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Apply for DEF Grant by Sept. 13, 2026

Decatur Education Foundation

August 9, 2026

We hope your school year is off to a fantastic start!

Grant applications are now being accepted for the Decatur Education Foundation (DEF)!

Run mostly by volunteers, DEF is a local, 501(c)3 nonprofit that raises money to support Decatur ISD students, staff, classrooms, and educational initiatives. Our annual grant giveaway is a wonderful opportunity to teachers and staff to help fund innovative ideas for our schools that would otherwise not be funded.

Now through Sunday, Sept. 13, 2025, DISD full-time employees -- including teachers, staff, and administrators -- can apply for funds to help support educational initiatives in and out of the classroom. View our new website for details or our new grant portal, powered by GivaGrant to get started!

What's New about the Grant Application?

New this year, we've partnered with GivaGrant to host this year's grant application.

In addition to being easier to use on any device, the new portal has several great features for applicants:

  • Users can make updates to their application, at any time prior to the deadline, by logging in.

  • Using the portal, team applicants can share an application and make edits in real time.

  • Applicants can upload and share the budget workbook at as an Excel document or a Google spreadsheet.

  • Users can view notes about their application status once our grant reviews have been completed.

Two Ways to Get Your Grant Funded:

  • Adopt-a-Grant Application: Share your grant's "adopt-a-grant" link with your friends and family! Community members will be able to identify and fund grants that interest them! These grants will be posted to our Adopt-a-Grant website, and DEF will provide you with a shareable link. It's like crowdfunding or sharing an Amazon Wish List!

  • Traditional DEF Grant Application: As in past years, we are also allowing DISD staff to apply for grants directly through DEF's annual grant approval process.

Three Types of Grant Applications to Submit:

Three types of proposals will be accepted:

  • Individual Classroom Grant Proposals

    – maximum proposal allowed $3,000

  • Campus/District Team or Department Grant Proposals

    –

    maximum proposal allowed $5,000

  • Program Grant Proposals

    –

    maximum proposal allowed $7,500

Questions? Email educationfoundation@decaturisd.us.