New Teacher Grants

Douglas Peterson Memorial

Classroom Grant

First- and Second-Year Teachers

We retired teachers still remember those first years of teaching when money was scarce and there were so many things we would like to have purchased for improving our classroom learning experiences. Our organization offers a limited number of grants each year to help buy some of the things first- or second-year teachers believe would enhance classroom learning.

Applications for 2024 are closed for this year

Thank you to the almost 100 applicants!

Grant recipients have been notified and funds dispersed for 2024.

2025 Application Requirements

1. First or second year of teaching career.

2. Full time K-12 teacher at a public school in Fresno County only.

3. Regular or Emergency credential.

4. Currently teaching (not on any leave).

5. Clear description of how the money will be used to enhance the classroom.

Teachers may apply for a grant in any amount not exceeding $500. Grant recipients will be awarded by January 2026. Grant recipents will will be able to use the grants for whatever they feel will enhance or enrich the learning experiences in their classrooms (e.g., computer programs, reference materials, and bulletin board materials), but not for basic instructional materials.

Whatever is purchased will belong to the grant recipient teacher, personally, not to their school.

Requirements (read and follow instructions carefully):

1. Apply by October 1, 2025. In this application, be aware that retired teachers will evaluate your application based on how you describe how you will use the money to enhance your classroom. They will also appreciate your use of proper grammar, your proofreading efforts, and clarity of content.

2. Use the grant in the school year you receive it.

AND later

​3. Send us (by May 1st) a short statement, one page maximum, telling how the grant enhanced the learning experiences in your classroom.