How much funding does Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA) provide?

Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA) provides Up to $10,000 per award; up to $75,000 total per year in funding.

When is the deadline for Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA)?

The funder has not published the next deadline; based on past cycles it is expected around January.

Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA) runs on an annual cycle. The next deadline is expected January 10, 2027.

Funding Amount

Up to $10,000 per award; up to $75,000 total per year

Deadline

Expected ~January

Based on past cycles

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadlines typically fall in: January

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Purpose: Design creative learning opportunities for students and enhance student learning while creating stronger school communities

Creator: John & Denise Graves Foundation in partnership with Educators 4 Excellence

Administrator: Achieve Twin Cities

Geographic Scope: Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS)

Eligibility:

Total Program Funding: Up to $75,000 each year to support MPS staff

Purpose: Design creative learning opportunities for students and enhance student learning while creating stronger school communities

Selection Process:

Entirely educator-driven
Candidates nominated by their peers
Finalists selected by a committee of teachers, administrators and support staff who work in MPS schools
Each finalist submits a proposal for an innovative project

Example Projects Funded:

Historical and contemporary indigenous resistance movements project (5th grade)
Scholarships for Spanish immersion trip to Puerto Rico (5th graders)
Parent Advocacy and Education leadership program
Creative writing program with local artists-in-residence and spoken word workshops
Makerspace Cabinet with tools and manufacturing equipment for project-based learning
Phone: 612-455-1530
Address: 404 South 8th Street, Suite 105, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Nomination Phase:
- MPS staff members nominate an outstanding peer
- Nominations submitted by January 10
Selection Phase:
- Finalists selected by committee of teachers, administrators and support staff
Proposal Submission:
- Each finalist submits a proposal for an innovative project
- Proposal requests up to $10,000 in funding

Nominator must be MPS staff
Nominee must be MPS staff (teacher, principal, paraprofessional, or support staff)
Nomination submitted by January 10 deadline