Ellison Education Grants

The Ellison Education Grants are an initiative by the Ellison Foundation, a private philanthropic organization committed to supporting educators in the state of Washington. These grants aim to recognize and empower certified K–12 public and charter school teachers who demonstrate creativity, dedication, and innovation in their educational practices. Since their inception, the Ellison Education Grants have awarded a total of $682,000 across 142 grants over the past nine years, underscoring a long-standing commitment to advancing public education in Washington State. The central objective of the grant is to support educators who develop academically enriching curriculum for students or those who wish to pursue professional development experiences that enhance their instructional practice. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of teachers identifying their own needs and those of their students, thereby trusting them to design impactful learning opportunities. The funding is not limited to classroom instruction alone; it includes support for broader educational innovation that can be translated into improved student outcomes. For the 2026–2027 school year, the Ellison Foundation plans to award multiple grants, each ranging between $1,000 and $10,000. These funds are intended to provide meaningful resources to help implement project-based, experiential, or otherwise innovative educational programming. While there is no explicit mention of restrictions on how the grant money may be spent, applicants must demonstrate both a sound plan and the capacity to execute the proposed activities effectively. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be currently certified teachers employed in a K–12 public or charter school in Washington State. They must also have regular contact with students, the backing of their school administration, and relevant experience that supports their proposed project. Furthermore, selected applicants are expected to collaborate with the Ellison Foundation and be willing to share their ideas and results with a broader educational audience, fostering a spirit of shared learning and community engagement. The application window for the 2026 cycle is open from January 5 through March 29, 2026. During this period, interested teachers must submit a complete application outlining their project proposal and goals. There is no mention of pre-application requirements such as Letters of Intent or concept papers, indicating a relatively straightforward submission process. Evaluation criteria are not specified, but the Foundation clearly values innovative approaches and practical impact. While detailed application mechanics, such as required documents or submission platforms, are not provided in the available materials, the historical success of the program and its recurring nature indicate a well-established review and award process. Selected grant recipients are expected to use the funds during the 2026–2027 academic year. The program has a strong track record of supporting classroom-level transformation and professional growth for educators in Washington State and is expected to continue on an annual basis, offering new opportunities each year.