Homebook Funding Helper · Free

Startup money for your school or co-op, and help applying.Startup money for your microschool, private school or homeschool co-op, and help applying for it.

National programs, each with its own rules on who can apply, plus a full Arkansas guide. Now adding programs in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Tennessee and Texas as we check them. Request your state Prizes & contests

Grants, loans and prizes, each checked on the funder’s own site, starting with Arkansas. Each one answers can a for-profit school apply? Free, no email needed. How to use this (video, 4 min) (opens YouTube in a new tab)

Honest picture: of 34 options open to a for-profit school today, 13 are loans and 5 are grants.

open now (90 in the main list, 92 narrower ones one click away): 182open now (90 in the main list, 92 narrower ones one click away)
open now and say a for-profit school can apply: 34open now and say a for-profit school can apply
listings checked at the source, open or not: 275listings checked at the source, open or not

Checked nightly. Every night we open each program’s official page. If it hasn’t changed, its “last checked” date moves forward; if it has, a person re-checks it. When a round closes, it moves to Closed for this round on its own, and anything we can’t re-confirm shows “Checking…” instead of “Open.” New funding is added every week.

Updated Oct 12, 2026Every listing shows the date it was last checked.Get new funding by email

Built with input from The Reform Alliance.

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Deadlines in the next 30 days

yes. every kid. foundation.: SGO Start-Up Accelerator, Cohort 2Oct 12, 2026 · today · For-profit: no
The Conway Foundation (Toad Suck Daze festival proceeds): Toad Suck Daze Giving GrantsOct 13, 2026 · 1 day left · For-profit: unclear
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP): Classroom Teacher GrantsOct 14, 2026 · 2 days left · For-profit: unclear
Gift Card Bank (funded by Dollar Tree): Every Kindness is a GiftOct 16, 2026 · 4 days left · For-profit: no
National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions: Grosvenor Teacher FellowshipOct 22, 2026 · 10 days left · For-profit: unclear
Arkansas Environmental Education Association (AEEA): Environmental and Outdoor Education Mini-grantOct 23, 2026 · 11 days left · For-profit: unclear

See all 23

Opening in the next 60 days

The NAMM Foundation: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) school award + Opportunity AwardOpens Oct 14, 2026 · For-profit: unclear
Arkansas Arts Council (Arkansas Heritage): Arts in Education grantsOpens Oct 15, 2026 · For-profit: unclear
American Academy of Dermatology: Shade Structure GrantOpens Oct 19, 2026 · For-profit: no
Lorenz Family Foundation: Christian school project grantsOpens Nov 1, 2026 · For-profit: no
KidsGardening: 2027 Youth Garden GrantOpens Nov 9, 2026 · For-profit: unclear
Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (Arkansas Heritage): Historic Preservation Restoration GrantOpens Nov 16, 2026 · For-profit: yes

Plan ahead: when programs usually open, month by month

Open now

30 options match your filters

PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: yes
ORISE (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U.S. Department of Energy)
STEM Competitions for K-12 Students
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑opIn-kind
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Prizes like VEX robotics kits, Chromebooks and Fire tablets (two winners per grade band)
Quick online STEM contests for K-12 students from the U.S. Department of Energy's ORISE. Winners get prizes like robotics kits and Chromebooks.
Deadline Oct 31, 2026 (19 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Voice of Democracy audio-essay scholarship contest (grades 9-12)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
National first place $35,000 scholarship; other national scholarships up to $21,000; each state (VFW Department) first place at least $1,000 plus a trip to Valley Forge
High school students record a short audio essay on a patriotic theme and turn it in to a local VFW Post. Winners move up from Post to state to national, with scholarships at the state and national levels.
Deadline Oct 31, 2026 (19 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Patriot's Pen youth essay contest (grades 6-8)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
National first place $5,000; each state (VFW Department) first place winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level; more than $1 million in local and national awards
Middle school students write a 300 to 400 word essay on a patriotic theme and enter through a local VFW Post. Prizes are awarded at the local, state and national levels.
Deadline Oct 31, 2026 (19 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
NASA (Flight Opportunities program, run by Future Engineers)
TechRise Student Challenge
Who gets the money: Goes to the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$1,500 per winning team to build its experiment, plus mentoring (60 teams)
Student teams in grades 6–12 design an experiment to fly on a NASA-sponsored flight. Sixty winning teams get $1,500 and mentoring to build it.
Deadline Nov 2, 2026 (21 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Society for Science (sponsored by Regeneron)
Regeneron Science Talent Search
Who gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Top 300 scholars: $2,000 each, plus $2,000 to their high school for STEM. 40 finalists compete for awards up to $250,000
The country's best-known science research contest for high school seniors. The top 300 each get $2,000, and their school gets $2,000 more for STEM.
Deadline Nov 5, 2026 (24 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Economics Arkansas and ACC Capital
Y.E.S. (Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase) business plan contest
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: Arkansas onlyMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Teacher or mentor: $50 to $200; each student: $25 to $100; plus a trophy for the school
A free Arkansas business plan contest for grades 5 to 8. Winning students and their teacher or mentor get cash, and the school gets a trophy.
Deadline Nov 17, 2026 (36 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Bill of Rights Institute and iCivics
Civic Star Challenge
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Nine $5,000 winners plus four $1,250 honorable mentions ($50,000 total)
Teachers write a short description of a recent lesson on civic action, media literacy, or debate and dialogue and what students learned. A $5,000 winner is picked in each grade band each period.
Deadline Dec 15, 2026 (64 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)
Angela Award (female student in grades 5 to 8)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$500 cash award
A $500 award for one girl in grades 5 to 8 who is involved in or has a strong connection to science.
Deadline Dec 18, 2026 (67 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
NSTA and Shell USA
Shell Science Teaching Award
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$10,000 (plus a paid trip to the NSTA national conference)
A $10,000 award for one outstanding K-12 science teacher, plus a trip to the NSTA national conference. Teachers at private schools can apply.
Deadline Dec 18, 2026 (67 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
National Life Group Foundation
LifeChanger of the Year
Who gets the money: Goes to the school and a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Grand prize $20,000; 4 finalists $5,000; 10 awards of $3,000. Each is split half to the winner, half to the school
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.
Deadline Dec 31, 2026 (80 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
C-SPAN
StudentCam documentary contest
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Students: $250 to $5,000 per entry (150 prizes). Teacher adviser: $125 to $750
A yearly video contest from C-SPAN for middle and high school students. Winning students get $250 to $5,000, and their teacher adviser gets up to $750.
Deadline Jan 20, 2027 (100 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Toshiba and NSTA
ExploraVision science competition
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
First prize: a $10,000 Series EE Savings Bond at maturity, $5,000 cash or a $5,000 529 contribution per student; second prize half that
A K-12 team contest where students imagine how a technology could work in the future. Winning students get savings bonds, cash or 529 money, and every coach of a finished entry gets a gift.
Deadline Jan 27, 2027 (107 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (The Civic Trust)
National Civics Bee
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Anticipated minimum prizes: national 1st place $100,000 (529 plan contribution), 2nd $25,000, 3rd $15,000; state 1st $1,000, 2nd $500, 3rd $250; regional 1st $500, 2nd $250, 3rd $125 (all cash except the national 1st-place 529 contribution)
A free civics contest for middle schoolers. Students write short essays, and finalists compete in regional, state and national rounds for prizes.
Deadline Feb 2, 2027 (113 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: yes
The Christophers
High School Poster Contest (37th annual)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: yes
First Prize $1,000; Second Prize $500; Third Prize $250; up to five Honorable Mentions of $100 each
A free national poster contest from a Catholic nonprofit for students in grades 9 to 12. Posters must include the line "You can make a difference" and show how one person can change the world for the better.
Deadline Feb 11, 2027 (122 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Arkansas Historical Association
James H. Atkinson Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Arkansas History
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: Arkansas onlyMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$1000 prize and framed certificate
A $1,000 prize for an Arkansas elementary or secondary teacher who teaches Arkansas history well.
Deadline Feb 15, 2027 (126 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Reading Is Fundamental (with Barnes & Noble)
Rally to Read 100 Sweepstakes
Who gets the money: Goes to the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑opIn-kind? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
100 winners each get 100 K-5 books (about $400 value)
A free drawing for K-5 teachers: 100 schools or groups each win 100 children's books from Barnes & Noble. Homeschool and private-school educators are named in the rules.
Deadline Feb 28, 2027 (139 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
U.S. Army (Army STEM, formerly AEOP)
eCYBERMISSION STEM competition
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Cash per student: $250 or $500 (state), $1,000 or $2,000 (regional), $5,000 (national first place)
A free online STEM competition for grades 6 to 9 from the U.S. Army. Student teams solve a local problem, and winners get $250 to $5,000 each in cash.
Deadline Mar 3, 2027 (142 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Stossel in the Classroom
Student Essay Contest
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Students: $2,500 first, $1,000 second, $500 third in each division, plus smaller awards. Teachers: $50 to $150 Amazon gift cards
A free essay contest on current issues where students in grades 5 to 12 can win up to $2,500, and teachers earn Amazon gift cards when their students enter.
Deadline Mar 12, 2027 (151 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum
Music Educator Award
Who gets the money: Goes to the school and a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschool? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Winner: $10,000; finalists $1,000; semifinalists $500. Each comes with a matching grant to the school
A yearly award for great music teachers. The winner gets $10,000, finalists and semifinalists get $500 to $1,000, and each school gets a matching grant.
Deadline Mar 31, 2027 (170 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: yes
Bill of Rights Institute
Community Impact Contest (formerly MyImpact Challenge)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Grand prize $10,000; second $5,000; third $2,500; up to 9 honorable mentions of $500
A national contest for teens who lead a project that helps their community. Students send an essay and a video; prizes range from $500 to $10,000.
Deadline Apr 19, 2027 (189 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Shane McConkey Foundation
Shane McConkey EcoChallenge
Who gets the money: Goes to the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$27,250 in total prizes; $250 to $5,000 per winner
A free environmental action contest for students and classes. Winning projects earn $250 to $5,000, paid to the student's school or a nonprofit of their choice.
Deadline Apr 22, 2027 (192 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
History Teacher of the Year
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$1,000 to each state winner; $10,000 to the national winner
A yearly award for great K-12 history teachers. Each state winner gets $1,000, and one national winner gets $10,000.
Deadline Apr 30, 2027 (200 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Project Paradigm
The Paradigm Challenge
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Students: $200 to $100,000 per team. Educator grants: $50 to $5,000
A free contest for students ages 4 to 18 who come up with a fix for a real-life problem. Student teams can win up to $100,000, and the teachers who inspire them can win up to $5,000.
Deadline May 1, 2027 (201 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Constituting America
We The Future Contest, teacher category
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$2,000 for the best lesson plan; $1,000 for the teacher with the most student entries; $50 gift card for 10+ student entries
A free civics contest with a $2,000 prize for the best teacher lesson plan on the Declaration of Independence, plus $1,000 and gift cards for teachers who get students to enter. Home educators can enter.
Deadline May 31, 2027 (231 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Bow Seat Creative Action for Conservation
Blue Planet Awareness Contest (formerly Ocean Awareness Contest), student contest
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Cash awards up to $1,000; extra $500 awards (We All Rise Prize, Voice of the Sea Award)
Students ages 11 to 18 make art, writing, film, music or multimedia about an environmental theme. Winners in each category and age group get cash awards, and there is no entry fee.
Deadline Jun 7, 2027 (238 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Bow Seat Creative Action for Conservation
Educator Innovation Award
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$500 (Massachusetts nominees also eligible for a $750 Bay State Educator Award)
A $500 award for teachers, including homeschool teachers, who bring Bow Seat's ocean and environment art and writing contest to a group of students.
Deadline Jul 1, 2027 (262 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Educator Awards
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$50 gift certificate to $1,000 cash, depending on the student's award
Teachers whose students win national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards can receive $50 to $1,000. The student contest has small entry fees with waivers.
OpenBrand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Arkansas Arts Council (with the National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation)
Poetry Out Loud
Who gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentWhere: Arkansas onlyPrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
State: $200 to the champion and $500 to their school for poetry materials; runner-up $100 and $200 to their school. National: up to $20,000
A free poetry recitation contest for high schoolers. Arkansas state winners earn cash and money for their school to buy poetry books, and the national champion wins $20,000. Homeschoolers can take part.
OpenBrand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Economics Arkansas
The Stock Market Game (Arkansas)
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: Arkansas onlyPrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Teacher division: $100 winner, $250 for the top teacher portfolio. Student teams: $125 to $250 split among members
A free stock market simulation for Arkansas classes, with small cash prizes for winning student teams and for teachers who play in the teacher division.
OpenBrand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Optimist International (local Optimist Clubs)
Optimist International Essay Contest and Oratorical Contest
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Essay: $2,500 college scholarship at the District level. Oratorical: District 1st $2,500, 2nd $1,500, 3rd $1,000 scholarships (at the District's discretion); regional $5,000 and world champion $15,000
Students under 19 who have not finished high school write an essay or give a speech through a local Optimist Club. District winners earn college scholarships.
OpenBrand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?

New national funding, plus your state’s, once a month, only when there’s something new. Get it by email

Closed for this round

Not open right now. Most come back every year; when the funder posts the next round, the listing moves back to the open list. We show when it opens again only when the funder says so.

PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the schoolThe NAMM Foundation: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) school award + Opportunity Award
The 2027 BCME application opens October 14, 2026 and closes January 31, 2027. Awardees announced April 2027.
Next round opens Oct 14, 2026.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolYoung Heroes Project: Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Two steps: pre-application due 5:00 PM MT March 15 each year, full application due 5:00 PM MT April 15 each year. The 2026 pre-application window was January 7 to March 15; the 2027 opening date is not posted.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolAmerican Foreign Service Association (AFSA): National High School Essay Contest
The 2025-2026 submission window is closed. Yearly contest; 2026-27 topic and dates not posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to the schoolArkansas Department of Agriculture (funded by Farm Credit): Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest
The 2026 contest is closed; winners will be announced in fall 2026. It has run every year since 2014. Watch the page for the next round.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentArkansas Department of Education (Computer Science Initiative): Arkansas State Coding Competition
Yearly. The 2026 contest was March 31, 2026 (registration closed February 20). 2027 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to a teacherArkansas Farm Bureau (Ag in the Classroom): Arkansas Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher Award
Yearly. The 2026 award opened January 6 and closed March 6, 2026. 2027 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentArkansas Game and Fish Commission: Generation Conservation Summit competitions
2026 registration closed September 21 (on-site summit spots go only to regional qualifiers, registration by October 23). The summit is November 4 to 5, 2026 in Hot Springs. 2026 is the second year, so expect registration again in late summer 2027.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the school, a teacher and the studentBreakthrough Prize Foundation: Breakthrough Junior Challenge
The 2026 round ran May 11 to September 15, 2026 and has closed. Watch the page for the next round.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to a teacherEconomics Arkansas (Arkansas Council on Economic Education): Bessie B. Moore Awards Program for teaching economics
Yearly. The 2025-26 entry covered projects taught August 2025 to June 2026 and was due August 3, 2026. The 2026-27 entry form is not posted yet; expect a similar early August 2027 deadline.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentGoogle: Doodle for Google
Yearly. The 2025-26 contest ran October 15 to December 17, 2025, and the winner was announced in June 2026. 2026-27 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolNational Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR): American History Essay Contest (grades 5-8) and Patriots of the American Revolution High School Essay Contest (grades 9-12)
Yearly contest run through local DAR chapters; the topic and local deadlines are set each school year (2026-27 dates not posted on the national page). Contact a local DAR chapter.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolThe American Legion: National High School Oratorical Contest
Starts at the local Post level and goes to state contests; local and Arkansas deadlines are set by the Post and the Arkansas department (not posted on the national page). 2027 National Finals May 14-16 at Hillsdale College, Michigan.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to a teacher's classroom and a teacherThe Henry Ford: Teacher Innovator Awards
Yearly. Last contest ran October 13, 2025 to January 29, 2026. Next contest dates not posted as of October 10, 2026. You must join inHub at least 90 days before you register.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, funded by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board: Soybean Science Challenge cash awards
Yearly. Enroll in the course by December 1 and send the completion certificate by January 31 (the page doesn't give the year; its fair dates are for 2026). Regional fairs run in February and March, the state fair in April.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the school and a teacherVoya Financial: Unsung Heroes awards
The 2026 application deadline was extended to April 30, 2026 (3:00 p.m. Central), per the program's application site. 2027 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the schoolYass Foundation for Education (powered by the Center for Education Reform): Yass Prize
Annual. The 2026 winners were named October 6, 2026; the $1 million prize went to a school in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. 2027 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolDavidson Institute: Davidson Fellows Scholarship
The 2027 application “will open in the Fall of 2026” (no date posted yet). Last year's deadline was February 18, 2026.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: noLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the schoolState Policy Network: Ed-Prize and Civics Prize
Annual. The 2026 first round ran Mar 16 to Apr 12 and is closed. 2027 dates not posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: noLast checked Oct 9, 2026

Checked: not an option

Names founders often hear about that a microschool or co-op can’t use, or that no longer exist. We checked so you don’t spend an afternoon finding out. Most were checked for Arkansas schools, and each note says why, so one may still fit a school in another state.

Not for a private school, co-op or Arkansas applicant

Honda USA Foundation (formerly American Honda Foundation): Its 2027 round is open Oct 1–31, 2026 ($25,000–$100,000, mostly for organizations with budgets over $500,000), but programs must serve one of 17 named states (AL, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, SC, TX). Arkansas isn't one of them. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow: A big STEM contest with school prizes up to $50,000, but only for public school students: “All schools must be at least 50% publicly funded to compete.” Their site (checked Oct 9, 2026)
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock scholarship appeal: Tuition aid for the diocese’s own Catholic schools. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
AFT Innovation Fund: Goes to AFT union locals, and its page says “No applications are being accepted at this time.” (checked Oct 2, 2026)
IFF, LIIF and Capital Impact Partners: Lenders focused on nonprofits in other regions, charter schools, or growth-stage companies; not a fit for a small private school in Arkansas. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Cartier Women’s Initiative: For-profit, women-led companies with revenue of $50,000 to $5 million and 5 to 250 team members; its FAQ says it doesn't accept nonprofits. Not for an early-stage school. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
National Science Foundation ITEST: A federal research and development program for STEM learning projects, not money to start or run a school. No upcoming due dates posted. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Kickstarter: Built for creative projects with rewards. Its rules say projects must create something new to share with others, so school running costs or tuition don’t fit. (checked Oct 2, 2026)

No program a school can apply for

Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC): No direct small-business grant; it funds startup accelerators instead. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Arkansas Baptist State Convention and Arkansas Baptist Foundation: Neither site posts a school startup grant or loan. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
City of Little Rock youth-program contracts: Contracts for youth programs, not grants to businesses. (checked Oct 1, 2026)

Invitation only

Gates Foundation: Invites proposals by contacting organizations itself, apart from occasional published requests for proposals. There is no open application for starting a school. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Voya Foundation: Its page says applications are accepted on an invitation-only basis. (Voya’s separate Unsung Heroes awards are listed above.) (checked Oct 2, 2026)

Ended

Arkansas Gives: Retired: the last giving day was April 6, 2017, and its old address no longer resolves. (checked Oct 2, 2026)

No official page we could check

Simmons First Foundation: We found no grant page we could reach (the pages we tried were gone). Earlier reports say grants start with Simmons bank leaders, not an open application. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Riggs Benevolent Fund, Stephens, Dillard’s and Murphy (El Dorado): No official grant page found. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Other Arkansas cities and banks: No business-grant program found on their official sites. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Kids In Need Foundation: Its site shows no public application we could read. (checked Oct 2, 2026)

Help that isn’t money

ASBTDC (Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center)
One-to-one confidential consulting and market research at no charge for for-profit businesses, with offices in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Magnolia, Russellville and West Memphis.
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
ACC Capital coaching
Free one-on-one coaches for your business plan and financial statements, offered with ACC’s microloan (for for-profit small businesses).
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
Startup Junkie (Northwest Arkansas)
No-cost consulting for entrepreneurs, startups and growth-oriented for-profit small businesses. Also runs Kiva NWA.
MicroschoolPrivate school
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
SCORE
Free volunteer business mentors, through the SBA.
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
SBA Lender Match
Not a loan application: a tool to find lenders in your community. Matches come in about two days, with no guarantee of a loan.
MicroschoolPrivate school
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
SchoolStack Budget
A five-year school financial model built by the Building Hope Impact Fund (which also administers The Lending Lab), free during beta. Its sample school is a demo, not a benchmark.
MicroschoolPrivate school
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
Herzog Foundation SchoolBox
Free online training to launch and lead Christian schools, microschools and homeschool co-ops, plus free training events.
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 6, 2026
Fiscal Sponsorship Allies
A Model C fiscal sponsor for charitable projects: $75 a month plus 3.89% of donations. An example, not a recommendation.
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
Arkansas State Parks homeschool programs
With advance notice, park staff present the same curriculum-based programs offered to public and private school groups.
Homeschool co‑opMicroschool
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
Museum of Discovery (Little Rock)
A homeschool class series for ages 7–12 ($17 members, $25 non-members per class), and group rates for 15+ from schools or 501(c)(3)s.
Homeschool co‑opMicroschoolPrivate school
Last checked Oct 9, 2026

Free research toolbox

Free places to dig further, before you pay for a grant search site. They list other people’s grants, so check on the funder’s own page that one fits your school’s setup (LLC, corporation or 501(c)(3)).

Candid’s funder database, free at Arkansas libraries
Candid’s full database of foundations and the grants they have made, free to use at the library: in person at the 9 Southeast Arkansas Regional Library branches and at Central Arkansas Library System branches (Little Rock), and through Fayetteville Public Library. Call ahead to check hours and access.
Checked Oct 10, 2026
Grants.gov email alerts
A nightly email of new or changed federal grant postings, for a saved search or for programs you follow. Needs a Grants.gov account. Few federal grants fit a private school, so search before you sign up.
Checked Oct 10, 2026
CDW Education Funding (was GetEdFunding)
A searchable list of grants for schools, with filters for state, school type (private is one) and grade. You can search without an account; saving a search needs a login. Run by CDW, a technology seller.
Checked Oct 10, 2026
ASBTDC funding help
Free one-on-one consulting for Arkansas small businesses, including putting together a loan package, reviewing a funding proposal and working out how much money you need. They don’t lend money themselves.
Checked Oct 10, 2026
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
Look up a foundation’s yearly tax returns (Form 990 or 990-PF) to see who it gave grants to and how much. No account needed.
Checked Oct 10, 2026

Paid sites people ask about: GrantWatch and The Grant Portal. Full listings on these need a paid subscription (prices checked Oct 2, 2026).

Still checking

We couldn’t confirm these on the funder’s own site, so we don’t list them as options yet.

VELA Education Fund: Re-checked Oct 2, 2026: VELA’s site says founders find funding opportunities through its Founder Network and the VELA app, but it posts no grant amounts, rules or dates publicly. To see them, apply to join the Founder Network. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Stand Together Trust: Its site says it supports social entrepreneurs working in education and partners it selects; it posts no open application, amounts or dates. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
4.0 (including its Essentials and Tiny Fellowships): Its Essentials page posts a $500 stipend to test an education idea, with a path to a $5,000 Tiny Fellowship, but the last cohort (Jan 24 and 31, 2026) was for educators in Austin and Houston, Texas, and no new cohort or eligibility is posted. We'll list it if a cohort opens that an Arkansas founder can join. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Comcast RISE: Its old site now points to a different Comcast program, with no open round or Arkansas eligibility shown. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
IFundWomen: Its grants page blocked our check. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Lowe’s Hometowns: Lowe’s community-space renovation program. Its pages returned “page not found” on Oct 2, 2026, so we can’t confirm a 2027 round or who may apply. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Fearless Fund: Its grants page says grants go to women-of-color-led businesses through its Get Venture Ready cohorts, where participants pitch for grants; no open round or dates are posted. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
The 1954 Project (Luminary Award): A $1 million unrestricted award for established education nonprofit leaders serving Black students and communities, not a school startup grant. The 2026 cycle is closed; its page says the 2027 cycle opens in fall 2026. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Self-Help (Center for Community Self-Help): Its site blocked our check, so private-school and Arkansas coverage are unknown. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Maclellan Foundation: Third-party sources say invitation only; its site gave no text to check. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Endeavor Foundation (Northwest Arkansas): Only third-party listings; its site wouldn’t load. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Crystal Bridges Museum free school visits: Its page says “100% of costs covered – busing, lunch, and substitutes” for K-12 school visits. Whether private schools or homeschool groups qualify isn’t stated: ask school.programs@crystalbridges.org. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
AGFC Archery in the Schools grants: Order forms list private schools and nonprofits, but whether they can get the grants isn’t stated. Ask the program coordinator. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
City of Conway small-business grants and micro-enterprise loans: The city’s site mentions them without amounts or rules. Ask the Community Development office (501-450-6100). (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Delta Regional Authority, other city grants and local bank grants: Not confirmed on official pages yet. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Charles Lafitte Foundation: Funds education among other causes, but its grants page now goes to the home page, with no application, amounts or rules posted. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Saxena Family Foundation: Its site shows only a name and a slogan, with no grant program, amounts or rules. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative: Its grants page lists past grants but no open application a school can use. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)

New to this? Three steps

1Get your paperwork readyThe 11 things funders ask a school for, in plain English: EIN, bank account, budget, proof of enrollment and more.See what funders ask for
2Find money your school can getFilter by school type, whether a for-profit school can apply, how much it is, and when it’s due. Loans and grants are labeled, so there are no surprises.Go to the list
3Apply step by stepEvery listing has a how-to-apply checklist, the funder’s own eligibility wording, and a link to the official page.Pick a listing below

Your school isn’t a 501(c)(3) and the grant says nonprofits only? Here’s what a fiscal sponsor is, and why to ask a CPA first.

Ask the Funding Helper

An AI that answers only from the listings and guides on this site, with links to each one. It can still be wrong, so check with the funder. Not legal or tax advice. Please don’t share personal information. Chats are processed by ElevenLabs and kept for 90 days to improve the guides (privacy).

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Request your state

The national programs on this page aren’t tied to one state. Arkansas has a full guide so far. Tell us your state and we will add states one at a time, starting with the ones schools ask for most.

The Homebook app already works in any state. Asking for your state’s ESA or EFA program means the tools built for that program.

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We use this only to plan states and to reply. Privacy

Getting your paperwork ready?

Funders ask small schools for the same few things: an EIN, a separate bank account, a budget, proof of enrollment. Here’s that list in plain English.

What funders ask a school for
Your school isn’t a 501(c)(3). Can you still get nonprofit grants?

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.

Want deadline reminders? Save listings to My list and download their deadlines to your calendar, or subscribe to every open deadline (reminders 14 and 3 days before). It goes to your own calendar; nothing about you is stored here.

Homebook Funding Helper · Free

Startup money for your school or co-op, and help applying.Startup money for your microschool, private school or homeschool co-op, and help applying for it.

Honest picture: of 34 options open to a for-profit school today, 13 are loans and 5 are grants.

open now (90 in the main list, 92 narrower ones one click away): 182open now (90 in the main list, 92 narrower ones one click away)
open now and say a for-profit school can apply: 34open now and say a for-profit school can apply
listings checked at the source, open or not: 275listings checked at the source, open or not

Updated Oct 12, 2026Every listing shows the date it was last checked.Get new funding by email

Built with input from The Reform Alliance.

New to this? Start with three steps Get new funding by email

Deadlines in the next 30 days

yes. every kid. foundation.: SGO Start-Up Accelerator, Cohort 2Oct 12, 2026 · today · For-profit: no
The Conway Foundation (Toad Suck Daze festival proceeds): Toad Suck Daze Giving GrantsOct 13, 2026 · 1 day left · For-profit: unclear
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP): Classroom Teacher GrantsOct 14, 2026 · 2 days left · For-profit: unclear
Gift Card Bank (funded by Dollar Tree): Every Kindness is a GiftOct 16, 2026 · 4 days left · For-profit: no
National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions: Grosvenor Teacher FellowshipOct 22, 2026 · 10 days left · For-profit: unclear
Arkansas Environmental Education Association (AEEA): Environmental and Outdoor Education Mini-grantOct 23, 2026 · 11 days left · For-profit: unclear

See all 23

Opening in the next 60 days

The NAMM Foundation: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) school award + Opportunity AwardOpens Oct 14, 2026 · For-profit: unclear
Arkansas Arts Council (Arkansas Heritage): Arts in Education grantsOpens Oct 15, 2026 · For-profit: unclear
American Academy of Dermatology: Shade Structure GrantOpens Oct 19, 2026 · For-profit: no
Lorenz Family Foundation: Christian school project grantsOpens Nov 1, 2026 · For-profit: no
KidsGardening: 2027 Youth Garden GrantOpens Nov 9, 2026 · For-profit: unclear
Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (Arkansas Heritage): Historic Preservation Restoration GrantOpens Nov 16, 2026 · For-profit: yes

Plan ahead: when programs usually open, month by month

Open now

30 options match your filters

PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: yes
ORISE (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U.S. Department of Energy)
STEM Competitions for K-12 Students
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑opIn-kind
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Prizes like VEX robotics kits, Chromebooks and Fire tablets (two winners per grade band)
Quick online STEM contests for K-12 students from the U.S. Department of Energy's ORISE. Winners get prizes like robotics kits and Chromebooks.
Deadline Oct 31, 2026 (19 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Voice of Democracy audio-essay scholarship contest (grades 9-12)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
National first place $35,000 scholarship; other national scholarships up to $21,000; each state (VFW Department) first place at least $1,000 plus a trip to Valley Forge
High school students record a short audio essay on a patriotic theme and turn it in to a local VFW Post. Winners move up from Post to state to national, with scholarships at the state and national levels.
Deadline Oct 31, 2026 (19 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Patriot's Pen youth essay contest (grades 6-8)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
National first place $5,000; each state (VFW Department) first place winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level; more than $1 million in local and national awards
Middle school students write a 300 to 400 word essay on a patriotic theme and enter through a local VFW Post. Prizes are awarded at the local, state and national levels.
Deadline Oct 31, 2026 (19 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
NASA (Flight Opportunities program, run by Future Engineers)
TechRise Student Challenge
Who gets the money: Goes to the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$1,500 per winning team to build its experiment, plus mentoring (60 teams)
Student teams in grades 6–12 design an experiment to fly on a NASA-sponsored flight. Sixty winning teams get $1,500 and mentoring to build it.
Deadline Nov 2, 2026 (21 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Society for Science (sponsored by Regeneron)
Regeneron Science Talent Search
Who gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Top 300 scholars: $2,000 each, plus $2,000 to their high school for STEM. 40 finalists compete for awards up to $250,000
The country's best-known science research contest for high school seniors. The top 300 each get $2,000, and their school gets $2,000 more for STEM.
Deadline Nov 5, 2026 (24 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Economics Arkansas and ACC Capital
Y.E.S. (Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase) business plan contest
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: Arkansas onlyMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Teacher or mentor: $50 to $200; each student: $25 to $100; plus a trophy for the school
A free Arkansas business plan contest for grades 5 to 8. Winning students and their teacher or mentor get cash, and the school gets a trophy.
Deadline Nov 17, 2026 (36 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Bill of Rights Institute and iCivics
Civic Star Challenge
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Nine $5,000 winners plus four $1,250 honorable mentions ($50,000 total)
Teachers write a short description of a recent lesson on civic action, media literacy, or debate and dialogue and what students learned. A $5,000 winner is picked in each grade band each period.
Deadline Dec 15, 2026 (64 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)
Angela Award (female student in grades 5 to 8)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$500 cash award
A $500 award for one girl in grades 5 to 8 who is involved in or has a strong connection to science.
Deadline Dec 18, 2026 (67 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
NSTA and Shell USA
Shell Science Teaching Award
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$10,000 (plus a paid trip to the NSTA national conference)
A $10,000 award for one outstanding K-12 science teacher, plus a trip to the NSTA national conference. Teachers at private schools can apply.
Deadline Dec 18, 2026 (67 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
National Life Group Foundation
LifeChanger of the Year
Who gets the money: Goes to the school and a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Grand prize $20,000; 4 finalists $5,000; 10 awards of $3,000. Each is split half to the winner, half to the school
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.
Deadline Dec 31, 2026 (80 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
C-SPAN
StudentCam documentary contest
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Students: $250 to $5,000 per entry (150 prizes). Teacher adviser: $125 to $750
A yearly video contest from C-SPAN for middle and high school students. Winning students get $250 to $5,000, and their teacher adviser gets up to $750.
Deadline Jan 20, 2027 (100 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Toshiba and NSTA
ExploraVision science competition
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
First prize: a $10,000 Series EE Savings Bond at maturity, $5,000 cash or a $5,000 529 contribution per student; second prize half that
A K-12 team contest where students imagine how a technology could work in the future. Winning students get savings bonds, cash or 529 money, and every coach of a finished entry gets a gift.
Deadline Jan 27, 2027 (107 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (The Civic Trust)
National Civics Bee
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Anticipated minimum prizes: national 1st place $100,000 (529 plan contribution), 2nd $25,000, 3rd $15,000; state 1st $1,000, 2nd $500, 3rd $250; regional 1st $500, 2nd $250, 3rd $125 (all cash except the national 1st-place 529 contribution)
A free civics contest for middle schoolers. Students write short essays, and finalists compete in regional, state and national rounds for prizes.
Deadline Feb 2, 2027 (113 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: yes
The Christophers
High School Poster Contest (37th annual)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: yes
First Prize $1,000; Second Prize $500; Third Prize $250; up to five Honorable Mentions of $100 each
A free national poster contest from a Catholic nonprofit for students in grades 9 to 12. Posters must include the line "You can make a difference" and show how one person can change the world for the better.
Deadline Feb 11, 2027 (122 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Arkansas Historical Association
James H. Atkinson Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Arkansas History
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: Arkansas onlyMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$1000 prize and framed certificate
A $1,000 prize for an Arkansas elementary or secondary teacher who teaches Arkansas history well.
Deadline Feb 15, 2027 (126 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Reading Is Fundamental (with Barnes & Noble)
Rally to Read 100 Sweepstakes
Who gets the money: Goes to the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑opIn-kind? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
100 winners each get 100 K-5 books (about $400 value)
A free drawing for K-5 teachers: 100 schools or groups each win 100 children's books from Barnes & Noble. Homeschool and private-school educators are named in the rules.
Deadline Feb 28, 2027 (139 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
U.S. Army (Army STEM, formerly AEOP)
eCYBERMISSION STEM competition
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Cash per student: $250 or $500 (state), $1,000 or $2,000 (regional), $5,000 (national first place)
A free online STEM competition for grades 6 to 9 from the U.S. Army. Student teams solve a local problem, and winners get $250 to $5,000 each in cash.
Deadline Mar 3, 2027 (142 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Stossel in the Classroom
Student Essay Contest
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Students: $2,500 first, $1,000 second, $500 third in each division, plus smaller awards. Teachers: $50 to $150 Amazon gift cards
A free essay contest on current issues where students in grades 5 to 12 can win up to $2,500, and teachers earn Amazon gift cards when their students enter.
Deadline Mar 12, 2027 (151 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum
Music Educator Award
Who gets the money: Goes to the school and a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschool? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Winner: $10,000; finalists $1,000; semifinalists $500. Each comes with a matching grant to the school
A yearly award for great music teachers. The winner gets $10,000, finalists and semifinalists get $500 to $1,000, and each school gets a matching grant.
Deadline Mar 31, 2027 (170 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: yes
Bill of Rights Institute
Community Impact Contest (formerly MyImpact Challenge)
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Grand prize $10,000; second $5,000; third $2,500; up to 9 honorable mentions of $500
A national contest for teens who lead a project that helps their community. Students send an essay and a video; prizes range from $500 to $10,000.
Deadline Apr 19, 2027 (189 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Shane McConkey Foundation
Shane McConkey EcoChallenge
Who gets the money: Goes to the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$27,250 in total prizes; $250 to $5,000 per winner
A free environmental action contest for students and classes. Winning projects earn $250 to $5,000, paid to the student's school or a nonprofit of their choice.
Deadline Apr 22, 2027 (192 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
History Teacher of the Year
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate school? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$1,000 to each state winner; $10,000 to the national winner
A yearly award for great K-12 history teachers. Each state winner gets $1,000, and one national winner gets $10,000.
Deadline Apr 30, 2027 (200 days left)Not stated for new schools
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Project Paradigm
The Paradigm Challenge
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Students: $200 to $100,000 per team. Educator grants: $50 to $5,000
A free contest for students ages 4 to 18 who come up with a fix for a real-life problem. Student teams can win up to $100,000, and the teachers who inspire them can win up to $5,000.
Deadline May 1, 2027 (201 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 9, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Constituting America
We The Future Contest, teacher category
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$2,000 for the best lesson plan; $1,000 for the teacher with the most student entries; $50 gift card for 10+ student entries
A free civics contest with a $2,000 prize for the best teacher lesson plan on the Declaration of Independence, plus $1,000 and gift cards for teachers who get students to enter. Home educators can enter.
Deadline May 31, 2027 (231 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Bow Seat Creative Action for Conservation
Blue Planet Awareness Contest (formerly Ocean Awareness Contest), student contest
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Cash awards up to $1,000; extra $500 awards (We All Rise Prize, Voice of the Sea Award)
Students ages 11 to 18 make art, writing, film, music or multimedia about an environmental theme. Winners in each category and age group get cash awards, and there is no entry fee.
Deadline Jun 7, 2027 (238 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Bow Seat Creative Action for Conservation
Educator Innovation Award
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$500 (Massachusetts nominees also eligible for a $750 Bay State Educator Award)
A $500 award for teachers, including homeschool teachers, who bring Bow Seat's ocean and environment art and writing contest to a group of students.
Deadline Jul 1, 2027 (262 days left)Brand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Educator Awards
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacherWhere: National: schools in any US statePrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
$50 gift certificate to $1,000 cash, depending on the student's award
Teachers whose students win national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards can receive $50 to $1,000. The student contest has small entry fees with waivers.
OpenBrand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Arkansas Arts Council (with the National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation)
Poetry Out Loud
Who gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentWhere: Arkansas onlyPrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
State: $200 to the champion and $500 to their school for poetry materials; runner-up $100 and $200 to their school. National: up to $20,000
A free poetry recitation contest for high schoolers. Arkansas state winners earn cash and money for their school to buy poetry books, and the national champion wins $20,000. Homeschoolers can take part.
OpenBrand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Economics Arkansas
The Stock Market Game (Arkansas)
Who gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentWhere: Arkansas onlyPrivate schoolMicroschoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Teacher division: $100 winner, $250 for the top teacher portfolio. Student teams: $125 to $250 split among members
A free stock market simulation for Arkansas classes, with small cash prizes for winning student teams and for teachers who play in the teacher division.
OpenBrand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?
PrizeCompetitionFor-profit: unclear
Optimist International (local Optimist Clubs)
Optimist International Essay Contest and Oratorical Contest
Who gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolWhere: National: schools in any US stateMicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op? Some details unconfirmed
Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
Essay: $2,500 college scholarship at the District level. Oratorical: District 1st $2,500, 2nd $1,500, 3rd $1,000 scholarships (at the District's discretion); regional $5,000 and world champion $15,000
Students under 19 who have not finished high school write an essay or give a speech through a local Optimist Club. District winners earn college scholarships.
OpenBrand-new schools can apply
Last checked Oct 10, 2026Something off?

New national funding, plus your state’s, once a month, only when there’s something new. Get it by email

Closed for this round

Not open right now. Most come back every year; when the funder posts the next round, the listing moves back to the open list. We show when it opens again only when the funder says so.

PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the schoolThe NAMM Foundation: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) school award + Opportunity Award
The 2027 BCME application opens October 14, 2026 and closes January 31, 2027. Awardees announced April 2027.
Next round opens Oct 14, 2026.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolYoung Heroes Project: Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Two steps: pre-application due 5:00 PM MT March 15 each year, full application due 5:00 PM MT April 15 each year. The 2026 pre-application window was January 7 to March 15; the 2027 opening date is not posted.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolAmerican Foreign Service Association (AFSA): National High School Essay Contest
The 2025-2026 submission window is closed. Yearly contest; 2026-27 topic and dates not posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to the schoolArkansas Department of Agriculture (funded by Farm Credit): Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest
The 2026 contest is closed; winners will be announced in fall 2026. It has run every year since 2014. Watch the page for the next round.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentArkansas Department of Education (Computer Science Initiative): Arkansas State Coding Competition
Yearly. The 2026 contest was March 31, 2026 (registration closed February 20). 2027 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to a teacherArkansas Farm Bureau (Ag in the Classroom): Arkansas Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher Award
Yearly. The 2026 award opened January 6 and closed March 6, 2026. 2027 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentArkansas Game and Fish Commission: Generation Conservation Summit competitions
2026 registration closed September 21 (on-site summit spots go only to regional qualifiers, registration by October 23). The summit is November 4 to 5, 2026 in Hot Springs. 2026 is the second year, so expect registration again in late summer 2027.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the school, a teacher and the studentBreakthrough Prize Foundation: Breakthrough Junior Challenge
The 2026 round ran May 11 to September 15, 2026 and has closed. Watch the page for the next round.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to a teacherEconomics Arkansas (Arkansas Council on Economic Education): Bessie B. Moore Awards Program for teaching economics
Yearly. The 2025-26 entry covered projects taught August 2025 to June 2026 and was due August 3, 2026. The 2026-27 entry form is not posted yet; expect a similar early August 2027 deadline.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the school and the studentGoogle: Doodle for Google
Yearly. The 2025-26 contest ran October 15 to December 17, 2025, and the winner was announced in June 2026. 2026-27 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolNational Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR): American History Essay Contest (grades 5-8) and Patriots of the American Revolution High School Essay Contest (grades 9-12)
Yearly contest run through local DAR chapters; the topic and local deadlines are set each school year (2026-27 dates not posted on the national page). Contact a local DAR chapter.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolThe American Legion: National High School Oratorical Contest
Starts at the local Post level and goes to state contests; local and Arkansas deadlines are set by the Post and the Arkansas department (not posted on the national page). 2027 National Finals May 14-16 at Hillsdale College, Michigan.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to a teacher's classroom and a teacherThe Henry Ford: Teacher Innovator Awards
Yearly. Last contest ran October 13, 2025 to January 29, 2026. Next contest dates not posted as of October 10, 2026. You must join inHub at least 90 days before you register.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 10, 2026
PrizeWhere: Arkansas onlyWho gets the money: Goes to a teacher and the studentUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, funded by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board: Soybean Science Challenge cash awards
Yearly. Enroll in the course by December 1 and send the completion certificate by January 31 (the page doesn't give the year; its fair dates are for 2026). Regional fairs run in February and March, the state fair in April.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the school and a teacherVoya Financial: Unsung Heroes awards
The 2026 application deadline was extended to April 30, 2026 (3:00 p.m. Central), per the program's application site. 2027 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the schoolYass Foundation for Education (powered by the Center for Education Reform): Yass Prize
Annual. The 2026 winners were named October 6, 2026; the $1 million prize went to a school in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. 2027 dates aren't posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: unclearLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the student, not the schoolDavidson Institute: Davidson Fellows Scholarship
The 2027 application “will open in the Fall of 2026” (no date posted yet). Last year's deadline was February 18, 2026.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: noLast checked Oct 9, 2026
PrizeWhere: National: schools in any US stateWho gets the money: Goes to the schoolState Policy Network: Ed-Prize and Civics Prize
Annual. The 2026 first round ran Mar 16 to Apr 12 and is closed. 2027 dates not posted yet.
Next dates not posted yet. Check back.
For-profit: noLast checked Oct 9, 2026

Checked: not an option

Not for a private school, co-op or Arkansas applicant

Honda USA Foundation (formerly American Honda Foundation): Its 2027 round is open Oct 1–31, 2026 ($25,000–$100,000, mostly for organizations with budgets over $500,000), but programs must serve one of 17 named states (AL, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, SC, TX). Arkansas isn't one of them. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow: A big STEM contest with school prizes up to $50,000, but only for public school students: “All schools must be at least 50% publicly funded to compete.” Their site (checked Oct 9, 2026)
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock scholarship appeal: Tuition aid for the diocese’s own Catholic schools. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
AFT Innovation Fund: Goes to AFT union locals, and its page says “No applications are being accepted at this time.” (checked Oct 2, 2026)
IFF, LIIF and Capital Impact Partners: Lenders focused on nonprofits in other regions, charter schools, or growth-stage companies; not a fit for a small private school in Arkansas. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Cartier Women’s Initiative: For-profit, women-led companies with revenue of $50,000 to $5 million and 5 to 250 team members; its FAQ says it doesn't accept nonprofits. Not for an early-stage school. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
National Science Foundation ITEST: A federal research and development program for STEM learning projects, not money to start or run a school. No upcoming due dates posted. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Kickstarter: Built for creative projects with rewards. Its rules say projects must create something new to share with others, so school running costs or tuition don’t fit. (checked Oct 2, 2026)

No program a school can apply for

Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC): No direct small-business grant; it funds startup accelerators instead. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Arkansas Baptist State Convention and Arkansas Baptist Foundation: Neither site posts a school startup grant or loan. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
City of Little Rock youth-program contracts: Contracts for youth programs, not grants to businesses. (checked Oct 1, 2026)

Invitation only

Gates Foundation: Invites proposals by contacting organizations itself, apart from occasional published requests for proposals. There is no open application for starting a school. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Voya Foundation: Its page says applications are accepted on an invitation-only basis. (Voya’s separate Unsung Heroes awards are listed above.) (checked Oct 2, 2026)

Ended

Arkansas Gives: Retired: the last giving day was April 6, 2017, and its old address no longer resolves. (checked Oct 2, 2026)

No official page we could check

Simmons First Foundation: We found no grant page we could reach (the pages we tried were gone). Earlier reports say grants start with Simmons bank leaders, not an open application. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Riggs Benevolent Fund, Stephens, Dillard’s and Murphy (El Dorado): No official grant page found. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Other Arkansas cities and banks: No business-grant program found on their official sites. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Kids In Need Foundation: Its site shows no public application we could read. (checked Oct 2, 2026)

Help that isn’t money

ASBTDC (Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center)
One-to-one confidential consulting and market research at no charge for for-profit businesses, with offices in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Magnolia, Russellville and West Memphis.
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
ACC Capital coaching
Free one-on-one coaches for your business plan and financial statements, offered with ACC’s microloan (for for-profit small businesses).
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
Startup Junkie (Northwest Arkansas)
No-cost consulting for entrepreneurs, startups and growth-oriented for-profit small businesses. Also runs Kiva NWA.
MicroschoolPrivate school
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
SCORE
Free volunteer business mentors, through the SBA.
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
SBA Lender Match
Not a loan application: a tool to find lenders in your community. Matches come in about two days, with no guarantee of a loan.
MicroschoolPrivate school
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
SchoolStack Budget
A five-year school financial model built by the Building Hope Impact Fund (which also administers The Lending Lab), free during beta. Its sample school is a demo, not a benchmark.
MicroschoolPrivate school
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
Herzog Foundation SchoolBox
Free online training to launch and lead Christian schools, microschools and homeschool co-ops, plus free training events.
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 6, 2026
Fiscal Sponsorship Allies
A Model C fiscal sponsor for charitable projects: $75 a month plus 3.89% of donations. An example, not a recommendation.
MicroschoolPrivate schoolHomeschool co‑op
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
Arkansas State Parks homeschool programs
With advance notice, park staff present the same curriculum-based programs offered to public and private school groups.
Homeschool co‑opMicroschool
Last checked Oct 9, 2026
Museum of Discovery (Little Rock)
A homeschool class series for ages 7–12 ($17 members, $25 non-members per class), and group rates for 15+ from schools or 501(c)(3)s.
Homeschool co‑opMicroschoolPrivate school
Last checked Oct 9, 2026

Free research toolbox

Candid’s funder database, free at Arkansas libraries
Candid’s full database of foundations and the grants they have made, free to use at the library: in person at the 9 Southeast Arkansas Regional Library branches and at Central Arkansas Library System branches (Little Rock), and through Fayetteville Public Library. Call ahead to check hours and access.
Checked Oct 10, 2026
Grants.gov email alerts
A nightly email of new or changed federal grant postings, for a saved search or for programs you follow. Needs a Grants.gov account. Few federal grants fit a private school, so search before you sign up.
Checked Oct 10, 2026
CDW Education Funding (was GetEdFunding)
A searchable list of grants for schools, with filters for state, school type (private is one) and grade. You can search without an account; saving a search needs a login. Run by CDW, a technology seller.
Checked Oct 10, 2026
ASBTDC funding help
Free one-on-one consulting for Arkansas small businesses, including putting together a loan package, reviewing a funding proposal and working out how much money you need. They don’t lend money themselves.
Checked Oct 10, 2026
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
Look up a foundation’s yearly tax returns (Form 990 or 990-PF) to see who it gave grants to and how much. No account needed.
Checked Oct 10, 2026

Paid sites people ask about: GrantWatch and The Grant Portal. Full listings on these need a paid subscription (prices checked Oct 2, 2026).

Still checking

We couldn’t confirm these on the funder’s own site, so we don’t list them as options yet.

VELA Education Fund: Re-checked Oct 2, 2026: VELA’s site says founders find funding opportunities through its Founder Network and the VELA app, but it posts no grant amounts, rules or dates publicly. To see them, apply to join the Founder Network. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Stand Together Trust: Its site says it supports social entrepreneurs working in education and partners it selects; it posts no open application, amounts or dates. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
4.0 (including its Essentials and Tiny Fellowships): Its Essentials page posts a $500 stipend to test an education idea, with a path to a $5,000 Tiny Fellowship, but the last cohort (Jan 24 and 31, 2026) was for educators in Austin and Houston, Texas, and no new cohort or eligibility is posted. We'll list it if a cohort opens that an Arkansas founder can join. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Comcast RISE: Its old site now points to a different Comcast program, with no open round or Arkansas eligibility shown. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
IFundWomen: Its grants page blocked our check. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Lowe’s Hometowns: Lowe’s community-space renovation program. Its pages returned “page not found” on Oct 2, 2026, so we can’t confirm a 2027 round or who may apply. (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Fearless Fund: Its grants page says grants go to women-of-color-led businesses through its Get Venture Ready cohorts, where participants pitch for grants; no open round or dates are posted. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
The 1954 Project (Luminary Award): A $1 million unrestricted award for established education nonprofit leaders serving Black students and communities, not a school startup grant. The 2026 cycle is closed; its page says the 2027 cycle opens in fall 2026. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Self-Help (Center for Community Self-Help): Its site blocked our check, so private-school and Arkansas coverage are unknown. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Maclellan Foundation: Third-party sources say invitation only; its site gave no text to check. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Endeavor Foundation (Northwest Arkansas): Only third-party listings; its site wouldn’t load. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Crystal Bridges Museum free school visits: Its page says “100% of costs covered – busing, lunch, and substitutes” for K-12 school visits. Whether private schools or homeschool groups qualify isn’t stated: ask school.programs@crystalbridges.org. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
AGFC Archery in the Schools grants: Order forms list private schools and nonprofits, but whether they can get the grants isn’t stated. Ask the program coordinator. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
City of Conway small-business grants and micro-enterprise loans: The city’s site mentions them without amounts or rules. Ask the Community Development office (501-450-6100). (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Delta Regional Authority, other city grants and local bank grants: Not confirmed on official pages yet. (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Charles Lafitte Foundation: Funds education among other causes, but its grants page now goes to the home page, with no application, amounts or rules posted. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Saxena Family Foundation: Its site shows only a name and a slogan, with no grant program, amounts or rules. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative: Its grants page lists past grants but no open application a school can use. Their site (checked Oct 2, 2026)

New to this? Three steps

1Get your paperwork readyThe 11 things funders ask a school for, in plain English: EIN, bank account, budget, proof of enrollment and more.See what funders ask for
2Find money your school can getFilter by school type, whether a for-profit school can apply, how much it is, and when it’s due. Loans and grants are labeled, so there are no surprises.Go to the list
3Apply step by stepEvery listing has a how-to-apply checklist, the funder’s own eligibility wording, and a link to the official page.Pick a listing below

Your school isn’t a 501(c)(3) and the grant says nonprofits only? Here’s what a fiscal sponsor is, and why to ask a CPA first.

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Your school isn’t a 501(c)(3). Can you still get nonprofit grants?

Startup money for your school or co-op, and help applying.Startup money for your microschool, private school or homeschool co-op, and help applying for it.

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Startup money for your school or co-op, and help applying.Startup money for your microschool, private school or homeschool co-op, and help applying for it.

Which of these fit me?

Deadlines in the next 30 days

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Checked: not an option

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Ended

No official page we could check

Help that isn’t money

Free research toolbox

Still checking

New to this? Three steps

Ask the Funding Helper

Get new funding by email

Request your state

Getting your paperwork ready?