Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation opens 2026-27 teacher grants

The Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation is accepting applications through Oct. 2 for grants of up to $1,000 per educator to support Holocaust education in U.S. classrooms. The group is also hosting a free Aug. 25 webinar for teachers on the application process and its resource hub.

Why it matters: - The grant program helps educators pay for Holocaust education in schools where funding is often limited or unavailable. - MSHEF says the need is growing as antisemitism rises nationwide and more teachers seek classroom support. - The program has already reached more than 250,000 students across 42 states.

What happened: - The Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Teacher Grant Program through Oct. 2, 2026. - Grants of up to $1,000 per educator are available for middle school, high school and postsecondary teachers across the United States. - The foundation will host a free virtual Teacher Resource Webinar on Aug. 25, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET. - Registration for the webinar is available here.

The details: - MSHEF says it awarded nearly $200,000 to 256 educators last year, reaching an estimated 65,000 students in the 2025-2026 school year. - The foundation says teacher and administrator grant applications have increased 500% since 2020. - The webinar will cover the grant application process and the MSHEF Holocaust Education Hub, a free resource database searchable by zip code, grade level and subject matter. - Guest speakers will include Katy Matello of the Museum of History and Holocaust Education at Kennesaw State University and Michael Artsis of the "Lives Eliminated Dreams Illuminated" art and music exhibition. - The foundation was founded by Holocaust survivor Mark Schonwetter and his daughters, Ann Arnold and Isabella Fiske. - MSHEF supports Holocaust education through books, survivor programs, museum visits, classroom projects and other learning experiences. - The foundation also says it helps educators in states where Holocaust education is mandated but not funded.

Between the lines: - The 500% jump in applications suggests more schools want Holocaust education support, but budgets have not kept pace. - The free webinar and searchable hub lower the barrier for educators who may need both funding and ready-to-use materials. - The foundation is positioning grantmaking and curriculum support as a response to both state mandates and rising antisemitism.

What's next: - Educators can apply now through Oct. 2, 2026. - Teachers can attend the Aug. 25 webinar for guidance on the application and the resource database. - MSHEF is expected to continue expanding grants and classroom support in the 2026-2027 school year.

The bottom line: - MSHEF is pairing small classroom grants with free educator tools to expand Holocaust education nationwide.