Staff Reports | Community Updates
Arizona teachers can now apply for classroom grants through the Fiesta Sports Foundation’s Wishes for Teachers program, which will provide a record $1.75 million in funding during its 11th year.
Arizona K-12 public and charter school teachers have until 10 p.m. MST Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, to submit an online application describing a $2,500 classroom wish, according to a press release. Applications are available at WishesForTeachers.org.
The program will award $2,500 grants to educators for classroom projects and resources ranging from robotics kits and musical instruments to adaptive learning tools, classroom libraries and athletic equipment.
“One of the reasons Wishes for Teachers is so unique is that we actively listen to educators about what makes the biggest difference in their classrooms and schools, and teachers can customize their wishes to help address those needs,” said Erik Moses, executive director and CEO of the Fiesta Sports Foundation. “This year, alongside our signature $2,500 Teacher Wishes, we’re proud to increase our investment in School Wishes, which create an impact felt by entire school communities for years and even decades. It’s a natural progression in our commitment to honor, support and celebrate Arizona educators in the most meaningful ways possible.”
Since launching in 2016, the Wishes for Teachers program has awarded more than $9.7 million to more than 3,100 educators across Arizona, benefiting more than 1 million students, according to a press release. In 2025, the program supported educators in 119 cities and towns and 142 school districts, reaching more than 276,000 students.
The 2026-27 funding total is supported in part by the second year of the School Wishes initiative. Under the program, five Arizona schools will receive $50,000 grants for campuswide projects, while one school will receive a $250,000 grant.
Program organizers said support from organizations including Amazon, the College Football Playoff Foundation and The John Dawson Foundation has helped expand the initiative and increase its funding over time.
The Wishes for Teachers program was created after the Fiesta Sports Foundation recognized that many educators regularly spend personal funds on classroom supplies and resources. The foundation said the program aligns with its broader mission of supporting Arizona communities through youth, sports and education.
Teacher grant recipients will be selected at random and announced during the Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers Draft Day presented by SRP on Wednesday, Nov. 18. School Wishes recipients also will be announced during the event.
All grant recipients become part of the Fiesta Sports Foundation network and are invited to participate in community events throughout the year.
