One of the great benefits of being a PTA is that National PTA offers a huge number of grants on a variety of topics. Last fall, 18 local PTAs in Illinois received $1,000 grants supporting programs in STEM, tobacco prevention, reading and literacy, arts education, internet safety, and digital device use. An additional 8 local PTAs received $2,500 grants to support programs on mental health. Chicago Region received a $5,000 grant on healthy eating. Nationally, over $650,000 in grants were awarded by National PTA in 2022. Grant opportunities for the 2023-2024 school year open at the end of August. Here’s how your PTA can get ready to hit the ground running.

Keep an eye on the grant and award page at National PTA. When the grants are announced, the application process will be available through the National PTA grant and award opportunities page. Keep an eye on the page at the end of August for announcements. The Illinois PTA Weekend Update newsletter (out every Friday) will also include links to these grants when they become available.

Be in good standing. Once National PTA makes an initial determination of which PTAs will receive grants, they check with Illinois PTA to confirm that the PTAs are in good standing. PTAs that are not in good standing cannot receive a grant. In order to be in good standing, your PTA:

  • Must have its membership dues paid up to date. Remember, the first membership dues payment is due by October 1.
  • Must have registered its officers with Illinois PTA through Givebacks (formerly MemberHub).
  • Must have its bylaws up to date.
  • Must have insurance (through AIM or another provider).
  • Must have its IRS Form 990 filing up to date.

Your region director can help your PTA get these items completed if necessary.

Understand the grant process. Grant applications from National PTA are relatively straightforward and easy to fill out. Check out our All About Your Grants! Grant Writing Basics and Success Stories video on YouTube. Keep in mind that if your PTA receives a grant, there is likely some reporting requirements following your event or other grant work. If you fail to file this reporting, National PTA can rescind the grant money.

Grants from National PTA can help your PTA supplement its budget and implement new programs at your school. Keep an eye on the National PTA grant and award opportunities page near the end of the month and read through the Illinois PTA Weekend Update to apply as soon as possible.