The Mineola ISD Education Foundation has awarded $527,100 in grants to Mineola ISD teachers over the past 10 years, according to the foundation. The grants provide students with extra learning opportunities and resources. The foundation marked the milestone with its "A Decade of Impact" reception on Oct. 27 at the Glen Dossett CTE Center.
Martha Holmes, a founding member and vice president of programs and grants, said the foundation held its first official meeting in October 2016. Its first Prize Swarm followed in spring 2017, when $15,000 was awarded for projects in the 2017-18 school year. Holmes said grants rose to $19,000 the second year and $21,000 the third year. She said the foundation hopes to reach $1 million in total grants. The foundation awarded $105,300 last spring and plans another round in spring 2027.
Teachers may apply for individual grants of up to $2,000. Teams or departments may apply for up to $75,000 when a project benefits a larger group. Applications open in January and are due in February. A grant committee reviews the applications and selects the projects. Approved funds are deposited into school accounts. Teachers may buy items from outside the Region 7-approved vendor list. The annual Prize Swarm, typically held in late March or early April, includes visits to campuses to present grant recipients with oversized checks.