ICNA Relief and ISLA co-hosted the ICNA Relief EMPOWER Grant Info Session on October 1, 2026, providing teachers with an overview of the grant opportunity, eligibility requirements, application process, and reporting expectations.
To help teachers prepare a complete and timely application, we’ve summarized the key information and guidance shared during the session below. Reviewing these details before applying can help you gather the required documents, understand the application criteria, and avoid common issues that could affect the processing of your application.
About the ICNA Relief EMPOWER Grant:
The ICNA Relief EMPOWER Grant provides teachers with funding to bring classroom projects and resources to life. Grants of up to $2,000 can support projects and materials in areas including science, literacy, math, art, physical education, and social studies.
The grant is designed to give teachers the resources they need to create meaningful learning experiences and support student success.
Who Can Apply?
The EMPOWER Grant is available to individual teachers, not schools, who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must be:
- 1st–8th grade teachers
- Teaching at a U.S.-based, brick-and-mortar school
- Teaching at a traditional public, private, or eligible charter school
The grant is not currently available to high school, preschool, kindergarten, weekend school, or online-program teachers.
Islamic studies and Arabic teachers may also apply if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Multiple teachers from the same school may receive grants, as each application is evaluated individually.
What Can the Grant Fund?
Grant funding can support classroom projects and materials related to core subjects, including:
- Science and STEM
- Literacy
- Math
- Art
- Physical Education
- Social Studies
Examples of eligible materials include books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials.
Applicants are encouraged to clearly connect their proposed project to student learning and impact.
What Makes a Strong Application?
The EMPOWER Grant application is evaluated using a 30-point rubric, so applicants should take time to develop a clear and complete proposal.
During the orientation, ICNA Relief highlighted several important considerations:
- Plan ahead. Set aside approximately 2–4 hours to complete the application and gather all required documents.
- Explain the need. Clearly describe what you want to do, why the project is needed, and how it will benefit your students and school community.
- Create a detailed budget. Show exactly how the requested funds will be used.
- Include a video. Video submissions can earn 10 points and were strongly encouraged during the orientation. Use the video to help reviewers understand your classroom, project, and anticipated impact.
- Submit everything. Required materials, including documents such as a principal’s letter and W-9, must be complete. Incomplete applications may be dismissed without follow-up.
If You Receive a Grant
Grant recipients are expected to document how the funds are used and the impact of their project.
Recipients should be prepared to:
- Use the funds within the required timeframe
- Keep documentation of expenses
- Capture before-and-after photos
- Document the implementation and impact of the project
- Submit the required report by the deadline
Reporting is required. Teachers who do not submit their reports in a timely manner will not be eligible for future EMPOWER Grants.
Applicants should also be aware that the grant is considered taxable income. Teachers should consider this before applying.
Important Dates
Applications Open: October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM CT
Application Deadline: October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT
Because the deadline is firm, teachers are encouraged to begin early and leave time to gather documents and address any questions.
For questions about the application, contact back2school@icnarelief.org. ICNA Relief expects to respond within 24 business hours.
Other Important Things to Note:
- Plan ahead: Allow 3–4 hours to complete the application and gather all required documentation, including the principal recommendation. Videos are a strong element of the proposal and are highly recommended.
- Submit early: Do not wait until the deadline. ICNA Relief recommends submitting your complete application 2–3 days before October 31 to allow time to address any issues. Email support is available Monday–Friday during business hours, with a typical response time of 1–2 business days.
- Confirm your submission: After submitting, email ICNA Relief to confirm that your application was received successfully. Since October 31 falls on a Saturday, there will be no email support that day, and no extensions will be granted if an application does not go through by the deadline.
Watch the Orientation & Review the Slides
ISLA hosted an EMPOWER Grant Orientation with ICNA Relief to walk teachers through the grant opportunity, eligibility requirements, application process, and reporting expectations.
EMPOWER Grant Orientation Recording:
View the ICNA Relief Presentation Slides:
These resources provide additional guidance to help applicants prepare a complete and competitive proposal.
Learn More & Apply
Visit the ICNA Relief EMPOWER Grant page for the full application details and to apply: Apply Here!
Application deadline: October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT.
