Our Impact Through Grants and Scholarships

The Education Foundation awards grants that fund projects and programs across all academic content areas, support social emotional learning, community and family engagement, and so much more.

Grants and Scholarships Quick Links

About Our Grant Program

APS is the largest school district in the state, among the largest in the nation, and has been the central source for public education in the Albuquerque community for decades. APS strives to create excellence in public education and serves every child that walks through the door.

Our grant awards have grown significantly since the Horizons Campaign was launched in 2010. Where we once funded only small grants in STEM, literacy and fine arts, our efforts have grown to include small and large impact grants in various focus areas. Each year we directly fund the programs and projects developed by the educators of Albuquerque Public Schools.

We are pleased to announce funding opportunities designed to enhance student experiences and academic outcomes across a diverse range of focus areas. these grants are designed to support innovative programs, projects, and initiatives.

Regular Grant Cycle opens

August 17 and closes on September 25 5:00 pm.

All applicants will be notified of the funding outcome by mid-November. If you have any questions, please contact apsgrantwriter@aps.edu.

It is essential that you thoroughly review the different types of grants below so you can apply for the most suitable one. All the grant categories use the same application, but if you apply for the wrong grant opportunity, you will automatically be declined by our reviewers. The right opportunity depends on when your program will take place, how big it is and how it will serve students and staff! So which opportunity fits you best?

Who Can Apply for Grants

Only APS employees may submit applications.
Traditional and magnet schools are eligible to apply.

Where to Find More Information

Grant Portal for APS Employees (Google Site): Employees can learn more about the grant and scholarship application process. Please ensure that you are logged into Google with your APS login in order to view this site.
Funding Map (Tableau): Find who and what has been funded last year and so far during the 2023-2024 school year.

To Submit A Grant Evaluation

To submit your grant evaluation contact apsgrantwriter@aps.edu. Evaluations are accepted after the grant has been implemented and are requested every May.

Our Grants

Grants range from $500 - $10,000 and up to $25,000 if applying for school-wide funding, in the following focus areas:

Student Clubs and Activities

Funding for extracurricular programs that promote student leadership, collaboration, creativity, and positive school culture outside of the traditional classroom environment.

STEM

Support for hands-on inquiry-based learning, integration technology, and development of STEM pathways that promote critical thinking and problem-solving.

Skills, Habits and Mindsets

Funding for programs that nurture social-emotional learning, growth mindset, resilience, self-regulation, and 21st-century skills.

Reading and Literacy

Initiatives that strengthen literacy skills, foster a love for reading, and enhance student engagement through culturally responsive and evidence-based reading strategies.

Post-Secondary Readiness

Projects that prepare students for success after high school, including college and career exploration, application support, financial literacy, and dual-credit opportunities.

Fine Arts

Support for visual and performing arts initiatives that enhance student expression, creativity, and appreciation for artistic disciplines through instruction, performance, and exhibition opportunities.

Guhl Early Literacy for Elementary Schools

Through the Guhl Trust, these grants are designed to improve literacy at the PreK to 5th Grade level. This grant supports elementary-level literacy programs or projects with the potential to a high impact on a large number of students.

Transformative Idea Grant (TIG)

The Transformative Idea Grant (TIG) is made possible by Technology Integration Group. The TIG is dedicated to supporting programs that enhance school climate, increase student, staff, and family engagement, and promote social-emotional learning.

Other Grant Opportunities

These funds are limited, and we anticipate a high number of applications. You are encouraged to apply early. Applications are accepted ongoing until funds are no longer available.

Learning and Leadership Professional Development Grant

Award Amount is between $2,500 and $25,000

These grants are intended to provide resources for APS faculty and staff hoping to engage in professional learning that can be implemented in their classrooms, schools, and departments.

The Pepsi Award

Award Amount up to $5,000

Offered once a year specifically for submissions on behalf of school-based electives, clubs, activities, and student groups in need of assistance with unexpected and unbudgeted expenses as part of participating in a national, regional, and/or state competition.

Student Choice Award

Student Choice Awards are directed by the APS Education Foundation’s student board members to address a student-informed need. They currently are supporting the following two areas.

The Field Trip Award is aimed at engaging students in their curriculum by providing up to $600 in funding for field trip-related fees, including transportation. students working in a school garden

The Garden Award will support school garden initiatives including indoor and outdoor planter boxes and indoor hydroponic gardens. The funding is up to $500.