Innovation Grants - RFP Now Open!  

IU1 Innovation Grants, funded by the Claude Worthington Benedum and EQT Foundations, are designed to empower educators to define and drive innovation within their unique school contexts. Proposals should include an interdisciplinary approach that is creative, student-centered, and aligned with broader school or district innovation goals. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on their local goals, challenges, and aspirations as they describe their proposed projects. We aim to support initiatives that are not only creative and interdisciplinary, but also deeply rooted in a school's or district's long-term vision for innovation. 

The grants are open to schools in:

• Intermediate Unit 1: Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties

• West Virginia: Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Hancock, Wetzel, Barbour, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, and Upshur Counties

• Ohio: Belmont County

There are two options to apply:

• IU1 Innovation Grant – Up to $5,000
  For larger, integrated projects that reflect your school’s vision of innovation across multiple disciplines.

• IU1 Innovation Micro Grant – Up to $2,000
  For smaller-scale or early-stage innovation projects—ideal for schools new to the grant program or testing bold, new ideas.

New in 2025–2026:

• To ensure greater equity and reach across our region, the IU1 Innovation Grant program is being reshaped to ensure broader access and opportunity. This year, priority will be given to:

  • First-time applicants, and

  • Schools that have not received an Innovation Grant within the past three years.

  • All first-time grant applicants must attend a Launch Session in Fall 2025 (once per applicant, not annually).