The Decatur ISD Education Foundation (DEF) has announced the launch of a all-new online giving platform, the "Adopt-a-Grant" site, designed to connect community donors directly with innovative teaching projects throughout Decatur ISD schools.
Similar to crowdfunding, this public website allows community members to identify and fund grants that they are passionate about -- either by paying for a portion of that grant or by paying to cover the entire grant!
The new site, live today at https://decatur-isd-education-foundation.givecloud.co/adopt-a-grant/all-grants, allows businesses, alumni, and local residents to browse and select specific grants submitted by DISD teachers that need funding. These grants cover a range of needs, including new classroom technology, specialized learning materials, STEM equipment, and unique hands-on learning experiences that fall outside the district's regular operating budget.
The "Adopt-a-Grant" model increases transparency by showcasing each project's description, requested funding amount, and the number of students who will benefit. Donors can choose to fully fund a small grant or contribute a portion of the funding to a larger initiative. This year alone, the foundation posted $166,000 teacher grant requests. The hope is that by rallying community together, every single grant request can be fully funded.
"This platform is a game-changer for our teachers and for the supportive community of Decatur," said DEF President Blake Haney. "It provides a clear, direct line between the generous hearts of our residents and the creative, impactful ideas of our educators. Every dollar adopted goes straight into enhancing the student experience, equipping classrooms with modern tools, and preparing our students for the future."
The Decatur ISD Education Foundation encourages all interested parties to visit the new "Adopt-a-Grant" site to see the diverse range of projects currently seeking support and help bring these innovative ideas to life in DISD classrooms.