INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANT

A logo featuring a human brain and a light bulb merged together with the word 'INNOVATOR' in green capital letters and 'GRANTS' in smaller black letters below.
A logo featuring a human brain and a light bulb merged together with the word 'INNOVATOR' in green capital letters and 'GRANTS' in smaller black letters below.

Turn a bold technology idea into a real solution for your classroom or school. Here’s how to succeed:

Review the Innovator Grant application here.

Review the innovator rubric here.

Applications accepted
November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027

CURRENTLY CLOSED
Three children in white coats sitting at a table together, focused on a purple tablet. A classroom setting with a green wall and the word 'INNOVATE' written on it is in the background.

  • This annual grant opportunity empowers K–12 schools to use technology in new and creative ways to solve real-world problems. Educators should apply if their classroom or school is ready to launch a new idea or expand an existing one to create meaningful changes that will impact student learning!

  • The Application PDF and the Innovator Rubric is available all year – go ahead, download it, review it, and start the work early. Even better, bring your answers to a writing workshop.

  • Be sure to review the past year’s projects. Hint hint: We LOVE giving grants for big new ideas. We support real innovation which requires fresh, creative thinking. What challenge, possibility, or opportunity will change your practice and inspire your students? That’s what we want to hear!

  • Check back for Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 Zoom trainings.

  • Eligible schools are those with a qualifying zip code in our service area. Click here to review Eligible Zip Codes.

    St. Louis Public School (SLPS) educators, we invite you to explore grant opportunities through our friends at the St. Louis Education Fund. While ITEF cannot currently make direct grants to SLPS institutions, we look forward to supporting your work in other ways.

  • ITEF funds projects that are innovative, and which elevate learning and exploration. Although we see “innovation” as a mindset, we understand that the definition of innovation is relative and dynamic. We look for projects that engage students, push teachers, and generate excitement and enthusiasm for learning.

    • Grants are generally one year in length

    • Applicants should proceed with knowledge and support from their superintendent/head of school and their Information Technology department.

    • Grant recipients are asked to demonstrate compliance through quarterly reports, mid-project visits, and final reports.

    • Applicants must have held their charter for three or more years. 

    • Project proposals may support single grade classrooms, multiple grade levels, entire schools, or collaborations with a 501c(3) non-profit partner serving students and/or classroom educators from an accredited school or a charter school.

    • NEW: Schools that receive an Innovator award must wait one full grant cycle before reapplying. For example, a 2026 award recipient would not be eligible to apply again until 2028. Innovator awardees may apply for a Catapult grant the following school year.

    Grant applications are reviewed and selected by the ITEF Board of Directors and staff.

    • Individual Scholarships

    • Annual Appeals, Endowments

    • Political Activities

    • Faith Based Organizations (unless supporting an accredited K-12 educational institution)