Micro-grants

Micro-grants is a grant from SEL4CA that funds California K-12 educators implementing social and emotional learning (SEL) practices in their classrooms and schools. The program directly reimburses educators for out-of-pocket expenses related to creating supportive learning environments, implementing evidence-based SEL programming, and advancing their own professional development in adult SEL skills. Awards range from $100 to $1,000.

Eligible applicants are all California K-12 educators including teachers, counselors, social workers, wellness educators, and administrators who hold free SEL4CA membership. The application deadline is May 1, 2026.

The SEL4CA Micro-grant program directly funds educators to support student and educator social emotional learning and well-being. We know educators often pay from their own pocket to create a classroom environment conducive to learning and supportive of student wellbeing.

This micro-grant program supports educators implementing evidence-based social and emotional learning practices and resources in their classrooms, as well as those looking to enrich their existing SEL programming and/or enhance their own professional learning and adult SEL skill development. SEL4CA will release a Request for Proposals annually from California educators.

All K-12 California educators (not limited to classroom teachers) are eligible and encouraged to apply, including school counselors and social workers, student wellness/wellbeing educators & staff, and school/district admin. Free SEL4CA membership is required.

Projects we fund can range from supporting the implementation or enrichment of evidence-based SEL practices, curricula and resources, as well as supporting educator training opportunities for evidence-based professional learning and development to enhance SEL practices. See examples of previously funded grants.

All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the SEL4CA Leadership and Advisory Team to determine those who will receive funding. Funding levels and the number of recipients will vary year to year depending on available funds and sponsors. Micro-grants will range from $100 – $1,000 each.

Individual educators may apply for $100-$500 in grant funding. School/district administrators may apply for $500-$1,000 in grant funding for evidence-based school/district-wide projects. Grant recipients will be required to submit project updates and outcomes to show the impact of the grant.

Updates may include photos, videos, and/or written summaries or other documentation from the educator and/or students. * Applicants not selected for funding may still receive gift cards for supplies and resources to support SEL efforts.

Application Process and Timeline March 2, 2026: Request for Proposal – application window open June 1, 2026: Deadline to submit your proposal July 15, 2026: Grant winners notified and grant funds available November 1, 2026: Grant implementation summary due March 1, 2027 SEL Day Celebration of 2026 winners (and announcement of 2027 Grant Window opens) May 15, 2027: Final impact report due