Who Can Apply

• All Richardson ISD staff members are eligible to apply.

How Often You Can Apply

• Applicants may submit more than one application per year, as long as each is for a different professional development opportunity.

• An individual may receive one grant per cycle, with a maximum of two per grant year. The grant year is from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31.

Impact Grants provide up to $1,000 per grant to support professional development and continuing education. 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 your professional growth and your role within RISD.

To ensure alignment with our mission and responsible stewardship of funds, the following items will not be funded:

• 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

• Grant applications will not be accepted if hand-delivered or submitted via email. All applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s Awards, Grants & Scholarship Portal, accessible on The Richardson ISD Foundation’s website.

• All requests must be pre-approved by the Foundation’s Education Committee before any funds are spent.

• Applications will not be reviewed until they have been approved by the applicant’s campus principal or supervisor.

• Reimbursements will not be made for expenses incurred prior to approval.

• Only one application may be submitted per person per opportunity.

• Grants are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation based on available funds. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.

• Any changes to how grant funds will be used must receive prior approval from the Foundation.

• Grant recipients must submit a follow-up report within 30 days of finishing the professional development opportunity funded by the grant.

• Applicants cannot receive new Elevate Grants until their previous follow-up report is submitted and approved.

• Grant-funded activities should take place during the same grant year in which the funds are awarded, unless otherwise approved.