About Bright Ideas

Bright Ideas are grants of up to $1,000 awarded to public school educators teaching grades pre-K through 12 for classroom-based projects in a variety of subjects that are innovative and creative.

Teacher applicants must complete an online application during the annual grant cycle that opens in August and closes in October. Individual teachers may submit one application per school year. The Foundation Board of Trustees blindly review the applications and select each year’s winners.

Bright Ideas grants are funded through the donations of Carroll EMC Members who participate in the Operation Round Up® program. Since 2007, local teachers have received grants totaling nearly $761,000 to enhance the learning of students in Carroll EMC’s seven-county service area.

For more information, contact Taylor Key at 770-830-5736 or taylor.key@carrollemc.com.

Application Information

Online applications are closed for the 2024 funding cycle.

Top Tips for Applications:

1. Do not include anything that identifies you or your school in the application. Grants are blindly graded and judged by the Foundation Trustees.

2. Do not wait until the last minute to apply. Take your time gathering all of the required information. The more details provided, the better!

3. Ask questions! The only wrong question is the one not asked. Reach out to Taylor Key at taylor.key@carrollemc.com; Ryan Sammon at ryan.sammon@carrollemc.com; or Rolando Benitez at rolando.benitez@carrollemc.com if you have any questions or concerns of any kind.

Funds MUST be used for the project applied for.

Eligible Schools