Grants from Ascanius
About Ascanius Grants
Ascanius: The Youth Classics Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge of and inspiring lifelong learning about Latin, Greek, and the ancient Greco-Roman world, especially at the elementary and middle school levels. Since 2000, we have served thousands of students and teachers on the east coast, west coast, and many places in between. We encourage today's youth to think critically about ancient societies and compare them to their daily life in the modern world.
Through these grants, our aim is to spur growth of Latin and the Classics at the elementary and middle school level, and to help create and strengthen foreign language partnerships between elementary and middle school levels.
Applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed by the committee twice annually. The deadlines for submission are October 30th and March 30th.
Classical Promise Grant
The Classical Promise Grant allows enterprising teachers and students to engineer programs using both the organizational and financial support of Ascanius: The Youth Classics Institute.
These grants are available to individuals who wish to create or maintain a Latin and/or Classical Studies program or event geared toward elementary/middle-school-aged students. The "parva" grant awards amounts ranging from $50 to $200 for small events, while the "maxima" grant provides up to $500 and supports a longer, more in-depth program.
Rudolph Masciantonio "Classics for All" Grant
The Rudolph Masciantonio “Classics for All” Grant provides up to $500 for teachers introducing elementary and middle-school students to Latin and the ancient Mediterranean. The 2026–2027 theme is Projects: Everything You Need for Project-Based Learning. Funding may support reusable supplies and hands-on projects such as Roman marketplaces, archaeological digs, mosaics, ancient writing, engineering challenges, Latin theater, Roman games, gardens, maps, models, and outreach activities. Applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed twice annually.
Ascanius Grant for Professional Development at the Elementary and Middle School Level
This grant is intended to support continuing education for teachers (and teachers-in-training) whose instruction or programming, focused on Latin and/or the ancient Greco-Roman world, will ultimately benefit elementary and/or middle school students. Amounts up to $1,000 are available to assist teachers with registration/tuition, travel, room, and board for programs, conferences, or courses.