Southwest ISD Teacher Grant Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply for the SWEF Grant?

Any Southwest ISD teacher or staff member seeking to enhance student learning through innovative projects aligned with the district’s strategic plan may apply.

2. What is the maximum grant amount I can request?

Grant requests are limited to a maximum of $8,000. However, the amount requested does not determine selection—focus on the quality, innovation, and student impact of your proposal.

3. When is the application due?

All applications must be submitted by Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered.

4. Can I save my application and come back to it later?

No. Once you begin the online application, you must complete it in one session. It is highly recommended that you draft your answers in a separate document first.

5. What are allowable expenses for the grant?

Grant funds may be used for:

Classroom materials
Approved vendor equipment
Innovative supplies aligned with your project

Funds may NOT be used for:

Food
General furniture
Salaries/stipends
Teacher handbooks/conference fees
Books not directly tied to innovation
Incentive items or vending machines
Mulch or landscaping materials

6. Is Principal approval required?

Yes. You must submit a signed Vendor Approval Sheet from your campus principal. This is required before your application can be considered complete.

7. What about AV equipment or projectors?

If requesting AV or media-related equipment, contact the SWISD Media Team at [email protected] to ensure purchase through an approved vendor.

8. Can I name my school or mascot in the application?

No. For questions 1-5 of the application, do not mention your school name or mascot to ensure impartial evaluation.

9. Do I need to document how I use the grant?

Yes. All grant recipients must submit photos or videos of the materials in use. Send them to Jenny Collier at [email protected] after items have been received and implemented.

10. If I am awarded a grant for a large or permanent item, what's required?

You must display a plaque or sign acknowledging that the project was funded by the Southwest ISD Education Foundation.

Grant funds are awarded to supplement district resources and provide financial support for innovative programs and projects aligned with the priorities established by the district. Our intent is to ensure students receive the “value-added” education they need to become exemplary members of our society.

Applications must be submitted for review no later than Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 5 p.m. (Grants are awarded for use before the completion of the 2025-26 academic year)

Disclaimers

Please be sure to read through all of the questions before beginning the application. It is highly advised to type your answers in a separate document and then transfer all of the information once you are ready to submit. Once you begin the application, you cannot continue or go back.
You must have the vendor approval sheet signed by your campus principal in order to finalize application. Please click here to print and copy vendor approval sheet and email to [email protected].
Grant funds cannot be used for employee salaries/stipends, books/vending machines, furniture, incentive items, mulch, or teacher conference handbooks.
Photos and/or videos of the project materials used in the classroom are REQUIRED of all grant recipients. Pictures and video can be submitted to Jenny Collier at [email protected] after the time of purchase.
All grant item requests MUST be able to be purchased through an approved district vendor. Please check with your principal for a list of vendors.
If projectors or AV equipment are being requested, please check with approved vendors with our Media Team [email protected]
If grants are awarded for larger items (included but not limited to gardens, permanent supplies, etc.) recipients must display a plaque that states award from SWEF.)