McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
Academic Enrichment Grants and Teacher Development Grants
Grants of up to $10,000 a year (up to $20,000 over two years) to individual teachers for enrichment projects with low-income students or for new classroom teaching approaches. The teacher applies, not the school.
- Amount
- Up to $10,000 a year, up to $20,000 over two years
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- Unclear: ask the funder
- Deadline
- Apr 15, 2027 (192 days left)
- Who this fits
- Private school · MicroschoolFor teachers, not schools: one teacher applies and receives the money. Teacher Development names “public or private schools”; Academic Enrichment needs low-income students.
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- National: schools in any US state
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026on mccartheydressman.org
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- Whether a teacher at a for-profit microschool counts as “employed by schools”: email info@mccartheydressman.org.
- Whether Teacher Development requires a state teaching license, or accepts other credentials, for private-school teachers.
What to do now
- Step 1: Pick the grant: Academic Enrichment (student enrichment) or Teacher Development (teaching practice)
- Step 2: Line up three to five recommenders before January, including your director
- Step 3: Apply online starting January 15, 2027; it closes April 15 or at 200 applications
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“are employed by schools or non-profit organizations (e.g. community centers, museums, etc.)”
That's the Academic Enrichment wording; those educators must also work with students “from low-income households” in grades pre-K to 12. Teacher Development Grants are for educators who “are licensed k-12 teachers employed in public or private schools.” The Foundation says it gives grants “to individuals only” and never to organizations, so the school itself can't apply. Whether a teacher at a for-profit microschool counts isn't addressed. Three letters of recommendation are required, one approving the project from the school's director.
- One teacher applies as an individual (a 1099 is issued)
- Academic Enrichment: students from low-income households, grades pre-K to 12
- Teacher Development: a licensed K-12 teacher at a public or private school
- Three to five letters of recommendation, one from your principal or director
Timing
The 2026 round is closed. Applications open January 15 and close April 15 each year, or sooner if 200 applications come in, so apply early. Decisions come July 15; checks are mailed August 15.