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Educational Mini-Grant Program for Public School Teachers

Helping Educators bring meaningful ideas to life 

Educators see possibilities every day – new ways to spark curiosity, help students build confidence, and make learning more meaningful. Sometimes, a relatively small amount of funding is all it takes to turn a promising idea into an experience that can have a lasting impact. 

Fidelity Bank is proud to introduce the Educational Mini-Grants program for the 2026-2027 school year. Through this program, eligible public school teachers and educators in the communities we serve may apply for grants of up to $500 to support classroom projects, educational resources, and learning experiences that might not otherwise receive funding. 

Applications are now open and must be submitted by November 3, 2026.

 Questions? We’re happy to help. Email us at [email protected]

You know your students best

Great ideas can come from anywhere: a hands-on science experiment, new books that help students see themselves in what they read, materials for an art or music project, tools that make learning more accessible, or an opportunity to connect classroom lessons with the wider community. 

Educational Mini-Grants are intended to give educators added flexibility to respond to the interests and needs of their students. 

Funding may be used for projects and resources such as: 

  • Hands-on classroom activities and learning experiences 
  • Books, instructional materials, and classroom supplies 
  • Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics projects 
  • Programs that encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving 
  • Resources that support inclusive and accessible learning 
  • Projects that connect students with their community, environment, or local history 

These examples are not intended to limit what educators may propose. We welcome thoughtful ideas across subjects and grade levels. 

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include teachers and educators working at public schools in the following communities served by Fidelity Bank: 

  • Ashburnham 
  • Ashby 
  • Ayer 
  • Barre 
  • Devens 
  • Fitchburg 
  • Gardner 
  • Groton 
  • Hardwick 
  • Harvard 
  • Holden 
  • Hubbardston 
  • Lancaster 
  • Leominster 
  • Lunenburg 
  • Millbury 
  • Needham 
  • New Braintree 
  • Oakham 
  • Paxton 
  • Pepperell 
  • Petersham 
  • Phillipston 
  • Princeton 
  • Royalston 
  • Rutland 
  • Shirley 
  • Sterling 
  • Sutton 
  • Templeton 
  • Townsend 
  • Westminster 
  • Winchendon 
  • Worcester 
What are we looking for?

Applications will be reviewed based on the strength and clarity of the proposed idea. Consideration will be given to projects that: 

  • Address an identified student or classroom need 
  • Create a meaningful learning opportunity 
  • Encourage student participation, curiosity, or creativity 
  • Make thoughtful and practical use of the requested funds 
  • Can be completed during the current school year 
  • Have the potential to benefit a classroom, grade level, or broader group of students 

An idea does not need to be elaborate to be valuable. Practical projects and resources that make a meaningful difference for students are encouraged. 

Grant amount

Applicants may request up to $500. 

Grant funds must be used for the project and expenses described in the application. Awards will be issued by check payable to the recipient’s school rather than to an individual educator. 

How to apply

Complete the Fidelity Bank Educational Mini-Grants application by Tuesday, November 3, 2026. 

The application will ask for: 

  • Basic information about you and your school 
  • A brief description of your project or resource 
  • The student need or learning opportunity the proposal will address 
  • The anticipated benefit for students 
  • A simple project budget 


Please note that the Educational Mini-Grants application is separate from Fidelity Bank’s general charitable giving or community support application.
 

What happens after you apply?

All applications will be reviewed after the submission deadline. Applicants will be notified of a decision in early December. 

Selected educators will receive information about the award process, use of funds, and any follow-up requested by Fidelity Bank. 

 Questions?
For questions about eligibility, the application, or the review process, contact Fidelity Bank’s Community Engagement team at [email protected].

Investing in educators strengthens communities

Educators play an essential role in helping young people learn, grow, and imagine what is possible. By supporting educator-led ideas, Fidelity Bank hopes to help create meaningful opportunities for students while building stronger connections with the schools and communities we serve. 

We look forward to learning about your idea. 

Frequently Asked Questions


Teachers employed by a public school in one of the towns listed are eligible to apply.
Private school teachers are not eligible at this time.

Eligible Towns:

  • Ashburnham
  • Ashby
  • Ayer
  • Barre
  • Devens
  • Fitchburg
  • Gardner
  • Groton
  • Hardwick
  • Harvard
  • Holden
  • Hubbardston
  • Lancaster
  • Leominster
  • Lunenburg
  • Millbury
  • Needham
  • New Braintree
  • Oakham
  • Paxton
  • Pepperell
  • Petersham
  • Phillipston
  • Princeton
  • Royalston
  • Rutland
  • Shirley
  • Sterling
  • Sutton
  • Templeton
  • Townsend
  • Westminster
  • Winchendon
  • Worcester

Applications for the current school year are now being accepted and teachers have until November 32026 to submit for the 2026-2027 school year. Please note there is a special application for Mini-Grants that is separate from our regular Community Support Application. Use the “Apply Now!” button above or find the application under “Mini-Grants Application” on our website here: <insert URL>. 

All applicants will be notified of a decision by early December, 2026. Grants will be distributed by a check made payable to the school and will be mailed to your principal’s attention early 2027. 

If you have any questions, please contact our Community Engagement team at [email protected].