Frequently Asked Questions

How many grants are awarded this year?
How do I apply?
Who may apply?
Are Canadian residents eligible?
What are the proposal requirements?
What criteria are used to select winners?
What kinds of hints can you give me about writing the proposal?
What is the deadline?
How will I know if I've won?
Will I receive individual feedback if my proposal is not accepted?
Are there sessions where I can learn more about writing a successful TAPESTRY grant?
Why is Toyota involved with the Toyota TAPESTRY project?
Why is Toyota sponsoring a program targeting pre-collegiate science teachers?
What are the goals and objectives of the program?
What is the relationship between Toyota and the National Science Teachers Association?
How are the judges selected?
What do you see in the future for Toyota TAPESTRY?
How much does Toyota contribute each year to charities?
What is the focus of Toyota's giving?

How many grants are awarded this year?
Fifty (50) one-year grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded for the 2010 competition. A minimum of 20 "mini-grants" of up to $2,500 each will be awarded as well.

How do I apply?
The new online applications are available by mid-August each year.

Who may apply?
Toyota TAPESTRY is open to K-12 teachers of science. The program is open to all middle and high school science teachers who teach at least two science classes per day. The program is open to elementary teachers who teach some science in the classroom or as teaching specialists. All applicants must have at least two years of science teaching experience in a K-12 school not including the current school year. Only the Project Director has to meet the above criteria. The project staff may consist of educators of any discipline or administrators.

Are Canadian residents eligible?
No, only residents of the 50 United States and U.S. Territories, U.S. possessions, and Puerto Rico may apply.

What are the proposal requirements?
All proposals must include the Proposal Cover Form, Proposal Summary, Project Description (and Scientific Inquiry, for Physical Science and Environmental Science proposals), Rationale and Potential Impact, Evaluation Plan, Project Calendar, Budget, Project Staff Vitae, and Letters of Support. Be sure to follow spacing requirements and page limits to the letter. Mini-grant proposals must include the Proposal Cover Form, Summary, Description, Budget, and Letter from Principal.

What criteria are used to select winners?
Toyota TAPESTRY grant proposals should demonstrate creativity, involve risk-taking, possess a visionary quality, and model a novel way of presenting science. Proposed projects should promote exciting and innovative activities to motivate students in science.

What kinds of hints can you give me about writing the proposal?
We have provided an online tip sheet for your convenience.

What is the deadline?
The deadline for the 2010 awards has passed.

How will I know if I've won?
Winners will be notified in March 2010. All non-winners will be notified by May 31, 2010.

Will I receive individual feedback if my proposal is not accepted?
Due to the volume of entries and to protect the integrity of the judging process, we are unable to provide individual feedback on rejected proposals at this time.

Are there sessions where I can learn more about writing a successful TAPESTRY grant?
Yes. There are Toyota TAPESTRY "How-To" sessions at all NSTA area conferences and at the NSTA National Conference.

Why is Toyota involved with the Toyota TAPESTRY project?
Toyota's philanthropic focus is pre-collegiate education. They want students and teachers to have opportunities to learn through doing, not just through theory.

Why is Toyota sponsoring a program targeting pre-collegiate science teachers?
While there are many funding sources available at the collegiate level, there are limited opportunities for pre-collegiate teachers to obtain funds for innovative teaching projects. Toyota TAPESTRY grants are a unique source of support for teachers who have an early influence on students.

What are the goals and objectives of the program?
To recognize outstanding science teachers and give students hands-on exposure to science at an early age. We hope that young people are inspired to pursue careers in the sciences including teaching.

What is the relationship between Toyota and the National Science Teachers Association?
Toyota TAPESTRY is a partnership between Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. and NSTA. Toyota funds and NSTA administers the program.

How are the judges selected?
NSTA selected 24 top science educators in environmental science, physical science, and integrating literacy and science to serve as judges.

What do you see in the future for Toyota TAPESTRY?
We'd like to see even more teachers implementing innovative ideas. Toyota TAPESTRY has a multiplier effect by inspiring others to adopt teaching methods and projects pioneered by Toyota TAPESTRY Awardees.

How much does Toyota contribute each year to charities?
In 2008, Toyota U.S.A. invested $66.5 million in programs nationwide that offer people the tools, training, and support they need to Make a Difference, today and tomorrow. Of the $66.5 million, 68% supported education, including a majority of environmental education programs.

What is the focus of Toyota's giving?
Toyota is built upon two pillars—respect for people and continuous improvement—and believes in Making a Difference by helping diverse groups of people improve the quality of life in their communities. It partners with organizations, schools, and nonprofits to support programs that make our world a better place. Toyota focuses it commitment efforts in three key areas: education, environment, and safety. In areas where Toyota operates major facilities, it also sponsors programs in the arts and culture, and in health and human services.

If you have additional questions or comments, please contact us: tapestry@nsta.org.