First County Bank Foundation – Annual FirstClass Grant Program for Teachers (2026)
Grants of Up to $1,000 for Creative K–5 Classroom Programs in Fairfield County, Connecticut
The First County Bank Foundation’s Annual FirstClass Grant Program for Teachers provides small grants to K–5 public school teachers for creative educational programs that enrich classroom learning and benefit an entire class or grade. The program supports teachers working in select Fairfield County, Connecticut communities, with applications accepted each year from September 1 through October 31.
Organization: First County Bank Foundation
Support Type: Teacher grants / classroom enrichment grants
Geographic Focus: Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, Fairfield, New Canaan, Norwalk, Westport, and Bridgeport, Connecticut
Maximum Grant Amount: $1,000
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About the Funder
First County Bank Foundation supports community-based programs that strengthen quality of life in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Through its annual grant programs, the Foundation focuses on community development, affordable housing, and educational enrichment. The FirstClass Grant Program for Teachers is designed specifically to help elementary school teachers bring creative, curriculum-connected learning opportunities into the classroom.
What This Program Supports
The FirstClass Grant Program supports creative educational programs for K–5 students. Eligible projects should be connected to classroom subjects or curriculum and should have a broad impact on an entire class or grade.
Examples of eligible program types may include:
Nature-based learning programs
Astronomy projects
Financial literacy activities
Conservation programs
Environmentally focused classroom experiences
Creative hands-on educational enrichment projects
Projects should go beyond standard classroom supplies and demonstrate creativity, educational value, and meaningful student impact.
Eligible Support Types
The program provides classroom grants of up to $1,000 for creative educational programs.
Funding may support projects that:
Enhance classroom learning
Connect directly to subjects or curriculum
Benefit an entire class or grade level
Provide hands-on or enrichment-based learning experiences
Introduce creative approaches to student engagement
Eligibility & Preferences
Eligible applicants must be:
K–5 public school teachers
Working in one of the eligible towns served by the program
Seeking support for a creative educational program tied to classroom curriculum
Able to demonstrate broad impact for an entire class or grade
Approved by their school principal
Eligible towns include:
Stamford
Greenwich
Darien
Fairfield
New Canaan
Norwalk
Westport
Bridgeport
Ineligible Requests
The FirstClass Grant Program does not support:
Books
Magazine subscriptions
School trips
Electronics, including computers, tablets, or mice
Programs without broad class or grade-level impact
Applications submitted after October 31
Funding Amounts
The maximum grant amount is $1,000.
Applicants should design requests that can clearly explain how the funding will support a creative classroom program and benefit students directly.
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Opens: September 1 each year
📅 Application Deadline: October 31 each year
📅 Late Applications: Applications are not accepted after October 31
📅 Typical Award Size: Up to $1,000
Teachers should begin preparing their project idea, principal authorization, and application materials before the September 1 opening date.
Application / Request Process
Applications for the FirstClass Grant Program for Teachers are accepted online through First County Bank’s grant application system.
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
Teacher and school information
Eligible town and grade level
Project description
Connection to subjects or curriculum
Expected student impact
Budget or funding request details
Principal authorization
Because principal authorization is required, teachers should secure approval before submitting an application.
Apply / Learn More
➡️ First County Bank Grant Applications Page
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for K–5 public school teachers who:
Teach in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, Fairfield, New Canaan, Norwalk, Westport, or Bridgeport
Have a creative classroom enrichment idea
Need up to $1,000 to support a curriculum-connected program
Can show broad impact for an entire class or grade
Can secure school principal authorization before applying
The FirstClass Grant Program is best suited for teachers seeking modest, targeted funding for hands-on educational experiences that make classroom learning more engaging and memorable.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Annual application cycle
Application Window: September 1–October 31
Typical Lead Time: Prepare materials before September 1 and submit before October 31
Best Suited For: K–5 public school teachers in eligible Fairfield County, Connecticut communities
Maximum Grant Amount: $1,000
Key Strategy Tip: Focus the application on creativity, curriculum alignment, and broad classroom or grade-level impact rather than general supplies or one-time field trips.
