Equip. Enrich. Empower. 

History

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. 

Mission

The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation is a nonprofit communitybased 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. 

Goal

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 

Novice Academy Stipends | July 27 

New Sta­ Stampede Venue Prep Day | July 29 

New Sta­ 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 

www.lamareducationaf.com | (832) 223-0345 | LEAF@LCISD.ORG

Applications will be accepted March 1 – March 31, 2026

Spring Campus Staff Grants 

• Professional Development Grants (Certified Teachers Only) – ACCESS IT HERE
• Fall Classroom and Department Innovation Grant Application – ACCESS IT HERE

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact our office at leaf@lcisd.org or (832) 223– 0345.

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 

• Name of Applicant (First & Last) & Email 

• Color Track, Campus & Campus Address 

• Grade Level 

• Grant Type (Individual Teacher, School / Department) 

• Grant Categories 

• Curriculum Development, Equity, Social / Emotional Health 

• Supplies / Books, Experience, Technology / Software, Subscription 

• 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. 

• Project Title 

• Expected Program Start Date / Supplies Needed Date 

• Are you enrolled in the LEAF Employee Giving Program? 

• Does your application include a building or building modification? 

• 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. 

• At-Risk / Highly Mobile 

• English Second Language Learners 

• Homeless 

• Gifted and Talented 

• 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.

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 

• Name of Applicant (First & Last) 

• Email & Phone Number 

• Color Track, Campus & Campus Address 

• Campus Position 

Event Details 

• Date of Event 

• Event/Conference Title & Address 

• Total $ amount of LEAF Travel Grant request (up to $500) 

• Total anticipated registration and travel expense for event participation 

• How much of the total anticipated registration & expense will be paid by your personal funds? 

• 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. 

• Event Title 

• 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. 

• At-Risk / Highly Mobile 

• English Second Language Learners 

• Homeless 

• Gifted and Talented 

• 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. 

• Itemized budget may include: lodging, registration, meals, transportation, and other anticipated expenses. Include links, item numbers, descriptions, costs, and quantities. 

• 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.

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.

At the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF), volunteers are at the heart of our mission. Every hour given and every connection made helps us expand opportunities for students and staff across Lamar CISD.

When you volunteer with LEAF, you’re investing your time and talents to make a direct impact — whether you’re helping at an event, supporting grant programs, or serving as an ambassador for our foundation.

What Makes LEAF Volunteers So Important?

• Amplify Impact: Volunteers help us support our growing number of students and campuses than we ever could alone.
• Build Community: Volunteering strengthens connections between our schools, families, and local partners.
• Inspire Giving: Your service shows others the power of supporting public education.
• Grow Together: Volunteers gain valuable skills, friendships, and a deeper understanding of the needs and successes within Lamar CISD.

 How Can You Get Involved?
 LEAF offers many ways to serve — from one-time opportunities at fundraising events to ongoing support as a campus representative or committee member. There’s a place for everyone to make a difference!

• Complete our Volunteer Form HERE

If you’d like to get involved or have questions about volunteering with LEAF, please reach out to us at leaf@lcisd.org or (832) 223 – 0345.

At the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF), we believe in the power of giving back — and no one understands the needs of our students and schools better than the dedicated employees of Lamar CISD.

Our Employee Giving Program provides staff members with an easy and meaningful way to support innovative classroom grants, scholarships, and special programs that directly benefit our students and campuses.

Why Give?

• Direct Impact: 100% of employee contributions stay right here in Lamar CISD, funding creative projects and opportunities that go beyond what the regular budget can provide.
• Lead by Example: As district employees, your support demonstrates your commitment to student success and helps inspire our community to give too.
• Flexible & Simple: Contributions can be made through convenient payroll deductions, one-time gifts, or participation in campus fundraising challenges.

How Your Gift Helps:

• Supports Classroom Innovation Grants that bring new ideas and learning experiences to life.
• Provides scholarships for graduating seniors and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Expands LEAF’s ability to respond to emerging needs and special initiatives across the district.

Ready to Join Us?
Enrolling is quick and easy! Complete the Employee Giving Form below and return it to our office to start making a difference today.

Access our Employee Giving Form.

If you have questions about the Employee Giving Program or want to learn more about how your contribution makes an impact, please reach out to us at leaf@lcisd.org

Together, we are transforming possibilities into realities for every student and educator in Lamar CISD.

Connecting with the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) means becoming part of a community that believes in the power of education to transform lives. As the official education foundation for Lamar CISD, LEAF is dedicated to enriching student learning by funding innovative classroom grants, supporting teachers, and celebrating academic excellence. Whether you're a parent, business owner, educator, or community member, your involvement helps bridge the gap between traditional resources and the creative, real-world experiences that make learning come alive.

When you engage with LEAF—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word—you directly support the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers in our district. It’s more than giving; it’s investing in the future of our community, one classroom at a time.

At the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF), we know it takes a community to help students and educators thrive. Our Community Giving Program invites businesses, families, alumni, and local supporters to join us in transforming classrooms, expanding opportunities, and celebrating excellence throughout Lamar CISD.

Why Give?
 When you give to LEAF, you’re investing in the future of our students, teachers, and schools. Community contributions help bridge gaps in funding and fuel programs that go beyond what traditional budgets can provide — from innovative classroom grants to student scholarships and district-wide initiatives.

Ways to Give:
 LEAF’s Community Giving Program offers flexible options to fit every supporter:

• One-Time or Recurring Donations: Make a gift that works for you — once or every month!
• Sponsorships: Partner with LEAF through event sponsorships, program underwriting, or campus initiatives.
• Tribute Gifts: Honor a loved one, teacher, or student with a gift that makes a lasting impact.
• Workplace Giving & Matching: Many local businesses offer payroll giving or matching gift programs — multiply your impact!

Your Impact:
 Community gifts directly support:

• Classroom Innovation Grants for teachers to bring new ideas to life.
• Scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing higher education, workforce training, or certifications.
• Professional development opportunities for Lamar CISD staff.
• Special projects and initiatives that benefit students across the district.

How to Get Involved:
 Whether you’re a local business, a proud alumni family, or a community member who wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you in LEAF’s mission.

• Download the Give 5 Campaign Brochure 
• Access our Donate Now

Learn more about giving options, sponsorship opportunities, and how your support makes a difference.

To discuss partnership opportunities or make a gift today, please contact our office at leaf@lcisd.org.

Together, we can open doors, spark ideas, and brighten the future for every Lamar CISD student!