WASHINGTON — Daviess County educators seeking to bring creative, hands-on learning experiences into their classrooms can now apply for funding through Our Community Foundation’s Teaching Innovator Grant program.
The initiative offers micro-grants of up to $250 per classroom to support innovative in-school or in-class projects during the upcoming 2026–27 academic year.
Now entering its third year, the program is funded through the Foundation’s Unrestricted Funds. Foundation leaders describe the grants as a strategic investment aimed at empowering teachers to design dynamic learning environments that better prepare local youth for an evolving world.
Grant Cycles and Fall Application Deadline
The program operates across two grant cycles each academic year to align with fall and spring semester activities:
- Fall Semester 2026–27: Applications for first-semester projects are currently open and must be submitted by Tuesday, September 8, at 11:59 p.m. Awards will be announced later in September.
- Spring Semester 2026–27: A second application window will open later in the school year for projects planned for the spring term.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To ensure funds go directly toward unique learning activities, the program establishes clear guidelines for local applicants:
| Category | Guidelines & Requirements |
| Eligible Applicants | Certified educators and school administrators in Daviess County schools accredited by the State of Indiana. |
| Application Limits | Teachers may submit one application per classroom per school year. Educators who teach multiple classrooms may reapply during the second cycle if the new proposal benefits a different group of students. |
| Project Criteria | Funds must support creative, new educational activities that enhance standard instruction. |
| Exclusions | Funding cannot be used for general operational expenses, standard textbooks, or off-site field trips. |
| Approval | All proposals require prior review and signed approval from the school’s principal. |
Past Classroom Impact
Since its inception, the Teaching Innovator Grant program has funded a wide array of low-cost, high-impact projects across public and private schools in Daviess County:
- Early Childhood Literacy: Funding interactive “Write and Shine” exploration kits and storytelling tools for early childhood and preschool classrooms.
- Sensory & Special Education: Providing sensory bins and tactile learning materials for kindergarten students.
- Visual Arts & STEM: Equipping elementary art and science classrooms with specialized supplies for hands-on, medium-diverse projects.
How to Apply
Educators can complete the online application or download fillable application materials directly from the Foundation’s website at localforever.org/grants.
Completed forms and signed principal approval verification can be submitted online or emailed to chris@localforever.org. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Our Community Foundation’s office in Washington at (812) 698-5413.
