Big Ideas Start Here!
Every great idea starts with a question: What could we do differently to create a better learning experience for our students?
IPSF Innovative Grants Program empowers IUSD educators and district teams to turn creative ideas into new possibilities for students. We are looking for projects that respond to a real need, reimagine what is possible, and create meaningful learning experiences that can have a lasting impact.
Whether you are rethinking an existing practice, testing a new approach, or creating an opportunity students have not had before, we want to hear your ideas.
How the grant process Works
We have designed the grant process to be more flexible and responsive to educator needs. You do not need to wait for a single annual application window to share an idea.
Step 1: Submit a Grant Inquiry
Start by telling us about your idea through the Grant Inquiry Form. In this first step, we want to understand the opportunity you see, the need you are trying to address, and how students could benefit.
Grant inquiries are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and are reviewed as they are received. Applicants can expect a response within approximately 30 days.
You do not need to have every detail worked out at this stage. The inquiry is an opportunity to introduce your idea and help us determine whether it is a good fit for an IPSF Innovative Grant.
Step 2: Invitation to Apply
Ideas that align with the goals of the Innovative Grants program may be invited to submit a full application.
Invited applicants will provide:
- Video (2-5 min) explaining the project
- Short written application
- Project budget
- Required Principal or Department Director approval
If an inquiry is not selected for immediate funding, it may remain on file for consideration if future funding opportunities become available.
What we are Looking for
What We Are Looking For
We believe innovation can look different from school to school and classroom to classroom. A strong project does not need to use the newest technology or have never been tried anywhere else. What matters is that the idea thoughtfully responds to a need and transforms the learning experience for students.
We consider six areas when reviewing proposals.
1. Innovation
How does your project address a need in a new, creative, or more effective way?
Tell us what challenge you are addressing, why existing approaches are not enough, and what makes your idea different.
2. Student Impact
How will students benefit?
Strong projects have a clear and meaningful impact on student learning, engagement, well-being, access, or opportunity. Projects that support students who may have fewer access to certain opportunities may receive additional consideration.
3. Need and Relevance
Why is this project needed in your school or department?
Help us understand the need you see and why this project is important. Consider what makes this opportunity relevant to your students and why now is the right time. Please describe how the project addresses a specific challenge, opportunity, or unmet need and explain why existing resources or approaches are insufficient.
Please note that requests focused primarily on fundamental educational or operational needs typically funded through school, department, or district budgets, may be less competitive unless they are part of a broader innovative initiative.
4. Implementation and Feasibility
Can the project be successfully implemented?
Great ideas need a realistic plan. Your full application should show how you will put the idea into action. We will consider whether the plan is realistic and whether the team has the capacity and support needed to carry it out successfully.
5. Sustainability and Scalability
What happens after IPSF funding ends?
We want to understand the potential beyond the initial grant. A project does not need to be designed for district-wide expansion to be successful. We are also interested in projects that create valuable learning and can serve as models for future ideas.
6. Collaboration and Community Engagement
Who is helping shape the idea and support its success?
Strong projects often bring people together around a shared opportunity for students. Tell us who is involved, how they have contributed to the idea, and what partnerships could help make the project successful.
Additional Funding Considerations
In addition to the six criteria above, the review committee may consider the following:
Previous funding: Schools and departments that have received an IPSF Innovative Grant within the past three years are still eligible to apply. Previous funding may be considered as we work to provide opportunities across the district.
Number of students served: Projects that positively impact a larger number of students may receive additional consideration. Smaller projects with significant or transformative impact will also be considered.
Transformational learning impact: We prioritize ideas that significantly change, enhance, or expand the learning experiences available to students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally you will receive a response within 30 days. Selected projects will be invited to submit a full application for potential funding.
Yes. Schools and departments may submit multiple inquiries. However, to maximize opportunities accross IUSD only one project per school or district department may be funded per school year.
No. There is no minimum or maximum funding request. Most awards historically fall between $5,000 and $25,000.
Generally, no. IPSF Innovative Grants are designed to support innovative projects rather than routine operational expenses. Requests for standard classroom furniture, textbooks, replacement equipment, basic supplies, or other items typically funded through school or district budgets are unlikely to be competitive unless they are an essential component of a broader innovative project that transforms the student learning experience.
Yes. Previous recipients remain eligible to apply. Funding received within the past three years may be considered during the review process.
Yes. IPSF will consider multi-year requests for larger initiatives with significant student impact.
No, IPSF is no longer accepting applications submitted by students or for student-led projects.
However, schools are encouraged to develop projects based on student interests, needs, and voice. Students may be involved in planning, implementation, and evaluation, but an IUSD employee must serve as the applicant and be responsible for all aspects of the grant, including budget management, implementation, and reporting requirements.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss projects with their Principal or Director before submitting an inquiry. Approval is required for invited full applications.
Inquiries and applications may remain on file and be reconsidered should future funding opportunities become available.