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PrizeWhere: NationalNational: schools in any US state$Who gets the money: Goes to the school and a teacherOpen

National Life Group Foundation

LifeChanger of the Year

A yearly award for K-12 teachers and school staff who change students' lives. Prizes of $3,000 to $20,000 are split between the winner and their school.

Amount
Grand prize $20,000; 4 finalists $5,000; 10 awards of $3,000. Each is split half to the winner, half to the school
Can a for-profit school apply?
?Unclear: ask the funder
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026 (81 days left)
Who this fits
Microschool · Private schoolAny K-12 teacher or staff member (teachers, principals, aides, cooks, bus drivers and more) at a public, private or charter school. Half of each prize goes to the person, half to the school.?Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
New schools
Not stated for new schools
Where
National: schools in any US state
Last checked
Oct 9, 2026on lifechangeroftheyear.com
Apply on the funder’s site↗(opens lifechangeroftheyear.com in a new tab)Add to calendarAdd deadline to my calendar

Unconfirmed: check with the funder

We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.

  • ?Does a microschool count as a private school? The rules don't say.
  • ?“State accredited home school program” likely doesn't cover Arkansas homeschools or co-ops, which aren't state accredited.

How to apply

  1. Step 1: Pick the teacher or staff member to nominate
  2. Step 2: Write the nomination on the LifeChanger site
  3. Step 3: Submit by December 31, 2026 (Spotlight: October 31)

Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.

Who can apply

“currently employed to teach students or assist in student services at a public, private, charter school or state accredited home school program”
In the funder’s own words, from lifechangeroftheyear.com, checked Oct 9, 2026.

Anyone can nominate a K-12 school employee. The grand prize is a $10,000 personal award plus a $10,000 donation to the school; the other prizes split the same way. There are also Spirit, Spotlight and school-supplies awards. Its FAQ says: “All K-12 public, private, and charter school or school district employees are eligible.”

  • K-12 school employee in the U.S.
  • Nominated by anyone (a parent, coworker or student)
  • Short written nomination

Timing

Nominations for the 2026-27 school year close December 31, 2026 (the Spotlight Award closes October 31, 2026).

Not legal or tax advice. Whether your school should be for-profit or a nonprofit, or take on a loan, is a decision for your CPA or attorney. Always confirm the details on the funder’s own page before you apply.

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Homebook Funding Helper

This is not legal, tax or financial advice. Whether your school should be for-profit or a nonprofit, or take on a loan, is a decision for your CPA or attorney. Always confirm the details on the funder’s own page before you apply.

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