Elevate Grants support RISD staff in pursuing meaningful professional growth. Individuals can apply for up to $1,000 per cycle to attend conferences, complete certifications, or take courses toward a degree. Grants are awarded three times a year and are funded by donors who believe in supporting RISD employees and strengthening the work they do for students.
Ready to take the next step in your professional growth? Here you'll find everything you need to apply for an Elevate Grant, including eligibility details, application deadlines, and funding guidelines. We’re excited to support your journey as you bring new ideas and energy to RISD.
Elevate Grant Guidelines
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All Richardson ISD staff members are eligible to apply.
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RISD staff may submit more than one application per year, as long as each is for a different professional development opportunity.
The Elevate Grant program year is from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31. An individual may receive one grant per cycle, with a maximum of two per grant program year.
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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.
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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 budget, state funding or federal funding.
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Submission of an Elevate Grant application does not guarantee funding.
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.
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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.