National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
/OVERVIEW: The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics promotes excellence in the teaching and learning of mathematics through its extensive grantmaking program. NCTM also runs conferences and professional development programs for teachers and publishes books, journals and curricula authored by many of its grantees.
IP TAKE: NCTM is an important source of funding for math educators, and is an accessible and approachable funder. Grantseekers will want to check the council’s website regularly as the type and amount of grants offered change all the time. NCTM makes applying as painless as possible by providing tips for applying and accompanying each grant announcement with its own clearly explained application requirement.
PROFILE: Located in Weston, Virginia, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) was founded in 1920. It is the world’s largest mathematics education organization, with more than 60,000 members. The organization actively supports and advocates for “high quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.” In addition to teaching and learning, the NCTM’s aims include access, equity and empowerment in mathematics education; building member value; and advocacy and influence for sound practices education.
Grants for K-12 Education
An education foundation par excellence, the foundation prefers to make grants for specific priorities rather than creating broad programs through which to conduct support. Despite this, the foundation offers a wide-variety of grants, scholarships, and awards, which range from $1,500 to $24,000. Overall, grants support math teachers and educators working to “improve the teaching and learning of mathematics” through coursework, professional development, conference attendance, and research. Research grants are categorized by student grade level, area of mathematics, or by specific initiatives such as equality in education or connection to other subject areas.
The type and amount of the grants available changes with each funding cycle; however, 10 to 20 grants are offered at any one time. For a full list of current grants, explore the NCTM’s complete list of funding opportunities. NCTM also accepts nominations for its lifetime achievement award, which is awarded annually an outstanding mathematics educator with a minimum of 25 years of distinguished service to mathematics education.
Important Grant Details
Grants typically range from $1,500 to about $25,000; however, the average amount is closer to $5,000. Many of them are renewable for up to three years upon review of progress.
Extensive information about eligibility for NCTM grants is available on the grants page, as are application requirements, which vary by individual grant. There are two funding cycles each year; due dates vary by grant. NCTM prioritizes projects in the United States, but the organization has some affiliates in Canada and several international corresponding societies.
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