What is the Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant Program?

We know teachers are spending hundreds of dollars out of their own pocket each year to create positive learning experiences for their students. The Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant Program is designed to assist teachers in funding innovative programs, which positively impact school children in grades K-12. This grant program is fully funded by the employees of Blue Eagle Credit Union. It's one way our vision of enriching lives is put into action.

Who can apply for a Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant?

Elementary, Middle, and High School teachers (public or private) are welcome to apply for a Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant. To be eligible, the teacher applying must be employed by a school located within Blue Eagle Credit Union's designated service area, which includes the following communities:

• Altavista, VA
• Amherst County, VA
• Appomattox County, VA 
• Bedford, VA (City and County) 
• Botetourt County, VA 
• Campbell County, VA 
• Craig County, VA
• Franklin County, VA
• Lynchburg City, VA 
• Roanoke, VA (City and County) 
• Salem, VA
• Vinton, VA 

How much can I apply for?

Eligible teachers may request any amount up to $500 per school year.

Who decides whether a project gets funded?

The Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant Committee is a diverse group of credit union employees who review and award grant requests. The Teacher Grant Committee may choose to offer partial funding at its discretion. It is our goal to maximize the positive impact on students, teachers, schools, and our communities through these grants.

When is the application deadline?

Applications for the current school year must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2025.

Can I apply more than once?

A teacher may apply more than once, but if awarded a Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant you will not be considered for additional grants during the same school year. You may, however, apply multiple or consecutive school years for a Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant. Only one grant application for a single project will be considered. For example, Ima Teacher applies for project X this year and is awarded a Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant for project X. Ima Teacher could apply again next year for project Z. Ima could not apply again this year for project Y if already awarded for project X this school year. Ima's coworker, Ura Teacher, could not apply this year for a grant to fund project X (in addition to Ima Teacher since Ima was already awarded a grant for this project).

When will I know if my project is approved?

We will notify grant recipients the beginning of November.

How will I know if my project receives a grant or not?

We will notify all applications of our grant decision via phone or email. We will also follow up to indicate any necessary next steps.

If awarded a grant, what requirements are there to receive the funds?

We do ask that you share with us, a video, photos, and success stories of how the funds positively impacted your students. We love to celebrate with our recipients, and want to share the good you do in our communities and in the lives of your students! You are welcome to send us your own video and photos, or we will be happy to capture those during our check presentation if that is helpful.

If awarded a grant, how will I receive the funds?

The funds will be sent to your school to be disbursed to you for the project.

What makes a grant application successful?

The application must be complete and comply with deadlines. It should include a clear, typed presentation of the request on the appropriate forms. The grant request:

• should demonstrate creativity and innovation in education programming and target a significant number of children.
• may be a collaborative effort between educators, schools, parents, or others to reach children in multiple classrooms, grade levels, or schools.
• should not seek funds for substitute teachers.
• should demonstrate a clear benefit to the students and their learning experience, promoting positive impact and educational success.

Please describe your project in 500 words or less.

Indicate all parties involved and how it will benefit the students. Outline specific educational goals, objectives, and advantages your project offers, along with how you will measure the success of the project and determine a positive impact in the students' learning experience. Provide reasons why this project should receive one of our grants. Please include if the project is related to a specific school district goal or curriculum area. Detail where and how the project will be executed.

Applicant Agreement:

The information in this grant request is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of application. I understand, and agree, that the application and any supporting documents (including videos, photos, illustrations, or stories shared with the application or upon completion of the project detailed in this application) become property of Blue Eagle Credit Union when submitted, will not be returned to the applicant, and could be used for marketing purposes by Blue Eagle Credit Union. I agree, if awarded, that these funds will be used only as indicated and for the sole benefit of my classroom and students to create a positive learning experience. I further understand, if awarded, that funds will be distributed to the school for funding this project. I have received any and all necessary approval from any persons of authority (including, but not limited to my principal and/or administrative personnel) to carry out this project. The person(s) of authority have agreed for our school to receive the grant funds, if awarded, on my behalf; and to disburse the funds in accordance to the project as outlined in this application for the benefit of the teacher, project, and students indicated in this application.