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Welcome, HOA alumni!

Our alumni — including school administrators, teachers, and beneficiaries — bring a wealth of professional experience and unique perspectives from their time partnering with Heart of America. United by a shared commitment to educational equity, they form a vibrant network that offers ongoing support, valuable insights, and lasting inspiration.

For Educators

We list current and upcoming grants and other financial resources here, as well as share via ongoing email alerts. To stay in the know, please sign up for our email updates here. This page is built for you, and with your input, it can be even better. Email us your ideas, suggest additional resources, and share ways we can keep our community connected, informed, and engaged.

Resources

College & Career Readiness

Libraries & Literacy

Health & Wellness

STEAM

Networking

These organizations frequently offer sessions on educational equity, school improvement, leadership, and supporting underserved students. If you would like to share your experience as an attendee of one of these events, or would like to share an event you would like to see on the list, please let us know!

Grants

NEA Foundation

Offers grants that support innovative teaching, student achievement, and educator professional learning. Many grants are designed for public school educators and high-need communities.

DonorsChoose

Allows teachers in public schools to request funding directly for classroom projects, supplies, technology, books, and enrichment opportunities.  

AdoptAClassroom.org

Provides classroom funding and resources to teachers, particularly in under-resourced schools. Teacher spending surveys and grant opportunities are also available.  

Candid Foundation Directory

The largest and most respected U.S. foundation database, helping nonprofits identify funders whose priorities align with educational equity, literacy, STEM, college access, and community engagement. Typically requires a subscription, though many public libraries, universities, and nonprofit support centers offer free on-site access. 

U.S. Department of Education

The Department of Education maintains a directory of grant programs and funding opportunities for K–12 schools, districts, nonprofits, and educator preparation programs. It includes formula grants, competitive grants, and equity-focused initiatives.  

Grants.gov

The federal government's official grant portal lists opportunities from all federal agencies, including Education, NSF, USDA, and Department of Justice programs that support schools and communities. The U.S. Department of Education identifies Grants.gov as the definitive source for federal grant opportunities.  

GrantStation

A reputable grant research platform that includes foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities. Subscription-based grant research platform. 

State Departments of Education

Many states administer federal pass-through funds and state-specific grant programs for: 

  • Literacy 
  • STEM 
  • School improvement 
  • Community schools 
  • Teacher recruitment and retention 
  • Career and technical education 

The U.S. Department of Education recommends checking state education agency websites for additional classroom and district funding opportunities. 

From the Blog

Public school facilities received a D+ on the 2025 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card, and experts estimate the nation’s schools face more than $100 billion in deferred maintenance needs. Behind those numbers are students learning in aging buildings, educators like yourself doing their best in outdated environments, and communities struggling to provide the spaces young people deserve. Read the full post here.

Meet our alumni advisory committee

We’ve assembled an exceptional group of leaders who help steer our alumni network toward vibrant, dynamic, and lasting educational changes. Take a moment to meet a few of them here.

Bettye Adams
Bettye AdamsPrincipal, Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School, Baltimore, MD
Bettye is an experienced School Administrator with a demonstrated history of working in education for over 25 years. In addition, she has a diverse wealth of experience in nonprofits, coaching, event planning, and so much more.
Cherise Ayers
Cherise AyersCentral High School Principal, Saint Paul, MN
Cherise claims a long history with Central, the oldest high school in Minnesota. She walked the halls as a student before assuming her current role as principal, just as her mother and sister had done; now her children call Central their own. She is proud, honored, and humbled to be the steward of this great institution.
Amanda Schmitter
Amanda SchmitterActing Principal, Sam Rayburn STEAM Academy, McAllen, TX
Amanda Borowczak Schmitter has built a distinguished career in education. Most recently, she was appointed principal at Sam Rayburn Elementary, where she leads a diverse and innovative learning community focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Amanda has been recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to foster strong community relationships.
Tamara Davis
Tamara DavisDistrict Librarian, Santa Ana Unified School District, CA
Tami is the District Librarian for Santa Ana Unified School District in Santa Ana. She has worked in libraries and education for over 25 years and has loved books and reading for as long as she can remember.
Greg Gaskins
Greg GaskinsCOO, Monument Academy Public Charter School, Washington, DC
Greg was born and raised in York, PA, and attended the University of Pittsburgh, receiving a Bachelor’s in Economics. After serving as Business Manager at Friendship Public Charter School, he transitioned into his current role at Monument Academy as Chief of Staff. He’s a dynamic leader and has been a football coach for over twelve years.
Jae Lee
Jae LeePrincipal, Burnette Elementary, Pasadena, TX
After working as an engineer, Jae reimagined his career and pursued his dream of becoming an educator. He is now in his 25th year in education and 9th year as principal at Burnette Elementary, a recipient of an HOA library makeover. He’s excited to be part of a group of people who are passionate about innovative ways to improve education.

Change doesn’t happen alone

Corporate partners

Corporate partners support us in the form of financial donations, in-kind donations, strategic pro-bono projects, volunteering, and program support.

Community partners

Heart of America partners with school districts, non-profits, and like-minded organizations to help support volunteer recruitment, program support, and project execution.

Individual donors

Whether it’s a one-time or recurring gift, our donors help us make it happen throughout the United States. They are the lifeblood of our community!

Support education equity

Connect with our team to explore how we can collaborate to transform an educational space near you.

Let’s stay in touch

We periodically send updates about projects, industry-related news, and more. We’d love to keep you in the loop!

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