Every grant tells a story: a teacher with a vision, a donor who believed in it, and students whose learning experiences were transformed.

Since 2019, Opportunity GrantED has connected generous donors with educators across Chicagoland, providing classroom resources that remove barriers to learning and create meaningful opportunities for student success

Where Grants Make a Difference

Great ideas shouldn't be limited by classroom budgets. Opportunity GrantED provides funding for the books, supplies, technology, and learning tools teachers need, helping educators create engaging learning experiences without spending their own money. 

Opportunity GrantED funds resources that help students learn, explore, create, and thrive, including:

Grants In Action

Interested in seeing recent grants in action? Follow us on social media to learn more about the teachers, classrooms, and students benefiting from Opportunity GrantED funding.

Annual Impact Reports

Explore our annual reports to learn more about the teachers, schools, students, and classroom projects supported through Opportunity GrantED.

Thank You

Our impact is made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers, teachers, and community supporters who believe every student deserves access to the resources they need to succeed.

Together, we are creating opportunities, one classroom at a time.

The Melissa Bowie Fine Arts Memorial Award

The Melissa Bowie Fine Arts Memorial Award was given in 2025 to honor Melissa Bowie’s legacy and her belief in the power of creativity, self-expression, and education. The one-time donation of ~$23,000 funded projects that expanded access to music, visual arts, theater, and other creative learning experiences for students throughout Chicagoland.

The Award reflects a simple but powerful belief: every student deserves the opportunity to create, perform, explore, and be inspired through the arts.

2025 Award Recipients

Steven Schnall | Francis McKay Elementary School

Funding provided 15 pianos and percussion instruments, expanding access to music education for approximately 1,400 students across 27 classrooms.

Sarah Latimer | Hayt Elementary School

Funding supported enhancements to student gallery and performance spaces, creating new opportunities for artistic expression and showcasing student work for more than 1,200 students.

Lasting Impact

The arts help students build confidence, foster creativity, strengthen critical thinking skills, and discover new ways to connect with the world around them.

By supporting innovative arts programs and classroom initiatives, the Melissa Bowie Fine Arts Memorial Award helped ensure that more students have access to enriching experiences that inspire learning and creativity for years to come.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to create, perform, explore, and be inspired through the arts."