A: It is a competitive grant program that empowers Stafford Schools educators to bring creative, high-impact ideas to life. We define innovation as the process of transforming creative concepts into tangible outcomes that improve effectiveness, efficiency, or address unmet needs in the classroom and beyond.

A: Thanks to a transformational $560,000 investment from Amazon InCommunities, the program has been rebranded as the Amazon Sustainable Innovation Grants. The core change is a 100% Sustainability Mandate, ensuring every grant awarded helps inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious builders.

A: All full-time educators employed by Stafford Schools who work directly with students (Pre-K through Post-Secondary) are eligible regardless of previous applications.

• Classroom Grant (Up to $5,000): Focuses on a single classroom.

• Grade Level/Department Grant (Up to $5,000): Benefits an entire grade or department.

• School Grant (Up to $10,000): Impacts the entire school community.

• Cross-School/Division Grant (Up to $10,000): Collaborative projects spanning multiple schools or departments.

A: Your project must define its impact through at least one of these five pillars:

1. Environmental Education: Teaching climate science, ecosystems, or stewardship. Note: Conversations within lessons qualify.

2. Waste Diversion: Incorporating recycling, upcycling, or composting.

3. Resource Conservation: Reducing energy or water usage.

4. Sustainable Technology: Renewable energy (solar, wind) or green engineering.

5. Community Impact: Creating or enhancing gardens and local green spaces.

A: Absolutely! Innovation happens in every subject. The challenge is to find a sustainable "thread"—for example, an art project using upcycled materials (Waste Diversion) or a history project digitizing archives to save paper (Resource Conservation).

A: Applications for the 2026-2027 cycle are due by September 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

A: Look to your building's Innovative Learning Coach (ILC). They serve as our Grant Champions and are available to help you brainstorm your sustainability component and refine your application.

A: Funds support classroom instruction, unique/innovative equipment, instructional supplies, outside-the-classroom experiences, or classroom speakers.

• Note: Funds cannot be used for teacher stipends, standard textbooks, or items already covered by the school's operating budget.

A: We want to celebrate your success! Recipients are required to provide quarterly feedback, which includes:

• A brief narrative of student impact.

• Financial receipts for all purchases.

• High-resolution photos or videos of the project in action.

A: Applications are submitted via the online Google Form at www.thestaffordeduationfoundation.com/itg-app.

A: Please reach out to our team at itg@staffordeducationfoundation.org.