R.J. McElroy Trust (run by Central Rivers AEA)
McElroy Excellence in Education Enrichment Grant
Classroom grants of $100 to $3,000 for teachers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area. Accredited nonpublic schools in the 22 listed districts are included.
- Amount
- $100 to $3,000
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- Unclear: ask the funder
- Deadline
- Dec 8, 2026 (41 days left)
- Who this fits
- Private school · MicroschoolLicensed teachers at accredited nonpublic schools inside 22 listed Cedar Valley school districts (Waterloo, Cedar Falls and more). The page says the school must be 'Department of Education accredited'. A microschool fits only if it is accredited.Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- Iowa only, local area
- Last checked
- Oct 28, 2026on centralriversaea.org
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- Whether a for-profit accredited school is treated the same
- Whether 'Department of Education accredited' includes independently accredited schools on the Department's list (Iowa deems them accredited; confirm with Central Rivers AEA)
What to do now
- Step 1: Check that your school is accredited and inside one of the 22 listed districts
- Step 2: Plan a project that fits your current curriculum
- Step 3: Apply on the online platform linked from the Central Rivers AEA page between October 29 and December 8, 2026 (3 p.m.)
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“this includes all accredited non-public institutions within these district boundaries”
Districts: Aplington-Parkersburg, Cedar Falls, Clarksville, Denver, Dike-New Hartford, Dunkerton, East Buchanan, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Grundy Center, Hudson, Independence, Janesville, Jesup, Nashua-Plainfield, North Butler, North Tama, Sumner-Fredericksburg, Tripoli, Union, Wapsie Valley, Waterloo and Waverly-Shell Rock. The teacher needs a current Iowa teaching license, and the project must be part of this year's curriculum. One grant involvement per teacher per year. Faith hint: not_stated (past winners include Cedar Valley Catholic Schools and St. Athanasius School). Paid-to hint: classroom.
- Licensed teacher (or team) at an accredited school in a listed district
- Project is part of the current curriculum
- One grant per teacher for 2026-27
Timing
Opens Thursday, October 29, 2026 and closes Tuesday, December 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.