OEA's grant programs put resources into the hands of members and empower Local associations to do amazing things for educators, students, and their communities. That's why OEA Secretary-Treasurer Rob McFee says they're one of his favorite parts of his job. Thanks to a member-driven push, the OEA Local Affiliate Grant programs are going through some changes. Rob walks us through the different grant opportunities, the differences in some of those grants this year, and the difference the grants from OEA and the OEA Foundation are making in hundreds of Locals across the state.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA AFFILIATE GRANTS | 

• For details about the Special Projects and Effective Local grants, click here. The application form is available here.
• For more information about the Local Capacity Grant, click here. Additional information can be found on the OEA Grants and Scholarships page, in the bottom right corner.

 
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA FOUNDATION GRANTS | The work of the OEA Educational Foundation is to fund initiatives that enhance student learning, student achievement, and well-being, as well as promote social justice. Its Board of Directors provides four funding opportunities annually:

• Diversity Grants — To develop and pursue instructional classroom programs or curriculum that promote diversity, tolerance, and respect for humankind.
• Innovation Grants — For the pursuit of innovative and creative practices where learning is enriched by experiences or projects.
• Whisper Grant for Students in Need — Funds provided directly to an OEA member to assist a student or group of students with an identified hardship in meeting an educational or personal need.
• Make-A-Wish — In collaboration with Make-A-Wish®, the Foundation provides seed money for OEA Locals seeking to make a child’s wish come true.

DEADLINES TO KEEP IN MIND | Whisper Grants are awarded by the OEA Foundation year round, but other grants have application deadlines in early 2026. 

• OEA Affiliate Grant applications are due January 31, 2026
• Applications for Diversity and Innovation Grants through the OEA Educational Foundation must be submitted by February 14, 2026.
• All receipts for reimbursements under the Local Capacity Grants must be submitted by July 31, 2026.  

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Rob McFee, Ohio Education Association Secretary-Treasurer
  • Rob McFee brings over two decades of dedicated leadership in education and union advocacy to his role as OEA Secretary-Treasurer. While serving as a secondary math teacher in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools, Rob has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing the rights and interests of both his students and his members.
  • Rob’s union leadership journey has seen him wear a variety of hats. Most notably, he served nine years as local president and as the NEOEA President from 2018 to 2022. He has also advocated for members while serving on the NEOEA and OEA Board of Directors, and as a member of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Board of Directors, including a term as chair from 2021 to 2022. As local president, Rob successfully negotiated multiple contracts and served on various levy committees. He led his local union through significant changes, including the construction of new buildings and the aftermath of a fire that devastated the district’s Board of Education Office. His unwavering advocacy for the health, safety, and working conditions of union members underscored his leadership as NEOEA President during the COVID pandemic. Rob believes deeply in the power of collaboration and diversity. For him, leadership means assembling the right team, empowering individuals to succeed, and finding equitable solutions through collective effort.
  • As OEA Secretary-Treasurer, Rob is dedicated to upholding financial transparency and accountability. Working closely with the leadership team, Rob is committed to amplifying OEA’s voice in advocating for public education. He believes passionately in racial, social, and economic justice, viewing diversity as a cornerstone of strength within the OEA. Rob’s vision for an inclusive education system demonstrates his commitment to ensuring all students and educators have the resources they need to succeed.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
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• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on December 10, 2025.