Tideland EMC is currently accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year. The Early Bird deadline is August 15, 2018. The final deadline is September 19, 2018.

The Bright Ideas Grant Program was established by the state's electric cooperatives in 1994 to support innovative, creative and effective classroom initiatives that are not covered by traditional school funding. Since that time, the cooperatives have distributed over $11.5 million in funding across the Tarheel state.

Individual teachers or a team of teachers can compete for grants up to $2,000. All teachers and principals in both public and private schools grades K-12 are eligible to apply for a Bright Ideas Grant from Tideland EMC. However the school must be located in Dare, Craven, Pamlico, Washington, Hyde, Beaufort or Tyrrell counties. Applications will be accepted for projects in any discipline. Multi-discipline projects are highly encouraged.