Grant application

Bring your idea to life

Do you have an idea that could make a meaningful difference for students? The Houston ISD Foundation funds innovative, high-impact projects that align with district priorities and expand what’s possible in our schools.

Our funding priorities

We invest in projects that support one or more of the Foundation’s core focus areas:

  • Academic Excellence - strengthening student learning, achievement, and outcomes

  • Educator & Leadership Development - supporting teachers and school leaders through training, resources, and retention efforts

  • Student Opportunity & Postsecondary Pathways - expanding access to college, career, and real-world learning experiences

Eligibility

All Houston ISD staff and employees are eligible to apply. Supervisor approval is required.

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 school year

APPLY NOW

Application timeline

To better align with the academic calendar, the application window has been moved earlier in the school year.

  • Application Opens: April 15

  • Application Deadline: May 15

  • Review Period: Following the close of the application window

  • Notification of Awards: July 30

If funded, recipients will be required to sign a grant agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the award and attend a town hall to learn systems and procedures around fund administration.

Review Process

Applications will be thoroughly reviewed by a dedicated committee, ensuring strong criteria of equity, innovation, and measurable impact are met for successful projects. Committee will be composed foundation staff, key stake holders, and HISD employees. Preference will be given to Title I or Title I eligible schools.