2019 marked the 25th anniversary of the Bright Ideas education grant program founded by North Carolina’s electric cooperatives in 1994 to fund innovative classroom projects that engage students and bring learning to life.
The 25th anniversary was a record year for the Bright Ideas program with over $700,000 awarded for more than 660 projects across the state, the most funding given in a single grant cycle since the program began. This brings the total grant money awarded since the program started to nearly $13 million, funding more than 12,300 projects benefiting close to 2.5 million students.
Bright Ideas grants are awarded across all subjects and grade levels, and educators can apply individually or as a team. Grant applications are accepted April through September of each year (the exact date of the final deadline varies by co-op), and grants are awarded each November.
Visit ncbrightideas.com to find the deadline for your school and learn more about the program. Educators can also submit an application at this site beginning April 1.
