Project Heart Grant Program
Illumination
Fund
Offering small grants — up to $500 — for student-led philanthropic projects that grow directly out of Project Heart lessons. When your students are inspired to take real action in their community, the Illumination Fund is here to help make it happen.
Materials for a service project. Transportation to a nonprofit partner. A matching grant for your class fundraiser. A collection drive where students earn matching dollars for every item they gather. Whatever your students are dreaming up — we can help.
What You Can Apply For
Four Types of Grants
Choose the type that fits your classroom project. You’ll select this in the application:
Materials
My class is requesting a grant to purchase materials or supplies for a service project that will benefit a nonprofit organization OR our school.
Field Trip
I am requesting a grant to reimburse transportation costs for a field trip to a local nonprofit. (Note: Must correspond to a service project with the same nonprofit.)
Matching Grant
My class will be doing a fundraiser to benefit our school OR a nonprofit organization and is requesting a matching grant.
Collection Drive Match
My class will be doing a collection drive that benefits a nonprofit organization and is requesting a matching grant based on how many items we collect.
Do You Qualify?
Eligibility Requirements
All three of the following must be true to be considered for an Illumination Fund grant:
You are actively using the Project Heart curriculum in your classroom. A Project Heart educator account is required — if you don’t have one yet, register here for free.
The student project benefits a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or your school.
Both the Educator Application and Student Application are submitted and approved before the project or event begins. Projects that have already started are not eligible.
Application Process
How to Apply — Step by Step
The whole process requires two applications — one from you and one from your students. Here’s exactly what to do.
1
Create a Free Project Heart Account (if you haven’t already)
Go to www.myprojectheart.org and register as an educator. It’s free and unlocks all curriculum materials and grant applications. Register here →
2
Use Project Heart Lessons in Your Classroom
Incorporate Project Heart lessons into your K–12 classroom. Active curriculum use is required to be eligible. Not sure where to start? Browse lessons by grade →
3
Application Part A: Submit the Educator Application
When your students have a project in mind, submit the Educator Application. Once it’s reviewed and approved, you’ll receive the Student Application by email.
4
Form a Student Grant Writing Team
Have students form teams of 2–4 students to work on the Student Application together. An authentic learning experience as students advocate for their own project.
5
Application Part B: Submit the Student’s Application
Students can handwrite or type the Student Application. Both applications must be approved before the project begins.
Ready to Start?
Submit your Educator Application first. We’ll send the Student Application once yours is approved.
Questions? Email Kelsey Ransom via our contact page.
Important to Know
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Apply prior to the project or event
Applications must be submitted and approved before the project or event begins. Retroactive applications are not accepted.
Two grants per year
Each classroom may receive up to 2 Illumination Fund grants per school year.
Both educators and students must apply
Both a teacher and student application must be approved — approval of the educator application is required before the student application is sent.
Help Spread the Word
Sharing your project with the world? We’d love to be part of the celebration. If you choose to publicly recognize your grant, a nod to the OtterCares Foundation means the world to us. Logos and brand guidelines available upon request.
Get Started
Apply Now!
Applications are open year-round. Start with the Educator Application — we’ll send you the Student Application once it’s approved.
Quick Facts
Max Amount
$500 per grant
Cycle
Rolling / Anytime
Per Classroom
Up to 2 per class per year
Application Cost
FREE
Contact
Kelsey Ransom
contact Kelsey
Application Checklist
Complete these steps in order:
Create a free Project Heart account
Use Project Heart in your class
Submit Educator Application
Form student grant writing team
Submit Student Application
Funded by OtterCares Foundation
The nonprofit funder behind Project Heart. Learn more about their other grant programs at ottercares.org.
Illumination Fund Spotlights
Browse these examples from past projects that received Illumination Fund grants, and spark your imagination about what’s possible when students channel their passion into action.
See Real Impact in Real Classrooms
From classroom transformations to student-led community initiatives, Project Heart creates measurable change in schools across the country. When young people learn they are valued, powerful individuals who can create positive change, the unexpected happens—improved collaboration, enhanced critical thinking, increased empathy, and lasting impact that extends far.