About Us
The NEA Foundation is an independent, public charity supported by contributions from educators' dues, corporate sponsors, and others who support public education initiatives. We partner with education unions, districts, and communities to create powerful, sustainable improvements in teaching and learning.
Vision, Mission, Values
Our Vision is a great public education for every student.
The NEA Foundation, through the unique strength of its partnership with educators, advances student achievement by investing in public education that will prepare each of America's children to learn and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Closing the Achievement Gaps
To date, the NEA Foundation has invested more than $9 million in its signature, district-based Closing the Achievement Gaps Initiative. The Foundation piloted the Initiative by investing $6 million in three districts with a high number of under-achieving low income and minority students in Hamilton County (Chattanooga), TN; Milwaukee, WI; and Seattle, WA. With early results from local evaluative efforts showing significant and positive changes in teaching and learning, the Foundation now supports additional sites in Columbus, OH; Springfield, MA; Lee County, FL; and Omaha NE.
Learn more about the Closing the Achievement Gaps Initiative
Grants to Educators
The NEA Foundation has invested more than $8 million in grants for more than 2,500 educators to support and share ideas and approaches to strengthen teaching and learning. On average, each grant impacts the learning of more than 200 students.
Learn more about our grant programs
Awards
The NEA Foundation’s Awards for Teaching Excellence program recognizes, rewards, and promotes excellence in teaching and learning.They also honor public education and the dedicated members of the NEA.
The Foundation also recognizes support of public education with two additional awards.The NEA Foundation Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education honors individuals and organizations for their lifelong commitment to advancing public education and is typically presented to those who work outside the field. The NEA Foundation Award for Philanthropy in Public Education is presented to corporations and other entities of stature in recognition of their significant and demonstrated financial commitment to improving public education or supporting of public schools and educators.