Supply, N.C. (March 30, 2022) ​ – Starting April 1, teachers can apply for Bright Ideas education grants from Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation. The electric cooperative is providing grants of up to $2,000 to bring creative learning projects to life and enhance education for local students. Teachers can apply online at ncbrightideas.com or bemc.org/bright-ideas. The final deadline to apply is September 15, but those who apply by August 15 will be eligible for a $100 Visa gift card.

Last year, 26 teachers in Brunswick and Columbus counties received $34,372 in grants. Funding is available for K-12 classroom projects in all curriculum areas including art, history, math, reading, science and technology. Educators can apply as individuals or as a team and must include a budget, project goals, implementation plan and description of how the project will engage students and enhance their success.
“Our teachers contribute greatly to the success of future generations, and we’re glad to support the important work they do in the classroom,” said Brookes Versaggi, Manager of Member Engagement and Communications. “We’re committed to creating a brighter future for our communities, and encourage all educators with ‘bright ideas’ to apply.”

Started at Brunswick Electric in 1994, the Bright Ideas education grants program quickly became a shared initiative of all 26 electric co-ops in North Carolina. Collectively, BEMC and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have issued more than $14.3 million supporting 13,536 projects benefiting well over 2.8 million students statewide.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit bemc.org to find details on submission requirements. For more information about the program and grant-writing tips, please visit ncbrightideas.com.

Additional Resources

Grants available for teachers with”Bright Ideas” through BEMC