About the Champions Grant Program
The Jimmie Johnson Foundation’s Champions Grant Program has historically supported K-12 public schools in California, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. In February of 2024, the JJF Board of Directors voted to narrow our geographic focus and award Champions Grants that have the potential for high impact and significant positive change to K-12 public schools in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Champions Grants are awarded in the following areas: Science & Technology, Language & Literacy, Health & Wellness, and the Arts. Schools can request between $15,000 and $35,000.
Eligibility
K-12 public schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, that have been fully operational and serving students for a minimum of 3 years, are eligible to apply. Past Champions Grant recipients are eligible to apply.
Please note:
- Teachers and staff who are currently employed by a K-12 public school in Charlotte, North Carolina are eligible to apply.
- Parent/Teacher Organizations (PTO) may not apply on their own or on behalf of a school. Champions Grant applications must be completed and submitted by school staff, managed by the school, and follow all district guidelines and requirements.
- Pre-schools, private, and parochial schools are not eligible to apply.
- Non-profits and/or community organizations are not eligible to apply.
Charter Schools
Charter schools located in Charlotte, North Carolina may apply. As stated above, charter schools must have been in operation and serving students for at least 3 years to be eligible.
If your school is not a K-12 public school in Charlotte, North Carolina, or a Charlotte, North Carolina charter school, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for a Champions Grant.
If your school meets the eligibility requirements listed above, please CLICK HERE to review the Frequently Asked Questions to ensure that your proposed project fits within the Champions Grant guidelines.
Application Process – NOW OPEN!
After confirming that your school is eligible to apply, and reviewing the FAQs, please follow the instructions below to complete an application.
Step 1 – Register for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Online Grants Management System (Instructions):
Step 2 – Register for a Champions Grant Information Call:
We strongly recommend that all schools considering submitting an application participate in an Information Call. The purpose of the calls is to provide applicants with additional details about the application process, to share Jimmie Johnson Foundation’s expectations of applicants, and to answer questions applicants may have. It is important to note that the Jimmie Johnson Foundation is not able to review individual applications and/or provide specific feedback on the calls/at the meetings. Schools must be in an eligible district to sign up for a call or meeting. Parent volunteers assisting schools with writing a grant can register for an Information Call, but a school staff member must also participate in the call.
Step 3 – Complete and Submit Application Materials
Champions Grant applicants must complete and submit all required application materials within the JJF’s online grants management system. Materials include a written application, Champions Grant Budget Worksheet, and vendor quotes. Application materials must be submitted exactly as instructed. Only application materials submitted via the JJF’s Online Grants Management System will be considered for review. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Materials sent via email, fax, etc. will not be considered.
The deadline to submit a 2025 application is Wednesday, October 8 at 8:00pm. It is important to note that, depending on your internet speed, it could take a while to upload required materials and/or to submit your application materials. We recommend that you submit at least 1 hour before the deadline. Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline.
Step 4 – Potential Site Visit
Site visits are conducted at the discretion of the Champions Grant Review Committee.
Important Dates
The 2025 application process will open in May 2025.
Applicants will be notified of their status in December 2025.
Questions? Please complete the form below.