INNOVATION GRANTS

Turn your classroom idea into a funded project.

APSF awards up to $5,000 to APS educators for approaches that engage, inspire, and open doors for students that wouldn't otherwise be there.

Start your application Read the full guidelines

Open now

Cycle 1 — Aug 10 – Oct 9, 2026

Awards announced by end of October 2026

Opens Oct 19

Cycle 2 — Oct 19 – Dec 11, 2026

Awards announced by mid-January 2027

Is this grant for you?

Any current APS employee whose role is student-facing — teachers, specialists, counselors, social workers, academic coaches

One application per employee, and one per program or initiative, per school year

Projects consistent with APS's strategic priorities and APSF's mission

Your project should clearly align with an APS Strategic Objective — it's part of how applications are scored

Not open to parents, community members, or outside organizations applying on a school's behalf

Grants range from $1 to $5,000 per project.

How it works

Apply online

Create an account on our Foundant application platform and apply during an open cycle. Incomplete applications aren't considered.

Access code: 1987

Get your endorsement

Requests up to $1,000 need your Principal or Department Manager's sign-off. Requests above $1,000 also need your Division's Chief Officer's approval.

Hear back, then get to work

The Community Engagement Committee reviews every application against a scoring rubric. Funds are paid directly to your school or department account — you'll submit a short Final Reflection within 30 days of finishing your project.

What Innovation Grants have funded

STEM & Technology

Hands-on equipment and tools that expand access to science, tech, and design.

Example: 3D printing & robotics at Altura Elementary

Student Leadership & SEL

Programs that build leadership skills and support students' social-emotional growth.

Example: Oly Torch Crew leadership program, Gateway HS

Arts, Music & Enrichment

Experiences and materials that bring the arts within reach for every student.

Example: Mobile music studio, Dartmouth ES

Literacy & Language Equity

Tools and programs that close gaps in reading and math for multilingual learners.

Example: BookTrust literacy program, Lansing Elementary

A few things we don't fund

Staff salaries or substitute coverage, professional development, PTO or sports team support, apparel and spirit wear, capital improvements, and routine supplies or transportation already covered by school budgets.

William Smith High School — Digital Design

See a grant in action

At William Smith High School, an Innovation Grant brought digital design tools into the classroom — read how one educator's idea became a hands-on program for students.

Read the impact story

Ready to apply?

Not sure your project qualifies? Email us before you start — apsfoundation@aurorak12.org — we're happy to talk it through.

Start your application