NEA Professional Excellence Innovation Grants

Grant

Professional Excellence Innovation Grants support NEA local and state Affiliates in implementing and/or developing resources and practices that meet professional learning needs and gaps identified by their members and students.

By: National Education Association Published: July 2020 Last Updated: September 2026

What are Professional Excellence Innovation Grants?

Professional Excellence Innovation Grants support NEA local and state Affiliates in implementing and/or developing resources and practices that meet professional learning needs and gaps identified by their members and students. The work funded through Professional Excellence Innovation Grants center student success, reinforce systems that recognize, value, and support a quality, professional educator workforce, while recognizing the role of the Association in creating and sustaining those systems of success. Funding decisions are based on alignment with the NEA Professional Excellence Theory of Change.

Important details:

1. Typical funded grant amounts range from $5,000 to $30,000.
2. Projects must be completed within 12 months after funding approval.
3. Only State and Local Affiliates of NEA may apply for Professional Excellence Grants.

Please e-mail [email protected] for resources to assist in completing an application.

Application Deadlines, contingent upon available funding:

1. Cycle #1: Monday, November 9, 2026
2. Cycle #2: Monday, April 5, 2027

Expectations:

1. All grantees will be expected to participate in a grant reporting and evaluation process during and at the close of the funding cycle.
2. All grantees receiving a Professional Excellence Innovation Grant will have the opportunity to participate in facilitated collaborative learning sessions with fellow grantees.

For questions and link to the application, please email [email protected].

References

Downloads

• IRS W9 Form PDF
• State Affiliates EIN Quick Lookup PDF
• Professional Excellence: Theory of Change PDF