Bright Ideas, a grant program sponsored by the Flint Energies Foundation and Flint Energies, awards teachers money for innovative lessons and projects to energize learning in their students. In 2024, a total of $25,000 was awarded using participating Flint Members’ small change through Operation Round Up®. Since 2006, nearly $350,000 has been awarded to fund projects reaching more than 12,000 students in Middle Georgia.
We hope that these grants will inspire teachers to think outside the box and create exciting projects that enrich the education experience for their students. Projects can be designed to enhance any curriculum area inside or outside the classroom, or in a virtual environment.
Minimum grant request: $750; Maximum grant request: $1,500
Applicants must not use any identifying information in the body of the application such as county, school, teacher names or mascots. Grants cannot be used toward fundraising activities.
The application will open in a separate window on the Kaleidoscope host website. You are required to create an account and submit your proposal online.
Important Dates:
- Bright Ideas Application live: Monday, June 2, 2025
- Early Bird deadline: Friday, September 5, 2025
All early bird entries will be entered into a drawing to win a $250 Visa gift card.
Two winners will be selected. - Final deadline for applications: Friday, September 19, 2025
Applications will not be accepted after this date.
Questions?
Contact Blair Brown at bbrown@flintemc.com or call 478-218-5547.
Here's the rules!
Who is eligible?
Any teacher who teaches grades PreK-12 at any public or private school located in Flint Energies service territory is eligible to apply for a Bright Ideas grant. Counties include: Bibb, Chattahoochee, Crawford, Dooly, Harris, Houston, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Muscogee, Peach, Schley, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Twiggs, and Upson.
Can multiple teachers from the same school apply?
Yes, a school may submit more than one application.
Can a teacher apply for multiple grants?
No, a teacher may apply for only one project per school year.
Can a teacher win two years in a row?
No, teachers must wait a full school year after they win to apply again.
How much is the grant?
The minimum amount to apply for is $750; the maximum is $1,500. Some grant requests may be partially funded.
What can I NOT use the grant for?
Grants may not be used for professional development, SMART Board purchases, field trips or subscription services. The amount requested should fully fund the lesson plan and should be implemented by the end of the 2025-26 school year.
What qualities is Flint looking for in the grant applications?
- Innovative, creative learning experiences for students
- Clearly defined plan of implementation
- Benefits and directly involves students
- Provides an adequate budget summary
- Encourages teamwork
- Provides a fun lesson and experience for students
When will I know if I have been awarded a grant?
Grant winners will be notified when the Bright Ideas prize brigade makes its rounds in November.
Who judges the applications?
A panel of judges reviews applications and ranks them based on innovative teaching methods that benefit students. Because the evaluation process is competitive, partial funding may be awarded to allow more applications to benefit from the grant process.
Does Flint Energies accept applications from private schools?
Yes, the Flint Energies Bright Ideas program accepts applications from private schools.