Frequent Questions

The quality of proposals, cumulative amount requested, and available resources determine the number of proposals funded.

A Project Coordinator can only receive funding for one project, so it is not in your best interest to serve as a Project Coordinator on more than one proposal. However, you may be the Project Coordinator on one grant application and a team member on another.

Items purchased with GEF funds become the property of GISD. If you are leaving GISD, you may not take the items with you. If you are moving to another campus or class within GISD, you must request permission from GEF to move the materials with you.

GEF has a Grants Committee which reviews all applications and determines award amounts. Their goal is to select projects that meet GEF’s mission of enriching the educational experience and preparing students for the future. Furthermore, GEF seeks to support and advance the teaching and learning initiatives established by GISD. The district’s curriculum and instruction team review applications and provide feedback to the Grants Committee regarding their feasibility and alignment with district goals. This table illustrates the likelihood of various projects to be funded. However, projects can be complex, and multiple variables can influence the action of the committee.

More Likely
- Projects improving reading, writing, math, science and history skills as well as STAAR and AP test performance
- Projects that benefit more students
- Innovative and creative projects
- Materials that can be used year after year are preferred over consumables or perishables
- Vocational, Fine Arts, Band, Physical Education Classes
- Clubs and student groups

Less Likely
- Field trips and registration fees are considered a one-time event of limited duration
- Sports/UIL activities
- Supplies or materials that should be supplied by the school or district
- Unnecessary or wasteful requests (examples: t-shirts, iPads with larger memory than required)
- Poorly explained or unrealistic projects

You are welcome to submit the same project for funding, but you will need to complete a new application. It’s always a good idea to contact GEF by emailing foundation@gisd.org or calling (409) 766-5157 to inquire about how you might improve your application before resubmitting. GEF also hosts grant writing workshops beneficial to applicants.

Each grant recipient receives an account code unique to their project to access their funds. They must work with their campus secretary to place orders for grant materials. All purchases must be made with district-approved vendors and follow GISD’s purchasing rules. Contact your campus secretary for more information about the process for seeking approval for a vendor. Funds may only be spent on materials outlined in your grant application and approved by the Grants Committee. Items purchased with grant funds become the property of GISD.

Each grant recipient receives an award letter which establishes the deadline to spend grant funds. Unspent funds will revert back to the Galveston ISD Educational Foundation. If extenuating circumstances make the deadline too difficult to meet, you may request permission to receive an extension from GEF by emailing foundation@gisd.org or calling (409) 766-5157.