FAQs

Classroom Grants
Publish with us

Eligibility & Who Can Apply

  • Any PreK-12 educator working in an accredited school or educational setting is eligible to apply. This includes teachers, librarians, counselors, instructional coaches, and other classroom‐based educators.

  • Yes. Educators from public, charter, and private schools may apply. Our goal is to support classrooms and students wherever learning is happening.

  • We welcome applications from all educators. Priority may be given to projects that support underserved communities, promote equity and accessibility, or remove barriers to learning.

Types of Grants & Funding

  • We offer:

    • Microgrants for smaller or time‐sensitive classroom needs

    • Standard classroom grants for larger projects or materials

    • Special project grants when funding allows

    Specific grant amounts and availability are listed during each grant cycle.

    1. Grant funds may be used for:

      • Classroom supplies and instructional materials

      • Classroom libraries and literacy resources

      • Creative, project‐based, or hands‐on learning experiences

      • SEL and whole‐child learning resources

      • Accessibility tools and inclusive classroom supports

    If the funds support student learning and classroom impact, we encourage you to apply.

  • Generally, grant funds may not be used for:

    • Personal expenses unrelated to classroom use

    • Salaries or stipends

    • Large facility improvements or construction

    • Expenses already covered by another confirmed funding source

    If you’re unsure, feel free to ask - we’re happy to help clarify.

Application Process

  • Applications are submitted through our online grant form. Our grants are open year-round, summer is very limited. The application is designed to be straightforward and teacher‐friendly.

  • Typical applications include:

    • A brief project description

    • How the project supports students

    • An itemized budget

    • A short timeline

    • Optional photos or supporting materials

    You do not need special grant‐writing experience to apply.

  • Most educators complete the application in 20-30 minutes.

  • Educators may apply once a quarter. Past recipients are welcome to reapply in future quarters.

Grant Cycles & Timeline

  • We offer year round grant funding with limited possibilities over summer. Our goal is rolling microgrants ($125-$500) year round with options picked near the end of the month. Major grants ($500+) are limited to about 2-3 per quarter. Grant opportunities will continue to grow and be updated here when possible.

  • Applications are reviewed by a grant committee using a clear scoring rubric that considers:

    • Student impact

    • Creativity and innovation

    • Feasibility

    • Thoughtful use of funds

    • Alignment with classroom needs

    We value clarity and intention over perfection.

Funding & Payment

  • Depending on the project, funds may be:

    • Paid directly to vendors

    • Issued to schools or districts

    • Reimbursed with receipts

    Instructions are included in award notifications.

  • Funds are typically distributed within 1-2 weeks of awarding, depending on payment method and documentation requirements.

After You Receive a Grant

  • We keep reporting simple. Grant recipients are asked to submit:

    • A short reflection about the project

    • At least one photo (when permitted)

    • A brief description of student impact

      Your story helps us show donors and supporters what’s possible when teachers are funded.

  • With your permission, yes! We love celebrating educators and sharing classroom stories. Participation is always optional.

General Questions

  • Yes. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all grants are funded through donations, book sales, and mission‐aligned publishing efforts.

  • Item description

  • If you have questions at any point, please contact us at grants@smallpresspublishing.org or through our contact page. We’re happy to help.

    If you have an idea that supports student learning and brings creativity into your classroom, we encourage you to apply.

FAQ’s / Publishing With Us

  • At this time, our publishing program is open exclusively to educators. This includes classroom teachers, librarians, counselors, instructional coaches, administrators, and other education professionals.

    We hope to expand opportunities to student authors in the future, but our initial focus is on educator voices.

  • No. As long as you are an educator working in an educational setting, you may submit a manuscript.

  • Yes - many of the educators we work with are publishing for the first time. Prior publishing experience is not required.

Manuscripts & Content

  • Our biggest push is to publish educator‐created books that are grounded in classroom experience and support learning, creativity, reflection, or professional growth. This includes:

    • Professional learning and teaching practice

    • Classroom projects or curriculum‐aligned resources

    • Children’s books written by educators

    • SEL, equity, and inclusion‐focused titles

    • Reflective or narrative educator writing

    If your work is informed by your role as an educator, we’d love to hear about it.

  • 100% yes. Just because our main and original focus is on educational related content, we are absolutely open to any genre you are interested in becoming a published author for. This includes: Fiction, non-fiction, scifi, literary fiction, children’s books, fantasy, mystery, horror, and occasionally romance.

    We would love to hear what your manuscript is about and open to working with you!

  • No. We accept submissions at various stages, including:

    • Early concepts or proposals

    • Partial drafts

    • Completed manuscripts

    During the submission process, we’ll review what stage your work is in and determine next steps together.

  • In some cases, yes. Rights availability and scope of revisions will be reviewed during the submission process.

The Publishing Process

  • We offer full‐service nonprofit publishing support, including:

    • Developmental and copy editing

    • Proofreading

    • Interior and cover design

    • ISBN registration and metadata

    • Printing and production coordination

    • Storage, fulfillment, and shipping

    • Marketing guidance and launch support

    Our goal is to make publishing accessible and manageable for educators with limited time.

  • Timelines vary based on manuscript length, revision needs, and production schedules. Most projects move from acceptance to publication within 6–12 months.

    We provide clear timelines at each stage of the process.

  • Yes. Authors are involved throughout the editing and design process. Final decisions are made collaboratively, with respect for your voice and intent.

Financials, Royalties & Give‐Back Model

  • No. Authors are not required to pay publishing fees, purchase inventory, or cover production costs as a condition of publication.

  • Yes. Authors earn royalties on book sales, which are paid according to the terms outlined in their publishing agreement.

  • In addition to earning royalties, authors agree to donate 15% of their book sales to help fund teacher‐driven classroom grants. This contribution directly supports educators and students.

    Authors are informed clearly and transparently about how these contributions are calculated and applied.

  • Publishing revenue supports:

    • Classroom grants

    • Publishing program sustainability

    • Operational costs that allow us to continue supporting educators

    All proceeds are used in alignment with our nonprofit mission.

Distribution & Sales

  • Books may be sold through:

    • Our online bookstore

    • Select retail and wholesale channels

    • School, library, and educator networks

    • Events, author talks, or conferences

    Distribution methods are shared during the publishing process.

  • We provide marketing support, guidance, and launch coordination. Authors are encouraged but not required - to participate in promotion in ways that feel authentic and manageable.

    Marketing expectations are clearly outlined in advance.

Rights & Contracts

  • Rights ownership and usage are clearly defined in your publishing agreement. We prioritize fair, transparent, and educator‐friendly contracts.

  • Yes. All authors receive a written publishing agreement outlining:

    • Royalties

    • Rights and responsibilities

    • Give‐back contribution

    • Timeline expectations

    • Term and reversion details

    We encourage authors to review contracts carefully and ask questions.

Community & Impact

  • Publishing with us means your work:

    • Supports educator voices

    • Helps fund classroom grants

    • Becomes part of a mission‐driven ecosystem

    • Prioritizes impact alongside sustainability

    Every book contributes to real classrooms and real students.

  • Yes. Authors become part of a growing community of educators who share ideas, experiences, and opportunities to support classrooms together.

General Questions

  • Yes. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

  • Submissions are accepted through our online submission portal during open submission periods. Guidelines and timelines are listed on our Publish With Us page.

  • You can reach us at publishing@smallpresspublishing.org or through our contact page. We’re happy to talk through ideas and answer questions.
    If you’re an educator with an idea to share and a desire to give back, we encourage you to submit your work.