The Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) Junior Membership Classroom Grant Program was established in 2017. Fifty-one $500 grants were awarded to classroom teachers impacting more than 10,000 students nationwide. This program is supported by funds raised to Helen Pouch Memorial Fund.   We are now accepting applications for the 2021 Classroom Grant Program where two Florida Teachers can earn $500 grants.  

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The Grant Award Program is administered through Florida State Junior Membership chair who, along with a panel of judges, review all applications for their state and determine two winners and a Runner-Up. State Junior Membership chair will forward their state results to the National Vice Chair Junior Membership Classroom Grants for certification.    

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In reviewing applications, it is important to note that the proposed projects must directly benefit students in the classroom. Funds may be used for supplies and educational resources but the applicant must detail how these items help to further the educational goals of the DAR.  Grants must directly impact students and may not be used for continuing education/workshops for the teacher.  The grant is a one-time award and recipients are not eligible to re-apply in future years.

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Two $500 grants are available for each state and the District of Columbia! Applicants must be a classroom teacher for grades kindergarten through 12th grade, must be endorsed by a local DAR chapter, and complete the grant award application.  

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2021 Application

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Timeline​

• February 15 through May 1, 2021- Application process open to classroom teachers.

• May 1, 2021-Application deadline for submission to Kan Yuk sa.

• May 15, 2021-State Chairman and panel of Judges selects 2 Florida Teachers and sends applications to the National Vice Chairman for certification and processing.

• Late June 2021- Grant winners announced at DAR's Annual Continental Congress.

• No later than September 30, 2021- Awards mailed to teacher's school c/o the teacher

• December 31, 2021- Report of project sent the National Vice Chair or upon project completion of the project.

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FAQs

• What states can participate?

All 50 states and the District of Columbia can participate in the Classroom Grant process.  The Kan Yuk sa Chapter is located in Jacksonville, Florida and are accepting applications from Florida teachers.  If you are outside of Florida, please let us know so we can facilitate a connection with a DAR chapter in your state.

• Who is considered a classroom teacher?

A classroom teacher is a teacher in a public or private school system. They can teach a core subject or other group setting classes in grades K-12. Individual programs like speech or occupational therapy are not eligible. The teacher holds a contract for the following school year and can have the application endorsed by a principal, headmaster, or superintendent to verify employment. Home school teachers are not considered classroom teachers. The goal of the classroom grant program is to do the greatest good for the great number of students. 

• Can a non-regular education teacher apply if they meet the definition of a classroom teacher?

Special education services vary from state to state and that is why it needs to be clear that the teacher is teaching a classroom of students and not providing pull out service.  

An example of a classroom would be: A reading class is being taught to a group of students by the special education teacher. Pull out service would be a special education teacher working with students on reading for a class that is being taught by another teacher.   

• Can a classroom grant be used by the school lunch program?

No, grant funds must be used for education setting activities in a classroom.

• Can a classroom grant be used by a classroom teacher to invite a guest expert performer/lecturer to come and teach classes in a classroom as a way to extending the learning experience of students?

Yes, this fits the definition of the focus on student learning of the grant program.  This activity has a direct benefit to the students’ learning.

• Can a classroom grant be used by a classroom teacher to take students on an out of school field trip to cover the cost of entry of students to a learning venue?

Yes, this is an activity that is focused on education to help expand the classroom learning experience. This activity has a direct benefit to the students’ learning.

• Can a DAR member apply for a grant?

Yes! DAR members who meet the eligibility requirements of classroom teachers may apply for the grant. They should not list their DAR membership as part of their application, as no preference should be given to DAR members when reviewing the applications and grants should be awarded based on the merits of the application alone. 

• Why can't a chapter endorse more than one applicant?

Two grants are available per state. Some states have hundreds of chapters. Each application is reviewed by a panel of volunteer judges. Limits must be placed to ensure these judges aren't overwhelmed with applications. Also, the goal of this grant program is to impact as many children in as many communities as possible. Limiting each chapter to sponsoring just one application per year helps ensure that multiple communities in each state will benefit from these grants.

• Where can I get an application?

The application packets are available here.

• When is the application deadline?

All applications must be turned in by May 1, 2021.

• Where do I turn in my application?

You may email your application to KanYuksa@gmail.com.  The chapter will select one teacher and forward the application to the State Chairman.

• I have a friend who is a teacher, how can I let him/her know about this opportunity?

Please share this page with your friends! We also have information that you can share on our facebook page.

• What is the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund?

Authorized in 1938, this fund was named in memory of Helen Pouch, 1901-1919. Helen was the daughter of Helena R. Pouch, who became the first national chair of the Junior Membership Committee in 1937 and later served as President General from 1941-1944. The fund finances projects chosen by the Junior Membership Committee with prior approval of the Executive Committee. In the past the Juniors have provided scholarships, medical aid, and general assistance to the DAR schools. The annual Junior commitment totals more than $42,000. Meeting this commitment is a combined effort by Juniors through their fundraising projects and by individuals who make donations to the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund.

• What is DAR and Junior Membership?

DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join.  

A Junior is a DAR member age 18 through 35 years of age.  Although no longer a Junior after her 36th birthday, she may continue to volunteer at state conference and Continental Congress until her 41st birthday. She holds full DAR membership, and when qualified, may serve as an officer or committee chair at the chapter, state, and national levels.

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