Mini-Grants
Fuel Innovation in your Classroom
Apply and earn up to $1,000 to support your next big idea
The LTC’s Mini-Grant program helps educators turn creative ideas into classroom impact by funding small-scale projects that promote meaningful technology integration.
Awarded projects serve as models for other districts across Illinois, demonstrating how even modest investments can create lasting opportunities for students.
With funding support from the LTC Golf Outing, this program helps bring great ideas to life—directly supporting educators and districts across the state.
Grant Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to all proposals submitted for our Mini-Grant program.
Purpose
Mini Grants are intended to support school districts and educators in implementing innovative technology, digital learning, or professional learning projects that positively impact teaching and learning for PK-12 students and staff.
Grant Amount
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- Each grant award is up to $1,000 per project
- Applicants should request only the amount needed to fund their proposed initiative
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Eligability
Primary applicant must be an employee of a public, private, or parochial PK–12 school, district, or ROE/ISC in Illinois.
While not eligible to receive a grant directly, vendors may nominate eligible districts or individuals for consideration.
Multiple applications may be submitted for different projects; however, only one grant per applicant will be awarded
Use of Funds
Projects receiving a Mini Grant must support one or more of the following areas:
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- Technology innovations that enhance instruction and student learning
- Digital learning initiatives that expand access or improve outcomes
- Professional learning related to educational technology, designed to build staff capacity and improve instructional practices
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Exclusions: Mini Grants may not fund general-purpose devices (e.g., laptops, iPads) unless part of a broader innovative project; subscriptions without a sustainability plan; projects serving fewer than five students without clear justification; initiatives that replace, rather than enhance, district spending; or expenses lacking measurable impact on student learning.
Application Process
For 2025 Awards
Application Period & Submission Process
Opens: August 1, 2025
Closes: September 30, 2025
Submission: Use the Mini Grant nomination form below. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Evaluation
A designated committee consisting of LTC team members evaluates proposals based on impact, alignment with goals, and feasibility.
Up to $4,000 in total grant funds are available, with at least four awards available (one reserved for a participant from the LTC Golf Outing).
Winner will be notified in October 2025, with awards presented in November at IETC.
Distribution
For grant winners, funds will be distributed based on a reimbursement model. Districts or individuals are required to purchase the items needed for their projects, submit proof of purchase, and then receive reimbursement from awarded grant funds.
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- Proof of Purchase Requirement: Awardees must submit proof of purchase for reimbursement. The Learning Technology Center will process the reimbursement upon receipt of required documentation.
- Presentation Requirement: By accepting grant funds, awardees agree to present their project at a future LTC event or submit a digital summary of their work (e.g., blog post, webinar) upon request.
- Deadline: All award funds must be claimed by June 1, 2026.
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Additional Guidelines
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- Awards are non-transferable.
- LTC employees are not eligible to receive grant funds.
- In the event of a conflict, any policies or procedures specific to the applicant’s school district will supersede these guidelines.
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Contact us with questions about Mini Grants or the application process.
Past Winning Projects
Empowering Student Voices: High School Podcast & Video Studio
Recipient: Chrissy Cockrum, Technology Teacher | Hamilton County CUSD 10
Award: $1,000
Hamilton County Senior High will create a student-led podcast and video production studio to help students develop communication, media literacy, and technical skills.
Students enrolled in Podcasting, Business, and Computer Applications courses will rotate through roles such as host, producer, and editor to create original content, including school news podcasts, promotional videos, and community stories.
Makers in the Making: 3D Printing for Alternative Education
Recipient: Zach Shaw, Technology Coordinator | ROE 35
Award: $1,000
The ROE 35 Academy will integrate 3D printing into its alternative education classrooms, offering students hands-on experience with design, engineering, and manufacturing.
Using CAD software such as Tinkercad, students will design and print their own creations, developing technical skills, STEM awareness, and confidence in problem-solving.
Tech Heroes in Training: Real-World IT and Digital Security Skill
Recipient: Honor Anar, Teacher | Illinois Valley Central USD 321
Award: $1,000
Illinois Valley Central High School will enhance its Technology Support Internship (TSI) program with professional-grade tools for IT repair and cybersecurity training.
Students will use soldering stations, precision tools, and barcode scanners to maintain and secure school devices, simulating a real IT help desk.
Coding through Creativity: Makeblock mBot Robotics
Recipient: Crystal Ellis, Teacher | Kinnikinnick CCSD 131
Award: $1,000
Stone Creek Elementary School will introduce Makeblock mBot Robotics Kits to engage third grade students in coding, engineering, and robotics.
Students will learn block-based programming using Scratch to design and control their own robots, applying math and science concepts through creative challenges.
Innovation through 3D Printing
Recipient: Mandy Ossman, Technology Director/CTE Teacher | Earlville CUSD 9
Award: $1,000
Earlville CUSD 9 purchased a Bambu Lab X1C 3D printer, initially benefiting 33 CTE students by introducing them to the fundamentals of 3D printing, including design software, slicing programs, and multicolor printing capabilities.
Bridging Generations through Coding and Technology Literacy
Recipient: April Schermann, Teacher | McLean County Unit School District 5
Award: $1,000
McLean County Unit School District 5’s project offered K-8 students hands-on coding experience using Micro:bit and Raspberry Pi while also empowering high school computer science students to lead technology workshops for senior citizens on internet safety and smartphone navigation.
Getting Hands-On with Renewable Energy
Recipient: Becky Barger, Media Specialist | Pikeland Community School
Award: $500
This grant enabled two STEAM projects for 3rd-5th graders, reaching around 250 students in total. The first project introduced students to renewable energy by building basic wind turbines and solar-powered models, while the second project used Makey Makey kits to teach basic coding skills based on interactive circuitry.
Enhancing Digital Creativity
Recipient: MacKenzie Jackson, ACC Graphic Arts Teacher | United Township High School Area Career Center
Award: $900
The “Empowering Digital Artistry” project will provide advanced graphic arts students with drawing tablets, enhancing their skills in digital illustration, design, and marketing.
After introduction, students engaged in hands-on learning in areas like vector graphics, logo creation, and digital painting, aligning with industry standards and preparing them for Adobe certification and career opportunities.