ABACUS Small Grant Program for Teachers (Canada)

Deadline: 08-Oct-2026

The ABACUS Small Grant Program for Teachers provides funding to teachers in Hamilton’s publicly funded schools to support creative and meaningful learning experiences for middle school students facing multiple and persistent barriers. For 2026–27, the program also introduces Youth Environmental Leaders Grants, supporting student-led school projects focused on waste reduction, sustainability, and greening school spaces. Grants range from $100 to $500 per project, with up to three grants available per school per school year. What Is the ABACUS Small Grant Program? The ABACUS Small Grant Program helps teachers create learning opportunities that go beyond regular classroom activities. Funding can be used for enrichment experiences that encourage students to explore new ideas, develop skills, work collaboratively, and participate more actively in their school communities.

Examples of supported activities include:

- Educational excursions. - STEM classroom supplies. - Art clubs. - Enrichment learning activities. - Student-led environmental projects. - Waste reduction initiatives. - Sustainability projects. - Greening school spaces. The program is particularly focused on students who experience persistent and pervasive barriers to educational participation and success. What Is New for 2026–27? A new Youth Environmental Leaders Grants stream has been introduced for the 2026–27 school year. This opportunity supports school-based environmental projects addressing issues such as: - Waste reduction. - Environmental sustainability. - Greening school spaces. - Student environmental leadership. - Positive environmental change within schools. The environmental stream places strong emphasis on student leadership. Students should not simply participate in activities planned entirely by adults. They should have meaningful opportunities to develop ideas, make decisions, build skills, and help implement solutions. What Are Youth Environmental Leaders Grants? Youth Environmental Leaders Grants are designed to give students an active role in creating environmental improvements within their school communities. Students can participate in identifying environmental challenges, developing project ideas, deciding how activities will be carried out, and contributing to measurable improvements.

Potential projects could involve:

- School waste reduction. - Recycling awareness. - Sustainability campaigns. - Greening school areas. - Student environmental education. - Projects that encourage more sustainable behaviors. The strongest projects will connect environmental action with meaningful student learning and leadership. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants are teachers from Hamilton’s publicly funded schools.

Projects must serve students in:

- Grade 6. - Grade 7. - Grade 8. - Students during their transition to Grade 9. Teachers should ensure that the proposed project aligns with the ABACUS goal of supporting students who face multiple and persistent barriers. Which Students Does the Program Prioritize? The ABACUS program is designed to support students who experience persistent and pervasive barriers.

Priority groups include:

- Indigenous students. - Black and racialized students. - Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ students. - First-generation attenders. - Newcomer students. - Students with special education needs or disabilities. - Students with disciplinary records. - Students from low-income families. Projects should clearly demonstrate how they will engage and benefit students experiencing these barriers. What Types of Projects Can Teachers Propose? The program supports creative approaches to student learning.

Examples include:

Educational Excursions Teachers can propose educational experiences that expose students to learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom environment. STEM Activities Funding can support STEM class supplies and activities that encourage experimentation, problem-solving, creativity, and practical learning. Art Clubs Creative activities such as art clubs can provide students with opportunities for self-expression, collaboration, and skill development. Environmental Projects The new Youth Environmental Leaders Grants can support school-based projects addressing sustainability, waste reduction, and greening. Why Is Student Leadership Important? Student leadership is a central element of the new environmental grant stream. Projects should give students genuine responsibility rather than treating them only as recipients of an activity.

Students should have opportunities to:

- Identify problems. - Generate project ideas. - Make decisions. - Plan activities. - Develop practical skills. - Work collaboratively. - Take responsibility for project tasks. - Contribute to positive change. - Reflect on what they learned. This approach connects environmental action with leadership development and meaningful learning. How Much Funding Is Available? The ABACUS Small Grant Program provides $100 to $500 per project. Schools can receive a maximum of three grants per school per school year. Funds are intended to support project-related activities and cannot be used for salary costs. Teachers should therefore focus their budgets on eligible materials, experiences, supplies, and other direct project needs rather than staffing expenses. How Can Teachers Develop a Strong Proposal?

1. Identify the Student Need

Begin by explaining the learning, engagement, inclusion, or environmental need that the project will address.

2. Explain the Barriers Students Face

Clearly connect the project to students experiencing persistent and pervasive barriers. Explain why the proposed activity will help create a more inclusive and supportive learning experience.

3. Describe the Learning Experience

Explain what students will actually do and what skills or knowledge they will develop.

4. Build in Student Leadership

For environmental projects, show how students will contribute to idea generation, decision-