Mini-Grant Application

Elevate technology and digital learning in your school district.

The Learning Technology Center is pleased to announce its Mini-Grant Program, designed to elevate technology and digital learning in K-12 school districts! This initiative supports innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning outcomes for students and staff, with grants of up to $1,000 available. Proceeds from the inaugural LTC Gives Golf Outing will directly fund these micro-grants, enabling educators and districts to achieve their technology goals and enhance educational experiences in K-12 schools across Illinois. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who joined on the course and contributed to this vital cause!

Applications closed October 31, 2024. Learn more about our 2024 winners. Applications reopen in September 2025.

Grant Guidelines

The following guidelines apply to all mini-grant proposals. These grants are specifically aimed at supporting school districts in advancing technology, digital learning, or professional learning projects that positively impact teaching and learning outcomes for K-12 students and staff.

Grant Amount

The maximum mini-grant award is $1000 per project. Applicants should request the actual amount needed to fund the proposed project. Multiple applications can be submitted for different projects, but only one project per applicant will be funded.

Use of Funds

Projects must focus on one of the following areas:

  • Technology innovations that enhance teaching and learning.
  • Digital learning initiatives.
  • Professional learning related to technology that supports staff development and improves instructional practices.

Eligibility

Primary Applicant: The applicant must be an employee of a public, private, or parochial PK-12 school district.

Sponsors: Sponsors are not eligible to win a mini-grant but may nominate eligible districts for consideration.

Application Process

  • Timeline: Applications will open on October 1, 2024, and close on October 31, 2024. Submission. Each application must be submitted via the official mini-grant application form or nomination form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Review Process. A committee designated by the LTC will review all applications and nominations to determine the winners. A total of $3,000 will be awarded. One of the three grants is designated for a participant from the LTC Golf Outing event.
    Announcement: Winners will be announced prior to the Thursday keynote session at the Illinois Education and Technology Conference, allowing time to present the awards.

Funding

Funds will be distributed to winners based on a reimbursement model. Districts or individuals are required to purchase the items needed for their projects, submit proof of purchase, and then the grant funds will be reimbursed.

  • Proof of Purchase: Awardees must submit proof of purchase for reimbursement. The Learning Technology Center will process the reimbursement upon receipt of required documentation.
  • Deadline: All awards must be claimed by June 1, 2025.
  • Presentation Requirement: Awardees agree to present their project at a future LTC event or submit a digital summary of their work (e.g., blog post, webinar).

Additional Guidelines

  1. Awards are non-transferable.
  2. LTC employees are not eligible.
  3. Any policies or procedures specific to the applicant’s school district will supersede these guidelines in the event of a conflict.

For any questions, please contact support@ltcillinois.org.