Grants to Educators

The Plano ISD Education Foundation Grants to Educators program is designed to do one simple but powerful thing: say “yes” to innovative ideas that transform classrooms. Each year, the Foundation invests $150,000 in individual and team grants that fund programs, tools, and experiences beyond what tax dollars can provide. This year, we beat that record awarding 107 teachers with grants totaling $160,000.

These grants empower teachers, librarians, counselors, and campus-based instructional specialists to bring bold ideas to life. Individual educators may apply for up to $2,000, while collaborative, multi-campus teams may request up to $3,500. Projects range from STEM innovation and robotics to literacy initiatives, special education resources, English language learner support, mental health programming, fine arts enhancements, and immersive field experiences.

Grant Patrol

Each fall, winning educators are surprised in their classrooms by the Grant Patrol, a high-energy celebration that has become one of the most anticipated days of the year. But Grant Patrol is more than a surprise delivery. It is a citywide celebration of public education. City leaders, district administration, school board members, business partners, Foundation board members, and community volunteers gather at the kickoff celebration before dispersing across the city.

This year’s Grant Patrol was made possible by sponsors including Toyota, Hilltop Securities, H-E-B, and CoServ, with Park Place Lexus Plano serving as our Founding Sponsor. For over 20 years, Park Place Lexus Plano has hosted our annual kickoff event and provided Lexus vehicles so patrol teams can travel together across the city. The vehicles, branded with Education Foundation magnets, create visible momentum across the city, turning an award delivery into a moving celebration of public education.

Stay tuned for partnership opportunities for the 2026-2027 school year!