Toolbox for Education Program

• The LCEF offers education grants to nonprofit, public K-12 schools or K-12 parent groups through its Toolbox for Education program. Parent groups must have 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service, which is for tax-exempt charitable organizations. Schools receive grants between $2,000 and $5,000 per school for projects such as landscaping or facility enhancements. The program awards grants between $50,000 and $100,000 for large improvement projects, such as library or lab upgrades. LCEF gives priority to projects that have long-term benefits and encourage parent involvement.
  
  

Public Education Community Grants

• LCEF also awards public education grants as part of its community grants. LCEF awards grants between $5,000 and $25,000 for public education and gives priority to K-12 schools. The grants support public school projects, such as construction-related education programs, cleaning and landscaping projects, playground improvements and school building repair and renovation. There is a high demand for these grants, and many qualified applicants do not receive awards.
  
  

Grant Applications

• Applicants requesting grants between $2,000 and $5,000 must apply using the Toolbox for Education website. Applicants requesting large Toolbox grants between $50,000 and $100,000 and public education community grants must apply using the LCEF website. Applicants must select a school project that needs funding prior to applying for a grant. Applications on the Toolbox for Education and LCEF websites differ but require similar information, such as school information, student information, detailed project information and grant amount requested.
  
  

Application Timing

• The Toolbox for Education program has two grant cycles per school year with deadlines around October and February of each year. Each school may submit one application per cycle if it hasn't already received a grant. Schools that receive a grant must wait 12 months before applying for another grant. The foundation notifies applicants of award decisions three months after the application deadline. Public education community grant applicants may apply once per calendar year. The LCEF notifies applicants of award decisions about eight to 10 weeks after submitting an application.