Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

September 30, 2026

175 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Ideation Fund Overview

The Houston ISD Foundation's Ideation Fund (previously known as the Innovation Grant) is a competitive grant program designed to encourage educators to develop innovative projects that lead to increased student success.

Purpose

Grants are awarded to provide supplemental experiences to students or to improve student outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to focus on how the project will solve a particular problem or create a desired outcome for students.

    Eligibility

  • Applicants must be employees in good standing of Houston ISD
  • Minimum of one year in the school district
  • Plans to return the following year required
  • Partner nonprofits may apply in the open round of funding and by invitation only
  • Funding is only available for projects and programs specifically serving Houston ISD students

    Geographic Scope

  • Houston Independent School District (TX, US)

    Important Dates (2025-2026 Cycle)

  • May: Applications Open for New Funding Cycle
  • September: Applications Due through FormSite for initial round of Funding
  • September: Assessment of Completed Applications
  • October: Notification of Award; Intent to Accept Due
  • December: Mid-Term Report Due
  • March: Select Grant Winners Attend the Houston ISD Foundation Luncheon
  • April: Final Report Due

    Contact Information

  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 27904, Houston, TX 77227
  • Location Address: 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, Texas 77092
  • Email: admin@houstonisdfoundation.org
  • Phone: (713) 556-7275
  • Website: https://www.houstonisdfoundation.org/ideationfund

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Application Platform: Submit through FormSite
2. Timing: Applications open in May; initial round due in September
3. Rolling Applications: Accepted after initial deadline (September)
4. Award Process:
- Submitted applications assessed in September
- Awards notified in October
- Intent to Accept due in October
- Mid-term report due in December
- Final report due in April
- Select winners attend Houston ISD Foundation Luncheon in March

    Application Requirements

  • Focus on innovative projects solving a particular problem or creating a desired outcome for students
  • Address how the project improves student outcomes or provides supplemental experiences

Note: Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are currently CLOSED. Applications will open again in May 2026.

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

k-12-schoolsteacherseducationacademic-enrichment

Categories

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