LEAF
Lamar Educational Awards Foundation
The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of Lamar CISD, dedicated to enriching teaching, inspiring learning, and enhancing opportunities for every student and educator in our district. Since 2000, LEAF has awarded over $6.7 million in grants, scholarships, and district‑wide programs, all made possible through the generosity of community supporters, local businesses, and Lamar CISD staff. Ready to learn how you can get involved or take advantage of LEAF’s programs? Explore the resources below to discover grant guidelines, student and staff scholarship applications, sponsorship opportunities, and upcoming events. Your journey starts here!
What We Do
- Teacher Grants: Funding for innovative, hands‑on classroom projects that wouldn’t fit within standard school budgets.
- Student Scholarships: Financial support helping graduating seniors pursue college, technical training, or other career pathways.
- Staff Scholarships & Professional Development: Scholarships and grants for Lamar CISD educators and staff to attend workshops, earn certifications and teaching degrees, or bring new ideas back to their classrooms and roles.
- District‑Wide Enrichment: Programs and partnerships that benefit whole campuses, from technology upgrades to performing‑arts initiatives.
Why It Matters
As one of the fastest‑growing school districts in Texas, now serving more than 50,000 students across 60 campuses, our community’s needs evolve every day. LEAF ensures that rapid growth never compromises quality or opportunity. By turning creative ideas into real‑world resources, we help prepare each learner and educator to succeed in school, their careers, and life beyond the classroom.
Equip. Enrich. Empower.
Established in 2000 to benefit the students of Lamar CISD, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors that includes local business, industry, and community leaders. The Foundation provides funds beyond the normal operating budget for educational programs and activities for students and staff.
The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation is a nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to securing and distributing resources to the students, staff, and campuses of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District that will supplement, enhance, and enrich the quality of education.
The Foundation supports and provides unique resources and innovative teaching ideas, encourages ALL students and employees to work to their highest potential, and inspires parent and community engagement.
What Does the Foundation Do?
Since its inception in 2000, and with the support of Lamar CISD staff, local foundations, community/business partners, LEAF has distributed over $6.5 million to support teacher grants and district-level programming such as STEAM Camps, Scholarships, Special Needs Prom, New Hire Dinner, Professional Development Grants, and Spring Book Festival.
How to get involved?
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Donate: Money, Resources, Time
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Become a Board Member
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Serve as a Grant Reader
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Serve as a Volunteer
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Spread the Word
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Sponsor/Attend an Event
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Established in 2000 to benefit the students of Lamar CISD, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors that includes local business, industry, and community leaders. The Foundation provides funds beyond the normal operating budget for educational programs and activities for students and staff.
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The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation is a nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to securing and distributing resources to the students, staff, and campuses of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District that will supplement, enhance, and enrich the quality of education.
-
The Foundation supports and provides unique resources and innovative teaching ideas, encourages ALL students and employees to work to their highest potential, and inspires parent and community engagement.
What Does the Foundation Do?
Since its inception in 2000, and with the support of Lamar CISD staff, local foundations, community/business partners, LEAF has distributed over $6.5 million to support teacher grants and district-level programming such as STEAM Camps, Scholarships, Special Needs Prom, New Hire Dinner, Professional Development Grants, and Spring Book Festival.
How to get involved?
-
Donate: Money, Resources, Time
-
Become a Board Member
-
Serve as a Grant Reader
-
Serve as a Volunteer
-
Spread the Word
-
Sponsor/Attend an Event
-
LEAF Grant Program
LEAF Grants empower Lamar CISD educators to bring exciting, hands‑on learning experiences to their students. Available throughout the school year, we offer two grant tiers—each designed to spark creativity, enrich academic opportunities, and transform classrooms across every campus.
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1. Individual Classroom Grants
- Purpose: Fuel a single educator’s innovative project or resource that falls outside standard budget lines.
- Award Range: $100 – $1,500
2. Department‑Level Grants
- Purpose: Support collaborative initiatives that impact multiple classrooms or an entire department on your campus.
- Award Range: $100 – $4,000
3. Professional Development Travel Grants
- Purpose: Support Lamar CISD educators who wish to pursue advanced training, attend conferences, or participate in educational experiences that enhance their knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity.
- Award Range: reimbursement of up to $500 in expenses related to conference registration or travel.
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All instructional staff—teachers, librarians, counselors, and specialists—are invited to apply for our department and classroom grants. Whether you teach a core subject, lead a career‑tech program, or guide on campus enrichment, your idea deserves a chance to shine.
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- Applications will be accepted, August 17 - September 18
- Reporting: Grant recipients must submit:
- A brief evaluation form detailing impact
- Photos of the project in action
- A thank‑you note acknowledging LEAF donors
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Plan Your Proposal: Please reference the Grant Application Essentials below to help plan your project and ensure all required components are addressed.
- Obtain Principal Approval: Share your draft with your campus leader for feedback and sign‑off. All applications must be shared with your administrator.
- Submit Online: Complete our online application — paper forms will not be accepted.
- Classroom/Department (Innovation Grants): Online Application
- Professional Development (Travel Grants): Online Application
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Grant Application Essentials
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Review these requirements to ensure your application meets standards and avoids disqualification.
All applications must have principal approval.
Before submitting, provide a physical copy of your grant proposal to your principal for review and approval. Applicants must confirm approval and provide the name of the approving campus administrator.
Contact Information
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Name of Applicant (First & Last) & Email
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Color Track, Campus & Campus Address
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Grade Level
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Grant Type (Individual Teacher, School / Department)
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Grant Categories
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Curriculum Development, Equity, Social / Emotional Health
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Supplies / Books, Experience, Technology / Software, Subscription
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College Career Readiness, CTE, Fine Arts, Language Arts & Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies / History, Science, Other
Grant Information
The information above is collected for administrative purposes only. Do NOT include any identifying information (Mascot, Campus Name, Track Color, etc.) in your budget, essay, or attachments. If your grant proposal includes any hints about your personal or campus identity, it will be disqualified.
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Project Title
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Expected Program Start Date / Supplies Needed Date
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Are you enrolled in the LEAF Employee Giving Program?
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Does your application include a building or building modification?
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If so, your grant application must be accompanied by a Building Modification Approval Form
Project Overview Essay:
Provide a detailed description of the project including the targeted audience & intended use of supplies or services requested. Describe how this project will enrich the educational experiences and /or well-being of students in a creative and innovative way. List the targeted audience, projected scope (anticipated number of students impacted this year) and the anticipated longevity of the project.
Project Objective Essay:
Describe the goal of this project (the overarching purpose). Provide the measurable short-term and long objectives for this project (measurable steps taken to meet the goal). Explain what evaluations will be used to determine success in meeting the goals described.
Grant Impact Categories:
Select students your grant will impact. 50% or more of the students should fall into this category to qualify.
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At-Risk / Highly Mobile
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English Second Language Learners
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Homeless
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Gifted and Talented
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Special Education
Budget: Include the total budgeted amount of your grant request (not to exceed the maximum award amount) and a detailed itemized budget with links, item numbers, quantities, descriptions, and costs. Remove all identifiable information from quotes, screenshots, and supporting documents.
Grant winners will be announced in December 2026. Your project should not begin before then.
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Review these requirements to ensure your application meets standards and avoids disqualification.
All applications must have principal approval
Before submitting, provide a physical copy of your grant proposal to your principal for review and approval. Applicants must confirm approval and provide the name of the approving campus administrator.
Contact Information
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Name of Applicant (First & Last)
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Email & Phone Number
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Color Track, Campus & Campus Address
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Campus Position
Event Details
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Date of Event
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Event/Conference Title & Address
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Total $ amount of LEAF Travel Grant request (up to $500)
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Total anticipated registration and travel expense for event participation
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How much of the total anticipated registration & expense will be paid by your personal funds?
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How much of the total anticipated registration and expense will be paid by Lamar CISD?
Grant Information
The information above is collected for administrative purposes only. Do NOT include any identifying information (Mascot, Campus Name, Track Color, etc.) in your budget, essay, or attachments. If your grant proposal includes any hints about your personal or campus identity, it will be disqualified.
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Event Title
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Are you enrolled in the LEAF Employee Giving Program?
Conference/Event Overview Essay:
Provide a detailed description of the conference or staff development event you will be attending. Why did you choose to attend this particular event/session?
Anticipated Outcome Essay:
How do you anticipate this event benefitting your classroom instruction? How will your participation impact other educators?
Grant Impact Categories:
Select students your grant will impact. 50% or more of the students should fall into this category to qualify.
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At-Risk / Highly Mobile
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English Second Language Learners
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Homeless
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Gifted and Talented
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Special Education
Itinerary/Budget: Provide a detailed itemization of cost (not to exceed the maximum award amount) & a detailed itinerary as it relates to your event. Remove all identifiable information from quotes, screenshots, and supporting documents.
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Itemized budget may include: lodging, registration, meals, transportation, and other anticipated expenses. Include links, item numbers, descriptions, costs, and quantities.
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Note: Professional Development grants are reimbursed up to $500. Receipts will be required for reimbursement.
Grant winners will be announced in December 2026. Please keep this in mind when submitting the grant application.
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LEAF Grant Application Resources
Tip: Review the LEAF Grant 101 PDF before you begin. It walks you through eligibility, budget guidelines, and best practices for a winning proposal.
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LEAF Grant 101
Comprehensive overview of program goals, policies, and terms.
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Innovation Grant Application
LEAF provide funding for projects that simulate students' creativity and expand the existing curriculum. To insure anonymity during the selection process, the committee members will NOT have access to applicants' names or campus. The amount of the award is up to $1,500 for individual teacher grants & $4,000 for campus/department grants.
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Technology Price List
Official LCISD pricing for Apple devices, software licenses, and peripherals.
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Travel Grant Application
Reference only: plan your travel‑focused proposals.
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Grant Budget Form
Required spreadsheet for itemized costs, links, and quotes.
Employee Giving
The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation Employee (LEAF) Giving Campaign is now available, and this year, we’re turning generosity into a friendly competition.
At LEAF, we believe in the power of giving back, and no one understands the needs of our students, educators, and schools better than the dedicated employees of Lamar CISD.
Through the LEAF Employee Giving Program, staff members have an easy and meaningful way to invest in classroom innovation, student scholarships, professional development, and special programs that make a difference across our district.
Which Campus or Department Will Rise to the Top?
This year, we’re recognizing the campuses and departments with the greatest increase in employee participation during the campaign until September 30.
- 1st Place– Whataburger Breakfast Celebration | Breakfast for your entire campus or department
- 2nd Place- HEB Snack Attack | A LEAF Snack Cart for your campus or department
- 3rd Place - Treat Yourself | A LEAF Pick-Me-Up for your team
The more employees who join, the bigger your impact and the better your chances of winning! To qualify, you must have at least 10 new signups or renewals. Explore the Employee Giving resources below, including the tiers, employee form, and video.
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2 Tickets to Surf’s Up Event
Foundation Polo with Logo
All Benefits of Lower Giving Levels -
Restaurant Gift Certificate
All Benefits of Lower Giving Level -
Tumbler with LEAF Logo
All Benefits of Lower Giving Level -
Campaign T-Shirt
Jeans Pass Wednesdays
All Benefits of Lower Giving Level -
Campaign Lanyard
All Benefits of Lower Giving Level -
Recognition on our foundation website
Gift Card Raffle Entry
Team Lamar Membership
Monthly Foundation Newsletter
Foundation Calendar
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Novice Academy Stipends | July 27
New Staff Stampede Venue Prep Day | July 29
New Staff Stampede | July 30
Employee Giving Campaign | July 27 - September 30
Fall Grant Applications Open | August 17- September 18
LEAF Legacy Week | September 14-18
Fall Grant Review Period | October 7 - 16
Grant Review Party | October 7
Golf Tournament & Grant Express Prep Day | November 3
Golf Fore Greatness Tournament | November 16
Grant Express | December 2
Men Who Cook Prep Day | February 10
Men Who Cook Venue Prep Day | February 19
Men Who Cook | February 20
Grants & Scholarship Applications Open | February 15- March 16
Clays for Classrooms | March 22
Spring Scholarship & Grant Review Party | April 6
LEAF Board Appreciation Luncheon | April 14
Surfs Up Event Prep Day | April 21
Surfs Up Venue Prep Day | May 6
Surfs Up | May 7
Donor Thank You Mailing Event | June 7