Grants & Awards for RISD Staff
Welcome to your guide for grants and awards available through The Richardson ISD Foundation. Here you’ll find program guidelines, timelines, and details on how to apply. We’ve also included links to other trusted organizations that offer grants and resources for educators, giving you more ways to support your work in the classroom.
Explore opportunities to fund your ideas and celebrate your impact.
Grants
Bring your ideas to life. Here you’ll find details and guidelines for Foundation-managed grant programs that provide funding for classroom projects, professional development, and innovative teaching.
Elevate Grants
Up to $1,000 per grant
three times per year
Supports your professional development through opportunities that build new skills and spark fresh ideas for the classroom.
Empower Grants
$2,500 to $5,000 per grant
once a year
Funds innovative classroom, campus, or district projects that transform learning experiences and help students grow.
Awards
This section highlights the staff award processes managed by The Richardson ISD Foundation, recognizing educators and employees whose dedication makes a lasting impact across RISD.
Trailblazer Award
presented by 1finity
$5,000 personal award
for two (2) K - 6th grade educators
Honors outstanding elementary educators
who lead the way with innovative teaching practices that engage students and open 
new paths for learning.
Champion Award 
presented by RBFCU
$500 personal award
for six (6) RISD staff
Recognize paraprofessionals, facility services, child nutrition, central support staff, and transportation employees whose 
dedication makes a lasting difference 
for RISD students and community.
TI Foundation Innovation in 
STEM Teaching Award
$20,000 award & STEM grant
for two (2) 7th-12th grade educators
Recognizes outstanding secondary educators who inspire students through creative and effective approaches to teaching science, technology, engineering, and math.
Outside Opportunities
Explore more ways to grow. We’ve gathered links to other trusted organizations that offer grants and resources for educators beyond the Foundation.