9/11 Day K–12 School Grants
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The 9/11 Day K-12 School Grants Program provides funding, in the form of small grants, to help schools organize volunteer service, and related service learning activities in observance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a National Day of Service and Remembrance. These projects and activities can include engaging teachers and parents in individual or group acts of kindness and community service for 9/11 Day.
ROUND 1 Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
ROUND 1 Awards Announced: May 1, 2026
ROUND 2 Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
ROUND 2 Awards Announced: June 17, 2026
FUNDING AVAILABLE
- K-12 School Grants range from $2,000 – $5,000 depending on the scope, scale and reach of the proposed activity
WHO CAN APPLY
- K–12 school administrators, teachers, or staff members
- Official school-affiliated organizations (such as PTOs, PTAs, or school foundations) applying on behalf of a school or district
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
- Single-school projects
- Projects involving multiple schools within the same district or region
- Student-led service or kindness projects
- Schoolwide days of service
- Community care initiatives or donation drives
- Collaborative projects involving multiple schools or grade levels
Projects should be developmentally appropriate and clearly connected to remembrance, service, and community engagement in observance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Schools receiving a microgrant are encouraged to also participate in Schools of Service recognition and may register classrooms as Classrooms of Service. They may also sponsor Student Service Leaders. Participation across multiple programs helps demonstrate a school or district’s overall involvement in 9/11 Day.
FAQ
Who can apply for a school grant?
Any K–12 school administrator, teacher, staff member, or officially affiliated school organization (such as a PTO, PTA, or school foundation) may apply on behalf of a school or district.
Applications may also be submitted for collaborative projects involving multiple schools within the same district or region.
How much funding can a school request?
Applicants may request $2,000, $3,000, or $5,000, depending on the scope and needs of the proposed project.
Do projects have to take place on September 11?
Projects should take place on or around 9/11 Day, within the September–October 2026 timeframe.
What types of costs are eligible?
Funds may be used for direct project-related expenses, including supplies, materials, transportation, printing, or other costs required to carry out a school-based 9/11 Day service project.
Are these grants competitive?
Yes. School grants are awarded through a competitive application process, subject to available funding.
Can a school receive a grant and also participate in recognition programs?
Yes. Schools receiving rants are encouraged to also participate in Schools of Service and Classrooms of Service recognition programs.
Is there a cost to apply?
No. There is no cost to apply for or receive a K–12 School Grant.
Will funded schools be publicly recognized?
Yes. Funded schools may be recognized through 9/11 Day communications and materials, unless they request not to be listed.
Can a district submit more than one application?
Yes. Districts may support multiple applications submitted by individual schools or for collaborative, multi-school projects.
Who manages the grant if awarded?
The grant must be managed in coordination with the participating school or district. While an individual or affiliated organization (such as a PTO or PTA) may submit the application, the funded project must be carried out with school or district approval and oversight.
Are there restrictions on how funds can be used?
Yes. As these grants are supported in part by federal funding, certain activities are restricted. 9/11 Day will provide clear guidance on allowable uses of funds during the application and award process.
Are indirect costs (F&A/IDC) allowed under this grant, and if so, what rates or limitations apply?
Subgrantees may recover indirect costs in accordance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and applicable AmeriCorps award terms. Organizations with a current federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) may apply their approved rate. Organizations without a NICRA may elect a de minimis indirect cost rate of up to 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), where permitted by the underlying federal award; a lower rate (e.g., 10%) may also be used if preferred or required based on award terms. Alternatively, subgrantees may choose not to claim indirect costs and instead charge all allowable costs directly. All indirect cost recovery is subject to AmeriCorps administrative cost limitations applicable to the prime award, and 9/11 Day reserves the right to adjust or limit indirect cost reimbursement to ensure compliance.
What Reporting is Required?
Grantees will be asked to complete light-touch reporting, including:
– A brief pre-event plan outlining activities and anticipated youth participation
– A short post-event summary with participation numbers
– Photos, videos, and stories highlighting youth leadership and impact
Reporting templates and timelines will be provided.