For educators & staff
Learning Improvement Grants
Since 1996
About the Program
Since 1996, North Thurston Education Foundation’s Learning Improvement Grants have empowered educators to bring innovative, meaningful learning experiences into their classrooms. Through a competitive application process, NTEF awards grants that support projects aligned with district and state learning goals while responding directly to student needs.
Learning Improvement Grants help educators move learning beyond textbooks—fueling creativity, cultural connection, hands-on exploration, and real-world problem-solving. From STEM initiatives and arts integration to literacy, cultural pride, and family engagement, these grants make it possible for educators to say yes to ideas that inspire students and strengthen school communities.
Every grant awarded is made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners who believe in the power of education.
Educators and staff have two opportunities each year to apply:
for grants supporting the upcoming school year
for grants supporting second-semester projects
For educators & staff
Apply for a Learning Improvement Grant
Learning Improvement Grants are awarded twice each year to support innovative classroom projects aligned with district and state learning goals.
Apply by March 30 for the upcoming school year or October 30 for second-semester grants.
LIG Grant Criteria
All grants are awarded for the next or current school year only, based on which cycle you applied for. A Post Grant Report is required for all awarded projects.
All awarded grants are just for one school year and awarded funds need to be spent by June 1 of that school year. There are no carryover amounts to future school years. Staff can apply for a subsequent grant for an additional year but must submit a new LIG application, be awarded through the competitive process, and have completed the required Post Grant Report. These funds are not designed for continual use but might be considered for a second year in some situations.
Please remember: we can’t pay salaries, substitutes, or convention fees. If added to the application, it will be returned or omitted in the award process.
Innovative Teaching & Learning Grant
$1,500
The Innovative Teaching & Learning Grant is a broad-based grant available to encourage teachers/staff to try innovative ‘outside the box’ teaching ideas that are consistent with North Thurston Curriculum Guidelines. Grants may be used to support collaborative teaching situations in which teachers are teaming to leverage efficiencies, create unique learning opportunities, or share resources and materials. Grants may also be used to support increased interest in science, math, arts, and technology through the acquisition of related equipment and materials. Grants may be used to expand foreign language opportunities. Additionally, grants may be used to support students learning outside of the school day or to help fund field trips during or after the school day. Staff can apply for a second year with submission of a new LIG application and completion of the required Post Grant Report.
Closing the Achievement Gap Grant
$1,000
The Closing the Achievement Gap Grant works to support students who need additional help in achieving academic success. Grants may be used for before/after school learning and tutoring; science, math, and technology programs and equipment; and ongoing collaborative teaching situations that keep at risk students engaged in learning. Grants may also be used to support foreign language development or to add equitable access to educational opportunities. Additionally, grants may be used to help fund field trips to support marginalized groups in educational opportunities. These funds are not designed for continual use but might be considered for a second year in some situations.
Creativity and the Arts Grant
$1,000
The Creativity and the Arts Grant is designed to support the arts, photography, drama, journalism, and music. The North Thurston Education Foundation recognizes that the arts enhance learning and help keep students engaged in school. This grant can be used to contract with a teaching artist to participate in the planning, design, and instruction of an arts education or arts-in-education project that meets the specific needs of the school. Funds can also be used to purchase materials that enhance the artistic experience for students such as books, sheet music, and durable equipment. Staff can apply for a second year with submission of a new LIG application and completion of the required Post Grant Report.
Building Character in the Classroom Grant
$500
The Building Character in the Classroom Grant aids educators/staff in developing and supplying students with programs that address civics, philanthropy, bullying, kindness, being good stewards of the earth and positive behavior supports. The programs must benefit the students directly. Grants may be used to help fund activities such as assemblies, workshops, work parties, school beautification projects, or community service projects in which students are directly involved. These funds are not designed for continual use but might be considered for a second year in some situations.
Meet-A-Need Grant
$500
Meet a Need Grant is designed for those unmet needs in classroom and schools that current funds can’t address. It can also provide incentive funding for projects in classrooms or school for teachers, therapists, librarians, administrators, or other staff members as they develop activities to enhance education involvement and/or family collaboration. This grant can provide funds for special projects, research, or educational materials that will enhance the teaching, learning, and enjoyment of North Thurston students. There are no preconceived criteria for this grant but provide access to projects that support students directly or encourage family participation. These funds are not designed for continual use but might be considered for a second year in some situations.
How to Apply:
To ensure your application opens and saves correctly, please follow the steps below when completing the Learning Improvement Grant application.
- Click the “Learning Improvement Grant Application” link. The form will open in a new tab.
- Download the application to your computer.
- Save the file before filling it out.
- Complete the application.
- Save the application again after completing all fields.
- Submit the completed application via email to deanna@ntef.org.
For grant recipients: NTEF Post Grant ReportDownload the NTEF Post Grant Report
Ideas brought to life
Learning Improvement Grant Success Stories
See how Learning Improvement Grants bring innovative ideas to life in classrooms across North Thurston.
Bassie Whipple · Chinook Middle School · 2025–26 Learning Improvement Grant
Creating Calm, Supportive Learning Spaces
This Learning Improvement Grant helped educators create a calming space that supports student regulation, focus, and emotional well-being — giving students the tools they need to feel safe, centered, and ready to learn.
Watch how one grant transformed a classroom, and imagine what your idea could make possible.
Annette Wells · Salish Middle School · 2025–26 Learning Improvement Grant
Cook to Connect
Annette Wells’ Cook 2 Connect program reached approximately 275 students through hands-on cooking experiences that extended learning beyond the classroom.
With support from an NTEF grant, community donors, and 1st Security Bank, every participating student received a cookbook and grocery gift card—ensuring no student was left out.
Bassie Whipple & Dehony Glenn · Chinook Middle School · 2023–24 Learning Improvement Grant
Dream Team: Learning Beyond the Classroom
More than 100 Chinook Middle School students explored creativity and culture through a hands-on visit to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.
Students engaged with live glassblowing demonstrations, created their own art, and shared what they learned through school and community celebrations.
Support Learning Grants for Dream Team: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Heather Rader · Meadows Elementary · 2024–25 Learning Improvement Grant
Purple Up the Library
With support from an NTEF Learning Improvement Grant, Meadows Elementary students helped select new books that reflect the lives of military-connected families.
The project expanded the library’s collection and created a powerful sense of belonging—students saw themselves and their families represented on the shelves.
