We are happy that you’re considering the Great Idea Grants program as a resource for turning your idea into a valued learning experience for your students.

We have designed this section of our website (www.tcfpe.org) to help you better understand the goals of the Great Idea Grants program and answer the most often asked questions.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact The Consortium for Public Education office at 412-678-9215 or via email to phoke@tcfpe.org.  We will be happy to assist you.

Our program has helped hundreds of teachers initiate projects that have had positive impacts on thousands of students.  We hope that you will share your ideas with us and that we can help make them a reality.

The Consortium for Public Education, through its Great Idea Grants Program, rewards innovative and exciting learning projects that support the efforts of school improvement and student achievement.  Those ideas have come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from as little as $40 for an enriching classroom project to a maximum of $5,000 for a district-wide activity. 

Over the 23 years of the Great Idea Grants Program, more than one million dollars has been awarded for 2,067 educational programs.  As of the 2009-2010 school year, the grant total stands at $1,392,705.76.

Great Idea Grants encourage collaboration among teachers.  They link learning across the disciplines; pilot new curriculum ideas, test new strategies, and help schools work toward meeting Pennsylvania’s academic standards.  But most importantly, successfully implemented grants make learning exciting and meaningful for students in western Pennsylvania.

Teachers at all levels and in every subject area have responded enthusiastically to the opportunities provided by Great Idea Grants.  As we enter our 24rd year, we hope that even more will take advantage of the opportunities offered through this program.  Great Idea Grants are supported financially by The Grable Foundation as well as by businesses, organizations and individuals who underwrite or endow grants.  The Consortium for Public Education is very grateful to these groups for their support.

Click here for new application

Click here for general information and eligibiltiy requirements

Click here for help on completing the Great Idea Grant application

Click here for implementation information

Making Learning Come Alive