Pando PR Tips No. 45
Google Impact Challenge, NEA grant and more, awards, conferences, and advice on press release timing at trade shows
Funding and Development Support
Google.org Impact Challenge - Accepting applications until Feb 10
A $30M global open call for organizations harnessing the power of generative AI to unlock potential for everyone, everywhere. Selected organizations will receive support to build a gen AI-powered social impact solution for a 6-month Generative AI Accelerator program and $500k to $2M+ in funding. The Accelerator program includes pro bono assistance from Google employees, technical training, and access to Google Cloud credits to build with the best of Google Cloud Platform's AI & ML tools including Vertex AI and Gemini.
Granting Opportunities for Schools
NEA: Learning and Leadership Grants - Submissions close Feb 17
Learning and Leadership Grants are available to individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality professional learning experiences to enhance teaching, leadership skills, or professional partnerships.
Association of American Educators Foundation Classroom Grant - Apps close Mar 1
Apply online for up to $500 for professional development or classroom materials.
McCarthey Dressman Education Fund Teacher Development Grants - Close Apr 15
The Teacher Development Grants support small teacher teams in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking k-12 classroom instruction.
Awards and Conference Submissions
Learning Leadership Conference - Proposals due Jan 31
Learning 2025: The Learning Leaders Conference is Oct 1–3 in Orlando. This conference seeks strategic, inspiring, interactive, and informative sessions from L&D and talent management professionals.
The American Business "Stevie" Awards - Regular deadline is Feb 5
There are 42 categories under Education and EdTech Products in the Stevie Awards. They are buried under the Product and New Products section (numbered S01-S42). Costs varies. The award is well regarded. We've entered clients before (and won several times). The entry process has been simplified dramatically!
2025 PIEoneer Awards - Open for entry until Feb 21
The PIEoneer Awards give tribute to innovation and outstanding achievements in the global education sector. 21 diverse award categories. Nominate your organization or another in up to three categories. Cost is £ 50.00 (plus VAT for UK residents).
20th Annual 2025 Globee® Awards for Technology - Regular entry deadline Feb 26
The Globee Awards provides a prestigious platform for organizations and individuals to showcase their remarkable achievements and groundbreaking advancements. Covers information technology, cybersecurity, AI, infrastructure, software, and digital transformation spaces. Cost varies.
2025 Circle of Excellence Awards - Awards closes on Mar 12
The Circle of Excellence Awards showcase outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising, and marketing. The awards are open to professionals working at CASE member colleges, universities, independent schools and their affiliated nonprofits around the world.
Useful Resources
Crayola Creativity Week - Jan 27 - Feb 2 - Get access to 7 days of downloadable resources, celebrity activity videos, and giveaways.
Hootsuite's complete list of social media holidays [2025 edition] .
Upcoming Events
Nicole Kidman Talks Tech, Family and Leadership - Jan 28 at 2pm CT
If you are fascinated by Nicole Kidman, check out her webinar on tech and productivity.
MuckRack's AI with PR leaders from Mozilla, Qualcomm and more - Jan 30 at 2pm ET
Mozilla, Qualcomm, VCA Animal Hospitals, and Blackbird.ai discuss takeaways from MuckRack's State of AI in PR 2025.
Upcoming Conferences with Discounts
OLC Innovate 2025 - Early bird discounts end on Feb 4 for their April 1-3 virtual conference. Cost varies. Note: the full conference program will be published on Jan 31.
InstructureCon 2025 - Early bird discount of $785 for their July 22-24 conference in Spokane ends on Mar 28.
ISTE and ASCD 2025 - Super early bird discount of $595 for members and $695 for non-member rates end on Mar 3 for their in-person conference on June 29 - July 2 in San Antonio.
CoSN 2025 - Regular entry discount is available until Mar 31st for their Mar 31 - Apr 2 in Seattle. Cost varies.
Press Release Timing at Conferences
The winter conference season brings to mind the question of press release timing. If you're wondering what is the right timing to issue a release, I recommend that announcements timed to hit a conference come out a few days before the targeted conference if possible. Here's some justification:
- Give reporters time to write and file their story before the conference opens. If you release has to wait until opening day, send the release out under embargo 2-4 days in advance.
- Releases on the wire will have had a few days to generate momentum going into the conference opening day. Mention the conference name, location, and date in the release and you'll still be connected to the event. Share it and use the conference hashtag.
- Dozens more companies will issue press releases during the show, so publish your press release before the event and occupy a much quieter news cycle. If you include mention of the conference and state the new features/product will be shown at the event, you'll be included in the other stories about the conference..
- The bigger conferences have a media room and promote exhibitors. They will post exhibitors' releases on the conference website, too. It is easier to be included in the show wrap up if all your news and collateral has been made available to the conference ahead of time.