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 2025, a total of $25,000 was awarded using participating Flint Members’ small change through Operation Round Up®. Since 2006, nearly $375,000 has been awarded to fund projects reaching more than 15,000 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: $1,000; Maximum grant request: $2,000
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.
Applications for the 2026 Bright Ideas Grant will be available in June. We can't wait to reveal our big plans to celebrate our 20th year!
Important Dates:
- Bright Ideas Application live: June 2026
- Early Bird deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026
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 18, 2026
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 multiple applications.
Can a teacher apply for multiple grants?
No, a teacher can only apply for one project per school year.
How much is the grant?
The minimum amount to apply for is $1,000; the maximum is $2,000.
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 2026-27 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.