2025 Classroom Grant

L.E.A.D.S. Classroom Grants are for classroom learning initiatives or projects that will benefit students or a school as a whole. Educators throughout West Tennessee have the opportunity to win $1,000 for their classroom project or initiative. Whether it’s a new set of books, a new STEM or STEAM initiative, a school-wide project, or other exciting educational opportunities, we are here to help champion these initiatives. This grant requires a video component. Please see the instructions below.

New Eligibility Requirements for 2025

There is a limit of two (2) applicants per school.

Recipients may receive a grant up to two years in a row. For example, if Teacher #1 received a grant in 2023 and 2024 then Teacher #1 would not be eligible to apply in 2025. However, in 2026 Teacher #1 may apply again for a similar or different request and may be chosen to receive a grant based on the selection criteria.

Grant funding should be used for projects, supplies, materials, or program costs that will benefit students in the classroom or school. To be sure the grant improves the educational outcomes of each student or classroom, here are examples of funding ideas:

Learn- curriculum materials or classroom sets, learning or lesson plan activity material, additional items that aren't covered under BEP funds, etc.

Experience- a field trip, virtual learning experience, guest speakers, Junior Achievement programming, a school-wide project like a garden, playground equipment, etc.

Advocate- teachers advocate for their students and families each day. How can the grant support students and families who may need extra support. Ex.- school food pantry, family support services, etc.

Dream- what big idea do you have for your students? How can the grant fund help you achieve desired outcomes. Ex.- materials or costs associated with a new student club or organization, school- based entrepreneurial project.

Serve- student involvement in supporting a non-profit, serving other students, a school beautification project, student outreach in the community, etc.

Any educator or school-based professional is invited to apply. This includes Pre-K centers, public and private K-12 schools, Technical Schools, Universities and Colleges in West Tennessee.

• Record a short video (less than three minutes) showcasing your idea, vision, or project. Applicants should answer the question, “How will the grant make a difference in the lives of students?” Applicants are encouraged to share their vision and identify the resources they need to accomplish the project.

• Complete the online application and public upload your video in the space provided.

• Participate in social media voting. The Grant Selection Committee will select submissions to be chosen for voting on the Leaders Education Foundation’s Facebook page. Throughout the social media voting period, applicants are encouraged to like, share, and promote their idea on Facebook to gain the most likes and shares. The videos with the most likes and shares will be selected to receive a grant.

• Media Consent: By applying for a grant, applicants consent to the use of their submitted photographs, names, and likenesses in Leaders Education Foundation’s and/or Leaders Credit Union’s promotional materials and social media channels.

View past winners' videos on our Facebook page.

Missing information within the application may result in disqualification. Leaders Education Foundation is under no obligation to contact applicants regarding missing or incomplete information.   

Grants are payable to the applicant’s school for use only as stated in the submitted application. Grant funds will not be disbursed until on or after October 21, 2025. Be sure your request aligns with the grant timeline.

If you have questions about the L.E.A.D.S. Educator Grant program, email [email protected] or call 731.664.1784 ext. 1209.