‘IdeaLab’ Grants to Fuel Impact With a Focus on Civics

Montclair Public Schools teachers may apply for grants Aug. 28 - Oct. 31

The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) is piloting a new type of educator grant for the 2025-26 school year called IdeaLab. 

These grants aim to fuel impact in Montclair classrooms by fostering teacher creativity through a specific lens. This year’s focus is “Civics in our Schools.”

The IdeaLab grants are an effort to spark innovative ideas and support teachers who nurture future leaders, and to engage students of all ages and across content areas. 

Why start with civics? 

“Our schools are fertile ground for cultivating informed, engaged, and responsible citizens, enabling them to participate in a democratic society: in their schools, in their communities, in Montclair, and beyond,” said MFEE Board member Sarah Hudson-Plush. “We’re hoping this focus on civics will inspire teachers to think boldly, collaborate with colleagues, and dream up impactful learning experiences for our kids.”  

MFEE annually awards $60,000 in grants to educators across the Montclair Public Schools. It’s been funding teachers’ big ideas for more than 30 years, and the grants program continues to be a core part of the organization’s mission. This year, teacher applicants can opt to apply for the IdeaLab grant, or in one of three other categories: classroom innovation, social-emotional learning, and professional development.

Focus areas for the 2025-26 IdeaLab grants may include, but are not limited to:

• Exploring students’ roles, rights and responsibilities as citizens in their classroom, community or country,

• Integrating community service with classroom learning,

• Engaging students in mock elections, debates, and other activities that mimic democratic practices, 

• Developing skills to discuss and analyze complex social and political issues in a respectful and informed manner that considers multiple perspectives,

• Helping students understand how to critically evaluate information found online and engage in responsible online discourse,

• Connecting civics to historical events and exploring the evolution of democratic ideals,

• Examining different forms of government and political systems around the world.

  
  

“By exploring a common theme together, teachers not only fuel individual classroom innovation—they create a ripple effect across the district,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, MFEE’s executive director. “IdeaLab is more than a grant; it’s a collective movement of educators inspiring each other, reimagining teaching, and making meaningful learning experiences for all students.”

Last year, MFEE received 113 applications, and awarded more than 70 grants across the district. These grants enhanced learning in science, technology, English Language Arts, dance, music, physical education, and more. Applications are evaluated by a team of MFEE staff, Board members, and volunteer grant liaisons at each school. District principals, central office administrators, and PTA leaders also participate in discussions.

Educators can apply online from Aug. 28 through Oct. 31. Grants recipients will be notified in December.