[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”center” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”100″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”60″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][nectar_animated_title heading_tag=”h4″ style=”color-strip-reveal” color=”Accent-Color” text=”Teacher Grant Decisions will be emailed by December 5, 2025″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]FUNDING GUIDELINES- Application opens October 1, 2025, and closes on October 31, 2025, at 4 pm (PST).

Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) provides and supports programs that enrich the academic, artistic, and personal development of all students in the Santa Barbara Unified School District.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: All Certificated Staff and Classified Library Technicians in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, preschool-12th grade, including charter schools. Applicants who received a grant in previous years are eligible to apply again.

WHAT WE FUND: Project-based supplies for innovative programs or curriculum development in the classrooms, student field trips, technology, instructional tools, and general supplies. Projects must be student-centered, directly benefit students, and enhance and improve student outcomes.*(If the teacher is requesting software, the principal must check with ETS to make sure the software is allowed and compatible.)

****ETS Guidelines for Applicants– If you are requesting materials that fall under ETS approval, please read these ETS guidelines from SBUSD to make sure they are approved before requesting on application. If you are funded for your grant, we will work together with SBUSD ETS to order materials.

All applications, platforms, and software purchases must go through the district’s LearnPlatform vetting process before funding can be approved. Staff must submit requests through the LearnPlatform portal (sbunified.app.learnplatform.com) for initial review by the Director of Educational Technology Services. Depending on scope and impact, requests may undergo additional technical, privacy, and instructional alignment reviews. Teachers begin by searching for the software or platform in LearnPlatform. If the platform is already in the system, it will display one of the following tags: Approved, Approved with Conditions, Reviewed and Denied

WHAT WE DO NOT FUND: Professional development, district-wide programs and initiatives, incentives/awards, instruments, and software/technology that have not been pre-approved by the SBUSD ETS department.

FUNDING: There are three general funding categories: grants up to $1,000, grants up to $2,500, and grants up to $5,000.

In addition to the general teacher grant funding, we have two specialty grants. Applicants are allowed to apply for two grants, one from the general funding and one of the specialty grants; however can only be awarded one grant. 

SPECIALITY GRANTS

$10,000 School-Wide STEM Grant: This grant is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) focused and must impact all the students in the school (elementary and junior high) or an academy (at the high school level). This grant must be submitted by one lead teacher on behalf of a school or academy (with principal approval). Grant objectives: Supports innovative STEM programs and activities.  This grant does not fund field trips. Each school can only submit ONE application in this category. Be Creative!

 

 

The Margie Yahyavi Grant for Excellence in Music Education ($3,000): This grant was established in memory of SBEF’s former Executive Director, Margie Yahyavi. This grant of $3,000 is only open to SBUSD instrumental music and vocal music teachers in TK-12th grade. Grant Objectives: 1. To support creative and cultural programming that promotes student engagement and collaboration in the classroom and community 2. To expose students to new music genres 3. To foster student concerts, workshops, and other musical events. This grant does not fund field trips. 

 

 

REVIEW PROCESS: SBEF staff reviews all the applications to ensure they are complete and meet the eligibility requirements. Then, members of the SBEF Teacher Grants committee review all eligible applications. The committee consists of SBEF staff, SBEF board members, community members, and an SBUSD Principal and SBUSD teacher liaison.

DECISION PROCESS: All applicants will be notified of the status of their grant by December 5, 2025. Grant funds will be available for use after notification.

TEACHER GRANTS AWARD CEREMONY: We request the presence of grant recipients at a ceremony in January 2025, date TBD.

FINAL REPORT: Mandatory final grant reports are due by June 30, 2026. You will receive an email from Submittable with the final grant report by April 1. Please note that if a final report is not submitted, you are not eligible to apply for a grant the following year.

FAQs

  • How many grants can each applicant apply for? Applicants are allowed to apply for two grants, one from the general funding and one of the specialty grants; however can only be awarded one grant.
  • Can you apply for a grant if you received one last year? YES, applicants who received a grant in previous years are eligible to apply again (unless a final report was not submitted).
  • Do we award partial grants, or is it all or nothing? We do award partial grants, although less common.
  • Does my principal need to read and approve my grant? YES, instructions will be on the Submittable application.
  • How will the funds be distributed? SBEF will issue reimbursement checks or pay for items directly once a cost list has been approved. All communication for purchases and reimbursements should be directed to SBEF Programs Manager, Katie Szopa, at ka***@*******************on.org

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