What is the Victoria ISD Education Foundation

The VISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that serves as a link between the school district and our community.  Led by a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation raises monies to fund projects that exceed state mandates to provide learning experiences that motivate our students and further their education.  The mission of the Foundation is to generate and distribute resources to VISD that enrich teaching, inspire learning, and enhance opportunities for students to become contributing members of our society.

The Foundation does not replace lost state funding or take the place of the district's operating budget but does provide monies for those projects and activities that go beyond the typical classroom experience.  Every one of VISD’s campuses has received money from the Foundation.

What does the Foundation fund?

The Foundation underwrites Grants for Great Ideas, an innovative grant program specifically for VISD that funds classroom and school projects teachers create to enhance student learning.  Since the program’s inception in 2009, over $400,000 has been awarded to over 147 projects impacting 77,173 students!  The Foundation is the only nonprofit organization in Victoria that has a significant influence on the academic lives of children.

In August 2019, the Foundation awarded $35,665 to a variety of project types that ranged from advanced technology such as gel electrophoresis kits for biotechnology, robotics, mathematics software, gardening, and culinary arts, a book club, and a program for a cross-campus musical performance.

In addition to grant funding, the VISD Education Foundation awards scholarships to graduating seniors and sponsors a student leadership scholarship.  Other student-based funding is offered through a dual credit program. Through a partnership with Victoria College and the Victoria College Foundation, we help fund up to 400 students per year, a $40,000 commitment.

Monies are also distributed to first-time teachers for supplies needed to create a stimulating learning environment in their classrooms.