Running Strong will give away up to $25,000 in grants each year to teachers who serve Native American students. We select Dreamstarter Teachers who will use their grants to meet an unmet classroom or school need and encourage Native students to follow their dreams. Grant funds may be used for almost anything you need for the classroom: resource materials, supplies, equipment, professional development, field trips/transportation, and/or stipends to support bringing community liaisons into the classroom.
Take a look at our brochure for even more details about the Dreamstarter Teacher Grant Program, and share with anyone who may meet the requirements!
How Dreamstarter Teacher Works
Teachers or other educators (librarians, counselors, coaches, etc.) can apply for up to $1,000 to meet a need or plan a project in their school or classroom. Dreamstarter Teacher projects may be one school-year long project or two different projects for the fall and spring semesters.
If approved, Dreamstarter Teacher grants will be disbursed in one of two ways:
(1) Two disbursements of up to $500 each made out to the INDIVIDUAL APPLICANT
Up to $500 (depending on $ requested) in August for the fall semester and up to $500 (depending on $ requested) in January for the spring semester**
**In order to receive the 2nd grant installment, Dreamstarter Teachers must submit receipts/report for the first $500 grant.
(2) One disbursement of up to $1,000 made out to the SCHOOL or SCHOOL DISTRICT
Up to $1,000 (depending on amount requested) sent in August for the entire school year.
Click here to view an example of our online application.
When to apply
Applications for the 2021-2022 school year are now open! Apply or send to a friend today!
Please email Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org with any questions regarding the grant program.
important dates for 2021-2022 School Year
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Online Applications Due 11:59pm EST, July 8, 2021
Online applications are due July 8, 2021 by 11:59pm EST. To ensure your application is considered, be sure to hit "submit" and make certain there are no errors before the deadline.
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Successful Applicants Are Notified August 3, 2021
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Grant Distribution August 15, 2021
Teachers receive first $500 installment of grant for the fall semester OR entire $1,000 grant (depending on request)
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Second Grant Distribution January 2022
Teachers receive second $500 installment of grant for the spring semester. Remember to keep your receipts!
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Grant Period ENDS June 30, 2022
All monies must be spent by this date.
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Submit Receipts and Grant Report August 15, 2022
All receipts and grant reporting for the grant year are DUE via our 2 page update form online or by mail.
All Dreamstarter Teacher funds MUST be used during the period of August 15, 2021 — June 30, 2022. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org.
Dreamstarter Teachers Make a Difference!
June 2021 E-News: Food Sovereignty, Summer Youth Feeding Program, and more!
May 2021 E-News: Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center, Virtual Dreamstarter Academy, Medicine Root Gardening, and more!
2021-2022 Dreamstarter® Teacher Applications are Open!
Mid-Year Report from the 2020-2021 Dreamstarter Teachers!
August E-News: Emergency food, water projects, and back to school!
Meet the 2020 – 2021 Dreamstarter Teachers!
