Champions Grant Program

Mission: Support K-12 public education through competitive grants to deserving schools

Geographic Scope:

• Primary focus areas: California (San Diego/El Cajon area), North Carolina (Charlotte area and surrounding districts), Oklahoma (Muskogee and Tulsa areas)
• Eligible districts vary by year and location

Eligible Applicants:

• K-12 public schools
• 501(c)(3) parent group associations

Focus Areas:

• Science and technology needs
• Playgrounds and athletic facilities
• Trade-based programs
• Language and literacy initiatives
• STEM education
• Technology infrastructure

Award Information:

• Grant range: $25,000 - $100,000
• In 2011, 53 Champions Grants were awarded to 44 schools totaling more than $2 million over three years
• 2011 awards included: $254,585 toward science and technology, $126,561 for playgrounds/athletic facilities, $56,022 toward trade-based programs, $84,030 toward language/literacy

About the Foundation:

• Launched by Chandra and Jimmie Johnson in February 2006
• Mission: Assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States
• Has committed more than $5 million to various charities

Contact Information:

• Mary Barr, Jimmie Johnson Foundation
• Phone: 704.453.2897
• Email: mbarr@jjracinginc.com
• Website: www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org

Application Process

Eligible Geographic Areas (as of 2011):

California (San Diego area):

• Grossmont Union High School District
• Cajon Valley Union School District
• San Diego Unified School District

North Carolina (Charlotte area):

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District
• Mooresville Graded School District
• Iredell-Statesville Schools
• Cabarrus County School District

Oklahoma:

• Muskogee Public School District
• Tulsa Public Schools

Application Steps:

1. Visit the application portal at www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org
2. Complete the grant application with school/organization information and project details
3. Describe project needs addressing one or more focus areas (science/technology, facilities, trade programs, literacy, etc.)
4. Submit by deadline - typically mid-October (e.g., October 16 deadline mentioned in 2009)

Required Materials:

• School or 501(c)(3) parent group identification
• Project description and justification
• Budget information
• Information about how the grant will benefit students

Selection Criteria:

• Quality and need of the proposed project
• Potential impact on students
• Alignment with foundation's education focus

Alternative Option:

• Schools not in Champions Grant eligible districts may apply directly through Lowe's Toolbox for Education at www.toolboxforeducation.com for up to $5,000 grants