Bright Ideas Teacher Grants

Bright Ideas Logo

The Bright Ideas program began with the North Carolina Statewide EMC in 1994 and has since been adopted by many EMCs across the country, including Southern Rivers Energy. It is funded by our Operation Round Up program. It aims to provide teachers in our communities with the tools they need to bring their creative and innovative lesson plans to life for their students.

These grants will inspire teachers to think creatively and develop engaging projects that enhance the educational experience for their students. Projects can be designed to enhance any curriculum area inside or outside the classroom, or in a virtual environment.

The ideal project will maintain an educational component while encouraging teamwork. Preference is given to projects that inspire learning through fun and creative approaches that can be implemented year after year. Grant requests could include materials for literature, manipulatives, equipment, digital resources, field trips, guest speakers, admission and travel expenses, and other items that support student learning.

Important Dates:

  • Applications must be submitted and received before midnight. Friday, September 5, 2025.
  • The Early Bird deadline and entry in the $250 Amazon gift card drawing is August 15, 2025.
  • Applications received after the September 5 deadline will not be considered.
  • Check presentations by the Bright Ideas Brigade will be made Oct. 21-24, 2025.

Questions?

Contact Kathryn Green at 770-358-1383, ext. 348 or kathryn@srivers.net.

 

BEFORE you apply, make sure your application contains the following:

  • Uses innovative, creative learning experiences for students (25 points)
  • Provides instructional experiences otherwise unavailable (20 points)
  • Involves teamwork (15 points)
  • Directly and actively involves students (10 points)
  • Clearly defined goals and learning objectives (10 points)
  • Provides ongoing benefits to students (10 points)
  • Provides an adequate budget summary (10 points)

Apply Now

Do NOT include the name of your school, school mascot, county, or any reference that would indicate you or your school's identity in the project title or description.

To be eligible for a grant, teachers must be currently teaching PK-12 (public or private) in Bibb, Coweta, Crawford, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Pike, Spalding or Upson. In addition to regular classroom teachers, guidance counselors, librarians, coaches, specialists and special education teachers who teach students may apply.

Yes, a school may submit more than one application.

No, teachers may only be an applicant of one project per school year.

The maximum grant amount is $1,000.

  • Uses innovative, creative learning experiences for students (25 points)
  • Provides instructional experiences otherwise unavailable (20 points)
  • Involves teamwork (15 points)
  • Directly and actively involves students (10 points)
  • Clearly defined goals and learning objectives (10 points)
  • Provides ongoing benefits to students (10 points)
  • Provides an adequate budget summary (10 points)

Grant winners will be notified when the Bright Ideas Brigade makes its rounds in October.

A panel of judges review applications and rank them based on innovative teaching methods that benefit students. To prevent teachers from having to spend their money to make a project a reality, partial grants are no longer awarded.

Yes, private school teachers are more than welcome to submit applications.

No. Because grants are awarded based on the school environment outlined in the application and because the checks are made directly to the schools, any materials or equipment purchased are considered school property and must remain with that school system.

  • The grant must be used within 18 months.
  • Applicants are encouraged to follow up with Southern Rivers Energy about grant (report on the success and send photos).
  • Southern Rivers Energy has the right to use the winner teacher and school’s name, photo and information about grant to advertise for the program.
  • Grants are open to all subjects.
  • Grants will be awarded to certified school teachers instructing students in grades PK-12 (public or private) in Bibb, Coweta, Crawford, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties.
  • Applicants agree that their name, photo and project may be used in print, broadcast and other forms of media in publications of Southern Rivers Energy and the Southern Rivers Energy Trust, Inc.
  • Bright Ideas grants are not meant for general school supplies.
  • No handwritten applications will be accepted.
  • Maximum amount of grant is $1,000. Projects can be funded up to $1,000.
  • Projects must benefit students in grades PK-12.
  • Teachers may only be an applicant or team member of one project per school year.
  • Teachers cannot submit an application for a project that was funded previously. However, applications that build on a project that was previously funded are permitted.
  • Principal must approve project.
  • Do not include the name of your county or school in parts 2, 3 or 4. Failure to follow application guidelines will result in disqualification.