Funding Sources for PD
Neural Education is committed to making research-informed professional learning accessible to every educator. We know that registration costs can be a barrier so we've assembled this guide to help you find funding that covers attendance at Neural Education programs.
Not sure which funding path is right for you? Start with the "Talk to Your District" section below — it's often the fastest route. Then explore individual grants if you'd like to supplement or apply on your own.
START HERE —> TALK TO YOUR DISTRICT
Before applying for outside grants, check in with your school or district. Several large funding streams are already flowing into your district specifically for teacher professional development — you may just need to ask.
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How to access: Ask your principal or district curriculum director
Title II-A is a federal program that flows directly to school districts to fund teacher professional development. Many teachers don't realize these funds can be used to cover registration at programs like Neural Education institutes, but they absolutely can, when the PD aligns with your district's professional development plan.
Neural Education's offerings align well with Title II-A's goals: improving teacher quality, applying evidence-based practices, and increasing student achievement. To access this funding, talk to your principal or district Title II coordinator and ask whether Neural Education registration can be covered through your district's Title II-A allocation.
Tip: Come prepared with information about Neural Education's research foundation and alignment with initiatives like MTSS, SEL, and equity — all of which are priorities under Title II. -
How to access: Ask your principal or curriculum coordinator
Most districts maintain a discretionary PD budget separate from federal grants. These funds are often available on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply ask your administrator whether you can be sponsored to attend a Neural Education institute.
Tip: Bring a one-page summary of the program you'd like to attend and explain how you'll bring the learning back to your school. Administrators are more likely to approve when they see a plan for sharing the knowledge.
Individual Grants
These grants are open to individual teachers and are well-suited to funding Neural Education registration costs.
Fund for Teachers
Applications due: Late January | Award: Varies
Fund for Teachers is one of the best-fit options for Neural Education attendees. Teachers design their own unique professional development fellowships, and the grant trusts educators to know what they need to grow. A proposal to attend a Neural Education institute — along with a plan for how you'll apply neuro-informed practices in your classroom — is exactly the kind of project this grant was made for.
Applicants must teach full-time in a public, private, charter, or religious school, have at least three years of teaching experience, and plan to return to the classroom the following year.
NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grants
Multiple deadlines: June through October | Award: $2,000 (individual) or $5,000 (group)
This is one of the most accessible and generous options for NEA members. Grant funds can be used explicitly for registration fees, travel, room, and meals — making it a direct fit for Neural Education attendance. Grants are available to individual teachers as well as groups of colleagues who want to attend together or participate in a collaborative study.
Applicants must be current NEA members. Note that the grant gives preference to STEM-connected proposals — Neural Education's grounding in cognitive and learning science makes a strong case here.
McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants
Applications open: Mid-January (closes after 200 applications) | Award: Up to $10,000/year for three years
This grant supports teachers who are implementing new, research-informed teaching methods in their classrooms. Neural Education's neuroscience-based pedagogy is a compelling fit. The foundation funds up to 125 grants annually and looks for proposals that have a meaningful, lasting impact on classroom practice and student learning.
Individual teachers and small teaching teams are both eligible. Proposals should clearly describe how the professional learning will change your practice and benefit your students — particularly those who are on the margins or in underfunded schools.
Apply at mccartheydressman.org
Voya Unsung Heroes Grant
Applications due: April | Award: $2,000 (50 recipients); additional bonuses for top three
This grant recognizes teachers who are implementing innovative approaches to improve student learning. Neural Education's brain-based, research-informed approach is an excellent fit for a compelling proposal. At least one grant is awarded per state, making it broadly accessible across the country.
Both the teacher and their school receive the award funds.
Inspire Our Future Scholarship
Applications due: April | Award: $500
Designed to help both new and experienced teachers pay for continuing education and professional development. While the award is smaller, it can offset registration costs and requires a relatively simple application. A great option for teachers just getting started with grant applications.
Crowdfunding & Community Support
DonorsChoose.org
While not a traditional grant, DonorsChoose.org is a powerful way to crowdfund your professional development. Create a project that explains what Neural Education is, why you want to attend, and how you'll use what you learn to benefit your students. Friends, family, colleagues, and community members can donate directly toward your registration fee.
Public school teachers can list very specific needs — including conference or institute registration costs. Many Neural Education attendees have successfully used this platform to fund their participation.
Start a project at donorschoose.org
Your School's PTA or PTO
Parent-teacher organizations frequently budget for things that benefit all students and classrooms. Consider presenting your interest in Neural Education to your PTA/PTO and requesting sponsorship. Explaining how the neuroscience research you'll gain will help you better support all learners — including those with behavioral challenges or learning differences — makes a compelling case.
Rotary District Grants
Rotary clubs and districts offer grants for a wide range of community and educational projects. Contact your local Rotary club to learn whether they have a district grant program and whether your attendance at a Neural Education institute might qualify. Outcomes are strongest when you can articulate the community benefit of your professional learning.
Grants for Specific Subjects or Contexts
These grants are a strong fit for certain educators based on subject area, location, or career stage.
NCTM Grants (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
Applications due: early November | Award: up to $6,000 | Eligible teachers: must be NCTM members
For math teachers, NCTM offers multiple grants that can fund professional development attendance. The Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grant supports pre-K–5 math teachers who want to strengthen their practice and apply innovative approaches.
Neural Education's neuroscience content — including understanding how the brain processes information and manages stress — offers a fresh and research-grounded lens that math educators can apply directly to their classrooms.
ACS-Hach Professional Development Grant (American Chemical Society)
Applications accepted: October 15 – January 21 | Award: Up to $2,500 | Eligible teachers: High school chemistry educators
High school chemistry teachers can apply directly to the American Chemical Society for funding to attend professional development that enhances their teaching practice and improves student learning. Eligible expenses include registration fees, travel, and related costs — making it a direct path to funding Neural Education institute or workshop attendance.
Neural Education's neuroscience-based approach to understanding how students learn, manage stress, and engage in the classroom offers chemistry teachers a powerful new lens that complements their content expertise.
Knowles Teaching Fellowship
Applications: September through January | Award: Varies (includes tuition assistance and stipends)
This highly competitive fellowship supports new high school math and science teachers with comprehensive funding for continuing education. If you are in your first few years of teaching high school math or science, this is worth exploring as a multi-year support option.
Tips for a Strong Grant Application
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Tips for a Strong Grant Application 〰️
When applying for any grant to fund your Neural Education attendance, here are a few things that strengthen proposals:
Connect to student outcomes. Describe specifically how brain-based, neuro-informed practices will improve learning, engagement, or well-being for your students.
Reference Neural Education's research base. Our programs are grounded in cognitive and educational neuroscience. Mentioning this research foundation helps your proposal stand out.
Align with your school's priorities. Most grants favor proposals that connect to existing school improvement goals — MTSS, equity and inclusion, early literacy, SEL, and student behavior are all areas where Neural Education's content applies directly.
Have a plan for sharing. Grant reviewers love to fund teachers who will bring their learning back and share it with colleagues. Mention plans for a staff presentation, lesson demonstrations, or leading a book study.
Apply early. Many grants close quickly or have limited slots. Don't wait until the deadline.