What is the Bright Ideas Grant Program?

We are currently accepting Bright Ideas grant applications for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Bright Ideas Grant Program was established by the state's electric cooperatives in 1994 to support innovative, creative and effective classroom initiatives that are not covered by traditional school funding. Since that time, the cooperatives have distributed over $13.5 million in funding across the Tarheel state.

How do I Apply?

Individual teachers or a team of teachers can compete for grants up to $2,500. All teachers and principals in both public and private schools grades K-12 are eligible to apply for a Bright Ideas Grant from Tideland EMC. However the school must be located in Dare, Craven, Pamlico, Washington, Hyde, Beaufort or Tyrrell counties. Applications will be accepted for projects in any discipline (multi-discipline projects are highly encouraged).

To learn more or apply online visit the Bright Ideas web site. Awards are presented in the fall of each year.

For More Information:
Heidi Jernigan Smith
Program Coordinator
252.944.2410
252.943.3046, ext. 1140