(Updated March 2025)
Disclaimer: Funding options for professional development are subject to change due to evolving federal regulations. We recommend staying informed of any federal updates, as they may impact eligibility and program terms.
- ACTFL First-time Attendee Stipend. Deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 16, 2025
First-time attendees are invited to apply for a $500 stipend to help offset the costs of attendance. A travel allowance of $253 (a total amount for the three days during the convention) will be provided in 2025 in addition to the stipend. - Ask you school or district how much ESSA Title funding is available:
- Title I includes a requirement that all districts provide a “well-rounded program of instruction that meets the needs of all students.” https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/laws-preschool-grade-12-education/title-I
- Title II allows funds to be used to fund professional development. https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/formula-grants/school-improvement/supporting-effective-instruction-state-grantstitle-ii-part-a
- Title IV, Part A grant program is to improve students’ academic achievement by increasing the capacity of states, LEAs, schools and local communities to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education, including foreign language education.
- Explore organizations that might provide funding, grants, or reimbursement for professional development:
- University student associations (e.g., The Ohio State University Professional Development Grants for Faculty and Students)
- Local educators/teachers’ union
- District or school Parent-Teacher Organizations
- State Education Agency grants
- State Language Association grants (e.g., UFLA: Teacher Vitality Grant)
- State Education Association grants (e.g., Ohio Educational Foundational Grants)
- NEA Learning and Leadership grants
- American Federation of Teachers Innovation Funds
- The National Endowment for the Humanities grants
- Rotary Club International grants
- Lions Club International grants
- Qatar Foundation International (QFI educational organization): Professional Development funds for Arabic instructors in universities and high schools
- Education crowdfunding sites, if allowable by your school. (e.g., Donors Choose)
- Miscellaneous education grants (e.g., Fund for Teachers fellowship grants)