Elevate Grants

Purpose: Support professional development and continuing education for Richardson ISD staff members.

Geographic Scope: Richardson Independent School District (RISD), Texas

Grant Year: September 1 through August 31

Eligibility

• Who Can Apply: All Richardson ISD staff members
• Application Frequency: Applicants may submit more than one application per year, as long as each is for a different professional development opportunity
• Award Limits: One grant per cycle, with a maximum of two per grant year

What This Grant Funds

Eligible expenses include:

• Conference or training registration fees
• Certification or licensure programs
• College or continuing education courses
• Travel and lodging related to approved training or events
• Materials required for the course, certification, or training

All requests must be clearly connected to professional growth and role within RISD.

What This Grant Does NOT Fund

• Meals, parking, or substitute teacher costs
• Classroom materials, student experiences, or technology requests
• Athletics, extracurricular activities, or school parties
• Salaries, stipends, or incentives
• Items already covered by RISD budgets or state/federal funding

Important Requirements

• All applications must be pre-approved by the Foundation's Education Committee before any funds are spent
• Applications will not be reviewed until approved by the applicant's campus principal or supervisor
• Reimbursements will not be made for expenses incurred prior to approval
• Grant recipients must submit a follow-up report within 30 days of finishing the professional development opportunity
• Applicants cannot receive new Elevate Grants until their previous follow-up report is submitted and approved
• Any changes to how grant funds will be used must receive prior approval from the Foundation
• Grant-funded activities should take place during the same grant year in which funds are awarded, unless otherwise approved

Application Process

1. Submission Portal: All applications must be submitted through the Foundation's Awards, Grants & Scholarship Portal on The Richardson ISD Foundation's website
   • Applications will NOT be accepted if hand-delivered or submitted via email
2. Pre-Approval Requirement: Applications will not be reviewed until they have been approved by the applicant's campus principal or supervisor
3. One Application Per Opportunity: Only one application may be submitted per person per opportunity
4. Review and Award: Grants are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation based on available funds. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
5. Post-Award Requirement: Grant recipients must submit a follow-up report within 30 days of finishing the professional development opportunity funded by the grant
6. Future Applications: Applicants cannot receive new Elevate Grants until their previous follow-up report is submitted and approved