Teacher Innovation Grants

Economics Arkansas Innovation Grants support creative classroom projects that bring economics and/or personal finance education to life. Certified Arkansas K–12 educators may request $150–$750 to support projects implemented during the 2026–27 school year.

Whether you're introducing a new idea or expanding an existing project, Innovation Grants can help provide the resources needed to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for your students.

Grant Cycles & Important Dates

Fall Grant Cycle

Applications Open: September 4, 2026

Applications Due: October 2, 2026

Award Decisions Announced: October 16, 2026

Spring Grant Cycle

Applications Open: January 8, 2027

Applications Due: February 5, 2027

Award Decisions Announced: February 19, 2027

All 2026–27 grant recipients must submit their Final Grant Report and required receipts by May 7, 2027.

Before Your Apply

Before beginning the online application, we encourage you to review the application questions and prepare your responses. Download the Application Preview below to work through the application before entering your responses online.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION PREVIEW

When you're ready to submit, scroll down to complete the online application.

Grant Guidelines

At-A-Glance

• Funding Request: $150 Minimum | $750 Maximum

• Eligibility: Certified Arkansas K–12 teachers under contract with an Arkansas public or independent school for the 2026–27 school year.

• Project Focus: Projects must integrate economics, personal finance, entrepreneurship, or career readiness education into the K–12 curriculum.

• Project Period: Grant funds must be used to implement the approved project during the 2026–27 academic year.

• Award Limit: Educators may receive one Innovation Grant per school year.

• Partial Awards: Economics Arkansas may award partial funding of the amount requested.
   

What Can Grant Funds Be Used For?

How the Grant Process Works

1. Complete the Online Application Submit your online application by the deadline for either the fall or spring grant cycle.
2. Complete the Grant Agreement Selected recipients will receive a Grant Agreement outlining the terms and expectations of the award. The agreement must be completed and signed by your principal before grant funds are distributed.
3. Implement Your Project Carry out your approved project during the 2026–27 school year.
4. Submit Your Final Grant Report Submit your Final Grant Report and required receipts by May 7, 2027.

If You Receive a Grant

Before funds are distributed, grant recipients and their principal must sign a Grant Recipient Agreement.

Recipients are responsible for:

• Using funds only for the approved project and receiving prior approval for significant changes.
• Implementing the project during the 2026–27 school year.
• Keeping receipts for all grant-funded purchases.
• Keeping grant-funded, non-consumable materials at the school for which the grant was awarded.
• Submitting a Final Grant Report and returning any unused funds by May 7, 2027.

Failure to complete required reporting may affect future grant eligibility and require repayment of grant funds.