The Mineola ISD Education Foundation has awarded $527,100 in grants to Mineola ISD teachers over the past 10 years, providing students with additional learning opportunities and resources.

The foundation celebrated this milestone with its “A Decade of Impact” reception Oct. 27 at the Glen Dossett CTE Center. T

he organization held its Martha Holmes, a founding member and vice president of programs and grants, was part of the steering committee that worked to establish the foundation.

She has seen its growth firsthand. first official meeting in October 2016, followed by its first Prize Swarm in spring 2017. During that event, $15,000 in grants was awarded to MISD teachers for projects to be implemented during the 201718 school year.

“The first year we gave $15,000, the second year $19,000 and the third year $21,000. We hope to reach the $1,000,000 mark in the near future,” Holmes said.

The foundation has continued to increase its grant funding over the years. Last spring, it awarded $105,300 in grants and plans to award another round in spring 2027.

Reaching $1 million in total grants remains a goal for the organization. The grant application process begins in January, with applications due in February.

Teachers can apply for individual grants of up to $2,000, while teams or entire departments can apply for grants of up to $75,000 when a proposed project benefits a larger group.

The foundation’s grant committee reviews the applications and selects the projects to receive funding. Once grants are approved, the foundation deposits the awarded funds into school accounts, allowing teachers to purchase the items and resources outlined in their applications.

The grants help teachers obtain learning tools and materials that may not otherwise be available through school budgets. Teachers can also purchase items outside the Region 7-approved vendor list.

Students benefit from the additional classroom resources, which can provide new learning opportunities and introduce them to subjects they might not otherwise encounter.

One of the foundation’s annual traditions is its Prize Swarm. During this event, foundation representatives visit campuses to surprise teachers who have been selected to receive grants.

Accompanied by cheerleaders, drum corps, noisemakers and confetti, the group travels from campus to campus presenting teachers with oversized checks made by M Prints of Mineola.

The Prize Swarm typically takes place in late March or early April, although the date is kept secret so teachers can be surprised. Before the campus visits, the foundation presents a large check to the Mineola ISD school board for acceptance at its March meeting.

The campus visits then give the foundation an opportunity to recognize individual grant recipients. In addition to teacher grants, the foundation awards two scholarships, the Thomas Scholarship and the Gully Scholarship, to Mineola graduates enrolled in college. Each scholarship is $1,000. The Thomas Scholarship is awarded after a student completes one year of college, while the Gully Scholarship is awarded upfront.

The foundation’s support also extends to other district employees and activities. Each Thanksgiving, the organization provides a turkey for every MISD employee.

It also caters meals for district staff, provides gift cards as door prizes at district meetings and welcomes each new teacher with a backpack filled with supplies.

The foundation has hosted several fundraisers over the years, including Purse Bingo, which will return in spring 2027; Lux and Load, held in September; the Winter Market and Pageant, scheduled for Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Family Bingo, planned for late spring.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Mineola ISD Education Foundation raises funds to support district students and teachers.

Over the years, the organization has expanded its fundraising opportunities to include events such as bingo and casino nights, helping increase the amount available for grants and other programs. Funding comes from Mineola-area businesses and individuals, along with grants from organizations such as the Meredith Foundation.

Local businesses contribute through sponsorships, door prizes, auction items and other forms of support, while individuals contribute through donations and participation in fundraising events.

The Oct. 27 reception provided an opportunity to celebrate 10 years of service and recognize the community members and organizations that have supported the foundation.