Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA) Grant

Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: John & Denise Graves Foundation
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: December 03, 2025

Summary

The Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA) honor dedicated educators in Title I Minneapolis Public Schools. Recognizing their impactful work, MELA allows peers, students, and parents to nominate deserving educators. Finalists, selected by a committee, receive funding up to $10,000, aimed at enhancing their school's environment. This initiative not only elevates the profession but also empowers educators to implement meaningful changes within their communities, fostering a culture of appreciation and support for teaching excellence.

Overview

Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards What is MELA? The Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA) were created to recognize Title I Minneapolis Public School District educators, principals, paraprofessionals, and support staff working consistently with students in a school, for their leadership outside their classroom or defined job duties. We intend to recognize and elevate hardworking professionals diligently educating our children, who often do not get the credit they deserve. The MELA nomination and selection process is entirely teacher driven. Candidates for the award are nominated by their peers, students, parents, or anyone who admires their work as educators. Finalists are selected by a committee of teachers, administrators, and support staff actively working in the Minneapolis public school district. The award comes with the responsibility of completing a proposal with AchieveMpls for up to $10,000 in funding for a one- or two-year grant to improve the nominee’s school. The committee awards up to $75,000 in grants annually.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Whether you’re a student, family member, or colleague, you can nominate an educator who’s making an impact at your school. MELA starts with nominations. Peers can nominate an educator in their school who goes the extra mile for students.To receive a MELA award, finalists chosen by the MELA committee must submit and commit to a proposal to make an impact in their school community.In accepting the Minneapolis Educator Leadership Award, each recipient agrees to use the funds as described in their submitted proposal.