IMPORTANT INFORMATION
GRANT PROGRAM 2026

Please read the following information carefully before you apply.

The grant application window is May 1 – June 19, 2026. Information below.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal for a project that aligns with one of three focus areas. If your project falls outside of these focus areas, no problem! You can still apply.

College and Career Readiness

College and Career Readiness helps students and caregivers think about the future by learning different pathways and options, at all stages and ages.

Click on the links below to get some inspiration from past College and Career related projects.

• Off to College – Odom ES
• ESports Team – Gorzycki MS
• Women Who Weld – Navarro ECHS

Educator Experience

Educator experience is a set of perceptions that teachers and staff have about their experiences at work in response to their interactions within the school and/or district culture.

Click on the links below to get some inspiration from past Educator Experience related projects.

• Mentoring Novice Teachers Through a Co-Teaching Model – Winn Montessori School
• Wings Up, Wellness Up! – Multilevel Systems of Support for Staff – Akins ECHS
• Bringing our Mission to Life: Connecting Cafeteria Staff to Sustainability, Global Flavors, and Personal Wellness – AISD Food Services

Literacy

Literacy is the use of spoken and written language to express ourselves, learn about the world, and influence others.

Click on the links below to get some inspiration from past Literacy related projects.

• ÁVamos a escribir juntos – Houston ES
• Eastside Battle of the Books – Eastside Early College HS
• Just Like Me: Obtaining Library Books That Represent Students With Disabilities – AISD Department of Special Education

Other Innovative Ideas

There are so many ways teachers support students in the classroom. If you have a project idea that falls outside of the three focus areas, please still consider submitting an application. Here are some examples.

• • • Food Bank: Establishing a community-based food bank that provides basic needs resources, including food and hygiene products, to students and families. Through a collaboration of businesses and community partners, this project empowers families to access the resources they need.
    • Community Building: Fostering connection and inclusion between two school communities following campus consolidations. This could include community fairs, social-emotional learning activities, and inter-campus sports or arts events to help students and families from different campuses build relationships and a sense of belonging.
    • Mental Health and Wellness Hub: Developing a wellness space that offers students and families access to mental health resources, such as counseling, stress-relief workshops, and support groups. This project would integrate community partnerships with local mental health professionals and organizations to provide ongoing support for emotional well-being in the school community.

Applications will be reviewed using a common rubric using the following criteria.

• Project Focus
• Opportunity for Change
• Project Description, Evaluation, and Budget
• Collaboration
• Evidence of Tangible Impact
• Sustainability

Applications are reviewed by staff, teachers, community and Austin Ed Fund board members. Reviewers score applications using the rubric and applications can earn additional points based on certain priorities.

If you are awarded a grant, congratulations! We look forward to working with you. Recipients are expected to:

• Implement proposed projects with current safety protocols as provided by the District and health authorities.
• Use the awarded funds for the intended purposes.
• Evaluate the impact of your project.
• Fully implement and spend funds within a year following award notification, unless awarded a two-year grant.
• Complete required reporting:
  • Mid-year brief narrative report by January 31
  • Final narrative and financial report by June 30
  • Phone or in-person meeting to showcase and check-in on project during the spring semester.
• Keep Austin Ed Fund updated on changes that impact the project, including changes to the lead applicant.
• Return unused funds to the Austin Ed Fund.