Grants to Teachers and Schools – Grant Cycle

Purpose: Provides necessary resources directly to educators to implement new ideas in the classroom and support innovative projects that impact student learning.

Geographic Scope: Galveston Independent School District (GISD), Texas

Eligibility:

• Only GISD employees are eligible to submit applications
• Students or parents should never complete an application
• All projects must directly benefit GISD students and align with GEF's mission to enrich the educational experience and prepare students for the future
• Individuals, Teams, Campuses, and Departments are welcome to apply

Funding Priorities (Applicants must select one):

• Early literacy
• High-school readiness
• College and career readiness
• Innovation

Award Amount:

• Up to $10,000 per application
• Funding amounts are at the discretion of the GEF Grants Committee who may choose to partially fund or exceed these limits

Things GEF Will Not Fund:

• Capital improvements
• Salaries and fees for speakers
• Subscription services/renewals (committee may approve first year as a "test run")
• Single-use items (snacks, awards, trophies, t-shirts)
• Field trips or travel

Other Guidelines:

• Items purchased using grant funds belong to a campus unless the GEF board and principal approves a transfer to another campus
• Must follow Galveston ISD purchasing guidelines and use approved vendors
• Must consult with school's financial secretary before budget submission
• Include additional costs for shipping or written statement for free shipping

Application Process

Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)

• Must fill out a brief Letter of Intent and receive permission to apply for a grant

Step 2: Submit Full Application

• All applications must be submitted electronically through Submittable (third-party platform)
• Paper applications will NOT be accepted
• Applicants will create an account with login credentials allowing work to be saved and continued at a later date

Required Attachments:

1. Letter of support from the appropriate principal or department head (mandatory for educator applicants)
2. Completed copy of GEF's grant proposal budget template (download available on website)
3. For technology requests: proof of support and official quote from GISD's MIS Department
   • Email: techquotes@gisd.org with "GEF" and "deadline October 3" in subject line
4. For projects requiring building installation or alteration: proof of support from GISD's Director of Facilities
   • Contact: Delton Kelly at deltonkelly@gisd.org

Project Coordinator Requirement:

• All proposals must identify a Project Coordinator responsible for overseeing implementation and communicating with GEF
• The principal at respective campus must assume responsibility if Project Coordinator becomes unavailable

Timeline for 2025-26 School Year:

• October 3, 2025 (11:59 p.m.) – Application deadline
• Early November – GEF awards funds
• January 24 – Deadline to spend funds
• April 25 – Deadline to submit evaluative report

Reporting Requirements:

• All grant recipients will receive an award letter noting deadline to spend funds and deadline to submit evaluative report
• Evaluative report required by specified deadline