Ecolab Teacher Grant Program
Ecolab provides funding to Saint Paul Public Schools to support teacher-led projects that inspire and engage students. The Ecolab Teacher Grant Program offers a convenient and efficient way for teachers to apply for and receive funds that support classroom learning.
The Ecolab Teacher Grant Program consists of a regular cycle, which accepts applications at the end of the school year, and a microgrant cycle, which accepts applications for smaller awards midway through the school year.
Staff in the SPPS Innovation Office run the application and awards management process. Applications are read and scored by a team of volunteer reviewers from SPPS, Ecolab, and the greater community, with the highest scoring applications receiving funding.
Application Overview
Ecolab grants are generally suitable for projects that will impact a classroom or students of one grade. All SPPS teachers and paraprofessionals are eligible to apply. Applicants can apply for up to $2,500 individually or $7,500 as a team.
At this link, you can view a copy of the 2024-25 Ecolab Teacher Grant application.
Applications for the 2024-25 Ecolab Teacher Grant Program are now closed. Applications will be reviewed throughout the summer and applicants will be notified of their award status in August.
Application Requirements
Grants may fund the purchase of classroom materials, field trip admissions, transportation, and other educational supplies and resources.
Unallowable expenses include:
- Furniture
- Staff training
- Staff or substitute time
- Animal dissection supplies
- Technology hardware (computers, tablets, SMART Boards, etc.)
- Any purchases that don’t directly affect students
These guidelines are set by Ecolab and non-negotiable.
All grant applications must:
- Be approved by the applicant’s principal before submission
- Be written solely by the applicant(s)
- Not exceed word limits — any words over the maximum allowed will not be reviewed
- Not exceed the maximum funding request — any individual requests over $2,500 or team requests over $7,500 will not be reviewed
All materials purchased with award funds will become the property of SPPS. If you receive a grant and transfer to a different school, the grant funds and materials purchased stay with the school designated on the grant application. Funds also must be spent entirely during the 2024-25 school year and will not carry over beyond June.
Abraham Teuber,
Grants Assistant
abraham.teuber@spps.org
“Teachers have an important job to do, and we are proud to support their work and the school district through this program. Funds provided through the Ecolab Teacher Grants Program will assist educators in their efforts to enrich the learning experience for their students.”
~ Kris Taylor, vice president, Ecolab Community Relations