Turning ‘Bright Ideas’ into reality: Haywood EMC now accepting grant applications
Waynesville N.C. (March 18th, 2025) — Starting April 1, Haywood EMC is calling on local educators to submit their ‘Bright Idea’ for a chance to bring their dream classroom project to life. The local electric cooperative is awarding grants of up to $2,000 to enhance educational experiences through creative and engaging projects. Teachers can apply online at www.ncbrightideas.com.
Haywood EMC expects to award more than $10,000 in Bright Ideas grants to local teachers during the 2025-2026 school year. Funding is available for K-12 classroom projects in all curriculum areas including art, history, math, reading, science, technology and more. Educators can apply as individuals or as a team and must include a budget, project goals, implementation plan and description of how the project will engage students and enhance their success.
Since 1994, Haywood EMC has funded more than 100 projects that have benefited students in 8 counties across Western North Carolina
The final deadline to apply is Sept. 15th. For more information about the program and grant-writing tips, please visit www.ncbrightideas.com.
The Bright Ideas education grant program is a shared initiative of all 26 electric co-ops in North Carolina. Collectively, Haywood EMC and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded nearly $16.5 million in grants, supporting more than 15,400 projects benefiting close to four million students statewide.
Haywood EMC is an electric cooperative, supplying electricity to over 29,100 member-owners in Buncombe, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Madison and Transylvania counties in NC as well as Oconee SC and Rabun GA. For more information, visit www.haywoodemc.com or the cooperative’s social media on Facebook, Instagram or X.