State Media Assistance Grant
State Media Assistance Grant supports NEA state affiliates’ paid media campaigns to advance public education and strengthen the Association’s image and reputation among key audiences and the public.
Funder: National Education Association
Due Dates: October 19, 2026 (Round 1) | January 19, 2027 (Round 2)
Funding Amounts: One-year grant term, preferably within a single budget year; partial funding possible
Summary: Supports NEA state affiliates’ paid media campaigns advancing public education and strengthening the Association’s image and reputation.
Key Information: Only NEA state affiliates may apply; applications must be submitted jointly by affiliate leadership and communications staff.
Description
NEA’s Center for Communications administers the State Media Assistance Grant to advance public education and publicize the Association’s and its affiliates’ role in improving its quality. The competitive program supports paid media image and reputation campaigns that strengthen the Association’s image among key audiences and the public. Funds supplement, rather than replace, existing communications and advertising efforts.
Campaigns may address legislation, public policy, and other public issues affecting public education, educators, students, and communities, but cannot promote specific legislative or political objectives or overt membership recruitment. Applications demonstrating a clear connection to organizing for power receive priority, including campaigns that build member engagement, strengthen local organizing capacity, activate members and leaders, or move audiences toward collective action.
