-time allocation of funds.


  • Grant awardees agree to share their project/activities at the annual IDEA Conference or in an electronic format (blog post, live webinar, etc.) posted on the IDEA website. 


  • Each application must be for one project/activity, although a person can submit applications for more than one grant. Each application will be evaluated independently. Only one project/activity will be awarded.


  • Completed applications must be submitted via the application form by the announced closing application date as posted on the IDEA website. Incomplete applications will not be accepted past the closing application date.


  • All funds must be used to support the project as stated in the application and the detailed budget.


  • Awards are non-transferable.


  • Current Executive Board and Governing Board members of IDEA are not eligible for Mini-Grant awards.


  • Projects must be completed by the primary applicant no later than twelve months after receiving the award in February.


  • Grant awardees agree to complete the project and ensure that all funds are used as requested in their detailed budget.


  • All receipts for reimbursement must be submitted to the IDEA office. The reimbursement process will be shared with you upon notification of a grant award.


  • In the event of a conflict, IDEA policies will not supersede school district policies of the primary applicant.


  • Award winners will be notified via email, but award announcements will not be made public until IDEAcon. 




Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will be used to evaluate Mini-Grant proposals:


  • Proposal effectively integrates educational technologies into classroom instruction.



  • Initiates a project or aspect of a project that is new, innovative, and creative.


  • Demonstrates the ability to fulfill a currently unmet need or addresses an emerging problem.


  • Proposal has potential for other teachers to replicate or build upon the project and extend its use.


  • Project purpose, goals, and descriptions are well-defined and concise; and



  • Detailed budget, timeline, and plan for evaluation of outcomes are clearly stated.

Invest in Illinois Educators | Sponsorship and Support

Great ideas can transform classrooms, but educators often need financial support to bring those ideas to life.


Your donation to IDEA’s Mini-Grant and Scholarship programs helps Illinois educators access professional learning, explore innovative practices, and create meaningful opportunities for their students. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps us reach and empower more educators across the state.


Invest in an educator today and help inspire what’s possible tomorrow.

Donate