About the Fund

A focus on student learning lives at the heart of LISD’s Learning Model. In a continuous effort to empower students to own their learning comes a new grant program open to all district employees to apply.

In Spring 2024, Superintendent Bruce Gearing went to LISD’s Board of Trustees with a request to start this Empowerment Fund. In a time of shrinking budgets to school districts while funding from the state falls further and further behind inflation amidst the state’s unprecedented surplus, LISD has been forced to go a different route in supporting the type of the learning that will help students prepare themselves for anything when they graduate from our system.

Board Meeting vote

On April 25, 2024, the Board approved a $2 million transfer into the Empowerment Fund. This fund represents a belief in teachers and staff’s creativity, passion and dedication.

Grants awarded from the Empowerment Fund are designed to meet one-time needs and act as a catalyst for transformation aligned with the LISD Strategic Plan. The goal of the Empowerment Fund is to provide funding essential for educators to be able to implement deeper learning and improve ownership of learning for staff and students throughout LISD and accelerate movement to becoming a place where we help all learners prepare themselves for anything. 

We encourage LISD employees – teachers and staff – to submit grant applications to obtain funding for resources, training or tools that YOU believe will improve the educational experiences or opportunities for Leander ISD students and/or staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I apply for?

Currently, there is no cap on how much an applicant can request for funding. However, requests should focus on enabling new initiatives, programs or projects and should not be for recurring funds to maintain existing programs or initiatives.

Who can apply for a grant?

The Empowerment Fund grant applications are open to any individual or group within the LISD family, including campus, district and operational departments. 

I want to start a new student group that will grow year after year. Is this a program the Empowerment Fund would consider?

At this time, the Empowerment Fund does not accept funding requests for recurring programs. Requests for multi-year projects – with a focus on projects that phase over time – will be considered; however, they must include plans for sustaining the program/initiative in the future. 

Who can I contact if I have a question?

Start by sending your question to: [email protected] or call the direct line of LEEF, the district’s education foundation: 512-570-0027

Can a grant be used to fund a staff position?

At this time, the Empowerment Fund will not fund recurring staff positions that cannot be funded after the completion of the grant project. For example, if your project needs staff to launch your initiative, include the cost in the application’s budget detail. For any new position, the application must include timeline details about how the campus will absorb the position and how it will be budgeted.

How do I submit my Empowerment Fund grant application?

Visit the Empowerment Fund grant application. We recommend drafting first in a Word document so you don’t lose anything along the way. If you have questions after reading through the FAQ, you can reach out to [email protected] or call 512-570-0027.

When do I submit my Empowerment Fund grant application?

Applications will be accepted from Oct. 25, 2024 through March 24, 2025 and reviewed on a rolling basis during the 2024–25 school year. Applications will open again in the 2025–26 school year. Apply Now

When will I hear back if I get the funding?

During the 2024–25 school year, applicants will be notified of their application status by one of the following dates: Dec. 20, 2024, Feb. 20, 2025, May 9, 2025. Applications will open again in the 2025–26 school year. Apply Now

Who is reviewing my application?

A cross-functional team of district, community and LEEF representatives will be reviewing applications. 

Are you going to do a grant patrol for each winner?

Not at this time, but we will have another fun and exciting way to recognize our grant winners.