Innovation in the classroom doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when educators are empowered to try new ideas, explore creative approaches, and bring learning to life for students.
The Toledo Public Schools Foundation is proud to announce the 2025–2026 Creative Impact Grant recipients, awarding $51,000 to support innovative, student-centered programs across Toledo Public Schools. These grants will fund creative projects that enhance classroom instruction, strengthen curriculum connections, and provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students throughout the district.
Celebrating the 2025–2026 Grant Recipients
This year’s Creative Impact Grant recipients represent schools across Toledo Public Schools and span a wide range of grade levels, subjects, and learning experiences. Their innovative ideas will reach hundreds of students and enhance learning both inside and beyond the classroom.
Additional awards were made possible through the Toledo Refining Company and Fifth Third Career Tech Awards, supporting programs that emphasize career exploration, workforce readiness, and real-world learning opportunities for students.
About the Creative Impact Grant Program
The Creative Impact Grant Program is designed to help teachers bring innovative and engaging ideas, techniques, and resources into their classrooms—ideas that often fall outside the scope of traditional classroom funding.
Toledo Public Schools teachers, administrators, and student groups (under teacher supervision) are eligible to apply. Grant proposals are carefully reviewed by the Foundation’s Allocation Board, ensuring that every awarded project meets clear standards for educational value and student impact.
All subject areas are eligible, and projects may include:
- Creative instructional strategies
- Experiential and hands-on learning opportunities
- Expert-led classroom experiences that enrich curriculum content
Projects involving equipment purchases must demonstrate how those resources will be used as part of the broader course of study, ensuring long-term educational value.
How Projects Are Selected
Creative Impact Grants are awarded to programs that demonstrate strong alignment with district goals and measurable outcomes for students. Selection criteria include:
- Whether the project addresses needs not typically covered by traditional classroom funding
- The originality and creativity of the proposed program
- Clear, measurable learning outcomes and meaningful student impact
- A strong connection between the project and existing curriculum
This thoughtful review process ensures that funded projects are not only creative—but also purposeful, effective, and impactful.
Why These Grants Matter
Every Creative Impact Grant represents an investment in students—encouraging curiosity, creativity, and deeper engagement with learning. These programs help educators meet students where they are while preparing them for future success, whether in college, careers, or community leadership.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors and community partners who believe in the power of public education and innovative teaching.
Thank You for Making Innovation Possible
To our educators: thank you for dreaming big and creating meaningful learning experiences for your students. To our supporters: thank you for making these opportunities a reality. Together, we are strengthening classrooms and supporting student success across Toledo Public Schools.