Cricut for Schools: Need Funding? Grant Language You Can Use

A Cricut machine can support hands-on learning, student projects, makerspace activities, visual supports, library programs, art lessons, and career-readiness projects. But when there is not enough room in a regular school or department budget, teachers may need to look for outside funding.

That might mean applying for an education grant, creating a DonorsChoose project, requesting money from a local education foundation, or asking a business or community organization to sponsor a specific classroom program.

These requests are different from a standard school purchase request. When you are asking a principal or district purchasing department for funding, you usually need to explain why the school should buy the equipment, how often it will be used, and who will manage it. That process is covered in our guide to justifying a Cricut purchase to a school administrator.

For a grant or DonorsChoose request, the project itself should come first.

The strongest request makes the Cricut feel like a tool within a clear educational project, not the entire purpose of the project.

Start With the Project, Not the Product

A funder is usually more interested in the student experience than the equipment.

A request that says, “We would like a Cricut for our classroom,” leaves too many questions unanswered.

A stronger request might say:

Our fifth-grade students will complete a project-based geometry unit in which they design scale models, create labeled floor plans, and explain how measurement affects their final design. Grant funding will provide a Cricut machine and materials students can use to create accurately sized shapes, labels, and model components.

That tells the reviewer what students will do and why the machine is needed.

Before writing your request, identify one main project or program. A Cricut can support many different school uses, but a single application should not try to include every possible classroom, library, club, and event project.

Match the Request to the Funder’s Priorities

Read the funding guidelines before drafting the application.

Look for the priorities the funder mentions repeatedly, such as:

• STEM education
• Literacy
• Arts access
• Career readiness
• Inclusive learning
• Project-based learning
• Innovation
• Student engagement
• Community involvement
• Access to technology
• Reusable classroom resources

Then connect the Cricut project directly to one or two of those priorities.

For example, a STEM grant should focus on prototyping, measurement, design, problem-solving, or presentation. An art grant should focus on composition, color, typography, stenciling, layering, or original student work. A literacy grant should focus on reading, writing, vocabulary, student publishing, or library engagement.

Do not force every possible benefit into the same request. A focused proposal is usually easier to understand and more believable.

If you’re still deciding which learning goals make the most sense for your request, Cricut for Schools: How Cricut Supports Learning has more examples of how Cricut can fit into different subjects and school programs.

STEM Grant Language

A Cricut can support STEM and STEAM programs by helping students turn a digital or sketched idea into a physical project.

It may be used to create:

• Prototype labels
• Model panels
• Stencils
• Packaging mockups
• Engineering notebook covers
• Presentation graphics
• Robotics team decals
• Cardstock model components
• Product labels
• Design challenge materials

A Cricut does not replace a 3D printer, robotics kit, laser cutter, or traditional building materials. It gives students another way to prototype, label, organize, and present their work.

Specific project ideas

• Students design and label a cardboard prototype that solves a classroom or community problem.
• Engineering teams create packaging and presentation materials for an invention challenge.
• Robotics students make team labels, equipment tags, and competition display boards.
• Students create scale-model floor plans using measured paper or cardstock pieces.
• A makerspace group designs a simple product, tests a prototype, and presents the finished concept.
  

Sample grant language

Funding will support a hands-on STEM design program in which students plan, build, test, and present physical prototypes. A Cricut machine will allow students to create accurately sized labels, model components, stencils, packaging pieces, and presentation graphics for their projects. Students will use measurement, spatial reasoning, digital design, problem-solving, and communication skills as they move from an initial idea to a finished prototype.

Concrete deliverables

• Four student design challenges completed during the school year
• Six team prototypes created and presented
• One student showcase featuring completed designs
• Ten reusable project templates saved for future classes
• One set of prototype labels and presentation headings
• Three staff members trained to supervise the equipment

Measurable outcomes

• At least 75 students participate in one or more design projects
• Each student team completes a planning sheet, prototype, revision, and presentation
• Students are assessed with a project rubric covering measurement, design, revision, teamwork, and communication
• The machine is used in at least four STEM units
• Staff save and organize reusable files for the following school year

Art Education Grant Language

For an art grant, focus on the design decisions students will make rather than presenting the Cricut as a shortcut for cutting shapes.

A Cricut can support lessons involving:

• Stencil design
• Positive and negative space
• Pattern
• Repetition
• Typography
• Layered paper art
• Color contrast
• Composition
• Mixed media
• Graphic design
• Portfolio presentation

Specific project ideas

• Students create original stencils and use them in mixed-media artwork.
• An art class develops layered paper compositions using shape, color, and negative space.
• High school students design typography-based posters for a student exhibition.
• Students create original patterns and repeat them across a larger composition.
• A graphic design class creates logos, signs, and labels for a school event.
• Students prepare artist statement headings and display pieces for an art show.

Sample grant language

This project will expand students’ access to digital and mixed-media art tools. Students will create original designs and use a Cricut machine to produce stencils, layered paper elements, typography pieces, and repeated patterns. Lessons will focus on composition, color, contrast, scale, and the relationship between digital design and physical artwork. Students will make their own artistic decisions rather than simply assembling a teacher-created craft.

Concrete deliverables

• Three original art units using Cricut-created components
• One student stencil project
• One layered paper or mixed-media project
• One student exhibition with student-designed signs and labels
• Twenty reusable stencil or shape templates
• One digital folder containing approved student project files

Measurable outcomes

• At least 60 students complete an original Cricut-supported art project
• Students explain at least two design choices in a written artist statement
• Each student submits a sketch or digital plan before production
• Student work is assessed for composition, craftsmanship, use of space, and originality
• Templates and lesson files are saved for use in future semesters

Library Grant Language

A school library can be a strong location for a Cricut because it often serves multiple classes, grade levels, clubs, and school programs.

Cricut projects in a library may support reading promotion, student creativity, library organization, and scheduled makerspace activities.

Specific project ideas

• Students design bookmarks connected to a book or genre.
• The library creates a student recommendation wall with student-written book suggestions.
• Students create genre signs and shelf markers.
• A monthly library makerspace program includes design challenges and paper projects.
• Students create pieces for author studies, reading challenges, or book fairs.
• A student publishing project includes covers, labels, and display materials.

Sample grant language

Funding will create a student design station in the school library. Students will participate in scheduled projects that connect reading, creativity, and hands-on design. Planned activities include student-created bookmarks, book recommendation displays, genre signs, reading challenge materials, and project presentation pieces. The Cricut machine will remain in the library as a shared resource for future classes, clubs, and literacy programs.

Concrete deliverables

• Six scheduled library design sessions
• One student book recommendation display
• Fifty student-designed bookmarks
• A complete set of genre or shelf labels
• Four reading challenge displays
• Ten reusable library project templates

Measurable outcomes

• At least 100 students participate in a library project
• Students create written book recommendations for the display
• The library completes at least one Cricut-supported activity each grading period
• Templates are reused for future reading programs
• At least four teachers or classes use the library design station

Makerspace Grant Language

A Cricut can serve as an approachable digital fabrication tool in a makerspace. It works best when students follow a structured process rather than using it as an unplanned craft station.

Specific project ideas

• Students complete a design-thinking challenge and create a labeled prototype.
• Makerspace groups create decals and presentation materials for robotics projects.
• Students design packaging for a mock product.
• A club creates signs and display boards for a competition.
• Students create reusable stencils for design challenges.
• Small groups design cardstock structures or model components.

Sample grant language

This project will add an accessible digital fabrication tool to the school makerspace. Students will use the Cricut to create prototype labels, stencils, presentation graphics, decals, packaging pieces, and cardstock model components. The equipment will support structured design challenges rather than open-ended craft time. Students will submit a project plan, receive staff approval, produce a test version, and revise the design before completing the final project.

Concrete deliverables

• Eight scheduled makerspace sessions
• Four completed design challenges
• Twelve student prototypes
• One shared file library of approved templates
• One posted student workflow for planning, approval, cutting, and cleanup
• Two staff members trained to review and prepare projects

Measurable outcomes

• At least 80 students participate in a makerspace activity
• Each group completes a plan, test version, revision, and final product
• Students document material use and project changes
• The makerspace completes at least one project per quarter
• Reusable templates and operating procedures remain available after the grant ends

Special Education and Visual Supports Grant Language

A Cricut can help special education staff create visual materials that match a classroom’s actual routines, wording, colors, and layouts.

Keep the application practical. Do not claim that Cricut-created materials will treat a condition, guarantee a behavioral result, or replace professional services.

Specific project ideas

• Create visual schedule cards for classroom routines.
• Develop choice boards with interchangeable pieces.
• Make task box labels organized by subject or skill.
• Create reusable file folder activities.
• Produce classroom signs using consistent words, colors, and symbols.
• Create step-by-step routine cards for arrival, cleanup, transitions, or dismissal.
• Develop matching activities and reusable laminated pieces.

Sample grant language

Funding will allow staff to create durable, customizable visual supports for daily classroom routines. The project will include visual schedules, task labels, choice boards, matching activities, routine cards, and reusable classroom signs. A Cricut machine will make it possible to update the wording, size, color, and layout of materials as classroom routines and instructional needs change. These materials will be created for school use, so families will not need to purchase their own premade sets.

Concrete deliverables

• Ten complete visual schedule sets
• Twenty labeled task boxes or classroom stations
• Five reusable file folder activity templates
• Four choice boards
• Two sets of routine cards
• A saved file library organized by classroom use

Measurable outcomes

• At least two staff members are trained to update the materials
• Visual supports are used across at least three daily classroom routines
• Staff review the materials at the end of each quarter and replace or revise pieces as needed
• Ten reusable templates are saved for future use
• Materials are created without including unnecessary private student information in saved file names

Literacy Grant Language

Literacy funding should connect the Cricut to reading, writing, vocabulary, student publishing, or library engagement.

The machine should support the activity, not become the activity itself.

Specific project ideas

• Create reusable phonics sorting pieces for small-group instruction.
• Develop story sequencing cards for reading centers.
• Make vocabulary and root-word cards.
• Create genre labels for a classroom or school library.
• Students create book recommendation signs.
• Build reusable character trait, setting, and plot organizers.
• Create project components for student book reports or author studies.
• Develop reading challenge boards and progress markers.

Sample grant language

This project will create reusable, hands-on literacy materials for small-group and classroom instruction. Students will use phonics pieces, vocabulary cards, story sequence activities, genre labels, and book response components during reading lessons. A Cricut machine will allow teachers to produce consistent sets in the sizes and colors needed for each activity and save templates for future classes.

Concrete deliverables

• Six reusable phonics sorting sets
• Four story sequencing activities
• One classroom or library genre-label system
• Twelve student book recommendation signs
• Ten saved literacy templates
• Three reusable story structure organizers

Measurable outcomes

• At least 75 students use the materials during the grant period
• Three teachers implement the materials in small-group or whole-class instruction
• Students complete at least two hands-on literacy activities
• Materials are used in at least four literacy units
• Staff save and organize ten reusable templates for future classes

Career Readiness and Entrepreneurship Grant Language

Cricut projects can support career-connected learning when students are expected to think about audience, design, cost, production, pricing, quality control, and presentation.

This can work well for business classes, marketing classes, school stores, entrepreneurship clubs, and career and technical education programs.

Specific project ideas

• Students create a mock product and develop its brand.
• Business classes design labels and packaging.
• Students calculate material cost and suggested price per item.
• A school store develops a small collection of approved products.
• Marketing students create promotional decals and signs.
• Student teams create a prototype, test it, and present a sales plan.
• Clubs create approved fundraiser labels or event materials.

Sample grant language

Students will complete a small-business product development project from initial concept through final presentation. They will design a brand, create a logo, select materials, calculate cost per item, produce labels or packaging, and develop a pricing plan. A Cricut machine will be used to create small-batch product labels, promotional decals, packaging components, and display materials. Grant funding will provide the project materials so every student can complete the same production experience without purchasing supplies individually.

Concrete deliverables

• Six student product prototypes
• Six basic branding plans
• Six cost-per-item worksheets
• One student product showcase
• One quality-control checklist
• One final presentation from each student team

Measurable outcomes

• Students calculate the material cost of their proposed product
• Each team identifies a target audience
• Students revise their design after peer or teacher feedback
• Every team produces one approved prototype
• Students present a pricing and production plan
• Final projects are assessed for planning, design, cost awareness, quality, and presentation

Student Club and Organization Grant Language

Student clubs may need outside funding for projects that are not covered by a classroom or department budget.

Focus the request on student planning and participation, not simply on producing free decorations or merchandise.

Specific project ideas

• A service club creates signs and labels for a community event.
• Student council creates approved event signage and voting materials.
• A robotics club produces team decals and display-board headings.
• A school club creates fundraiser labels and packaging.
• Students create recruitment signs and presentation materials.
• A leadership group develops spirit-week or school-event signage.
• A competition team creates organized display materials.

Sample grant language

Funding will provide students with the equipment and materials to plan and produce small-batch club and event materials. Students will create approved signs, decals, presentation pieces, and fundraiser labels while learning basic design, production planning, material use, and quality control. The equipment will be shared among participating student organizations under staff supervision.

Concrete deliverables

• Materials for four student organization projects
• One event sign package
• One set of club recruitment materials
• One fundraiser labeling project
• One reusable club design template
• A written approval and production process for student groups

Measurable outcomes

• At least four student groups use the equipment
• Every project is reviewed by a staff advisor before cutting
• Students submit a design plan and quantity request
• Groups track the amount of material used
• Reusable files are stored for future club leaders
• Projects are completed within the approved material budget

School-Wide Grant Language

Some grants support equipment that serves several departments or grade levels. In that case, explain how the machine will be shared and give a limited number of specific first-year projects.

Specific project ideas

• Create reusable instructional materials for three grade levels.
• Support a library reading program and a STEM design challenge.
• Produce school event signs that can be updated and reused.
• Create visual supports for several classrooms.
• Support student club and presentation projects.
• Develop a central library of reusable school templates.

Sample grant language

This project will establish a shared Cricut resource for classroom, library, student project, and school program use. During the first year, the machine will support reusable instructional materials, library displays, student presentation pieces, visual supports, and approved school event signage. The equipment will be stored in a central location, managed by designated staff, and scheduled for use by participating departments.

Concrete deliverables

• At least 20 completed school projects
• Ten reusable templates
• Four trained staff members
• Projects completed for at least three departments or programs
• One shared material and file-management system
• A first-year usage report

Measurable outcomes

• The Cricut is used by at least three school programs
• Twenty projects are documented during the first year
• Ten files are saved as reusable master templates
• Staff track supply use and replacement needs
• Participating staff complete a short orientation before using the equipment
• Usage is reviewed at the end of the funding period

Explain Why Reusable Materials Matter

Reusable materials can strengthen a grant request because the benefit continues after the initial project.

Examples include:

• Master templates
• Laminated literacy pieces
• Math manipulatives
• Library signs
• Visual schedule cards
• Reusable stencils
• Event sign templates
• Science fair headings
• Club logo files
• Classroom labels

Sample reusable-materials language

Many of the materials created through this project will be saved as master templates and used again in future school years. Staff will be able to update names, dates, colors, or wording without rebuilding the project from the beginning. Laminated learning pieces and classroom signs will also be stored for repeated use.

Do not suggest that the purchase eliminates future costs. Mats, blades, cardstock, vinyl, transfer tape, and other materials will eventually need to be replaced.

What to Include in a Cricut Grant Budget

The program sections do not need separate supply lists, but the final grant budget should include everything required to complete the proposed project.

If you’re not sure what should go into that first order, Cricut for Schools: What Should You Buy with Your Machine? can help you sort through the mats, tools, materials, and other supplies you may need.

A basic request may include:

• Cricut machine: Used to create project pieces, labels, stencils, signs, learning materials, and other cut designs included in the proposal.
• Cutting mats: Hold paper, cardstock, vinyl, and other materials in place while the machine cuts.
• Replacement blades: Help the project continue if the original blade becomes worn during the funding period.
• Basic hand tools: Weeding tools, scrapers, brayers, or similar tools used to prepare materials and finish projects.
• Cardstock or paper: Used for manipulatives, model pieces, displays, art projects, labels, and classroom materials.
• Adhesive vinyl: Used for durable labels, signs, decals, equipment markings, and other projects that need to stick to a surface.
• Transfer tape: Helps move cut adhesive vinyl from its backing onto the finished surface.
• Pens or markers: Add written or drawn details when they are part of the planned project.

A literacy proposal may need cardstock, pens, laminating supplies, and storage. An entrepreneurship proposal may need vinyl, sticker materials, transfer tape, and packaging supplies. An art proposal may need stencil material and specialty paper.

Do not add a heat press, iron-on, printable sticker paper, or specialty tools unless the planned project actually uses them.

And if you haven’t chosen the machine yet, Cricut for Schools: Which Cricut Machine Is Right for Your School? can help you compare the options based on what your students will actually be making.

How to Address Consumable Supplies

A reviewer may want to know what happens after the first materials are used.

Explain which parts of the purchase are reusable and which items will eventually need to be replaced.

Sample consumables language

The Cricut machine, hand tools, storage system, and saved project templates will be reusable. Cardstock, vinyl, transfer tape, cutting mats, and blades will need to be replaced based on actual use. The grant request includes enough material for the first year of the project. After the initial funding period, the school will review usage and continue the program through future project funding, classroom supply funds, library funds, club proceeds, PTO support, or another identified source as available.

DonorsChoose

A DonorsChoose title should describe what students will do rather than simply naming the product.

Instead of:

• We Need a Cricut
• Cricut for Our Classroom
• Help Us Buy a Cutting Machine

Try:

• From Digital Designs to Hands-On STEM Prototypes
• Student Designers Create, Test, and Present
• Building Reusable Math Tools for Hands-On Learning
• Bringing Student Art From Screen to Studio
• A Library Makerspace for Young Designers
• Visual Supports Made for Our Classroom Routines
• Student Entrepreneurs Build a Brand
• Turning Reading Ideas Into Library Displays
• Design, Measure, Make
• Tools for Student-Led Product Design

Sample DonorsChoose Project Description

My students have strong ideas, but they do not always have access to the tools and materials needed to turn those ideas into physical projects. With a Cricut machine, cutting mats, tools, cardstock, and vinyl, students will be able to create accurately sized pieces for STEM prototypes, presentation boards, model labels, and design challenges.

Students will begin each project with a plan or sketch. They will measure their designs, choose materials, create or review the digital layout, and explain how the finished pieces support their project. The Cricut will be operated under staff supervision, and student designs will be grouped and cut in batches so class time and materials are used efficiently.

These materials will support several projects during the school year, not just one activity. All required project supplies will be provided, so students will not need to purchase or bring materials from home. We will also save master templates and reusable files so future classes can build on the same design process.

Sample DonorsChoose Impact Statement

This project will give students access to a design and production tool they may not have at home. Every student will be able to participate without purchasing personal supplies. Students will practice measurement, planning, visual communication, revision, and presentation as they turn an idea into a finished physical project.

A Simple Grant-Writing Formula

A practical Cricut grant request can usually be organized into six parts.

1. Explain the need

What are students or teachers currently unable to do?

Students can plan digital designs, but the classroom does not have a tool for turning those designs into accurate physical components.

2. Describe the project

What will students actually do?

Students will design and build product prototypes, create labels and packaging, calculate material costs, and present their final concepts.

3. Explain the role of the Cricut

Why is this equipment needed?

The Cricut will produce the accurately sized labels, stencils, model pieces, and packaging components required for the project.

4. Identify the participants

Who benefits, and how many people are involved?

The project will serve 90 seventh-grade students in six class sections.

5. State the deliverables and outcomes

What will be completed, and how will participation be measured?

Each student team will produce one prototype, one cost worksheet, one display, and one final presentation. Projects will be evaluated with a rubric covering planning, design, revision, material use, and communication.

6. Include a continuation plan

What remains after the grant ends?

The machine, tools, storage system, and master templates will be reused in future classes. Replacement materials will be purchased based on actual program use.

Copy-and-Adapt Grant Summary

This project will provide students with access to a Cricut machine, tools, and materials for structured, hands-on learning projects. Students will use the equipment to create [specific project pieces] as part of [class, program, or activity]. The project will serve approximately [number] students in [grades or programs].

Students will practice [specific skills, such as measurement, digital design, problem-solving, visual communication, budgeting, or presentation] while completing [specific deliverables]. The Cricut will be used under staff supervision, and final projects will be reviewed before cutting.

Grant funds will purchase [machine and specific supplies]. Reusable tools, saved templates, and project files will remain available for future classes. Consumable materials will be tracked throughout the project so the school can plan realistic replacement needs after the grant period.

Make the Funding Request Easy to Picture

The strongest grant application helps the reviewer picture the project from beginning to end.

Be clear about:

• Who will participate
• What they will make
• Which skills they will practice
• What the Cricut will do
• What will be completed
• How success will be measured
• Who will supervise the equipment
• What will be saved and reused
• How the program may continue

A Cricut can support many school uses, but a grant request should not try to cover every possibility. Choose one strong project, explain exactly what students will do, give the reviewer concrete deliverables and realistic outcomes, and build the budget around the materials that project actually needs.

That gives funders and classroom donors something much more useful than a request for a machine. It gives them a clear plan for how their support will reach students.