IPEI Grants

About Our Grants

IPEI Grants support innovative ideas that energize the curriculum and foster authentic learning experiences for Ithaca City School District (ICSD) students. We fund learning projects that stretch students’ imaginations, provide them with hands-on learning experiences, and engage them with their communities. 


IPEI Grants fall under three categories:

  • Red & Gold: One-time awards of up to $750 to ICSD teachers and staff members for projects that strengthen and enrich curriculum.

  • Teacher: ICSD teachers can apply for up to $1,750 in funds to implement an innovative educational project in collaboration with a community partner.

  • Student Leadership: Current ICSD 9th - 12th graders can apply for up to $500 to support a project that has a local impact in their school or community and builds upon their personal leadership skills.

Read below for each grant’s guidelines and application.

Grant Office Hours

Ask questions and get feedback on your IPEI Grant during Grant Office Hours every Monday from 2:30pm – 4:00pm and every Wednesday from 3:00pm - 4:30pm. Sign up for a 30 minute time slot.

Grant Cycles

There are three grant cycles for the 2025-26 school year. Each cycle will award between $11-12,000 in total funds. Any unused funds will roll into the next grants cycle. Please use the following deadlines and timelines for application submissions: 

  • Mon. Oct. 6, 2025
    Applicants and adult mentors are notified about funding decisions by Nov. 6, 2025. Any funded projects must be completed by June 1, 2026 with a final report due by June 30, 2026.

  • Mon. Jan. 26, 2026
    Applicants and school principals are notified about funding decisions by Feb. 26, 2026. Any funded projects must be completed by June 15, 2026 with a final report due by June 30, 2026.

  • Mon. April 6, 2026*
    Applicants and school principals are notified about funding decisions by May. 6, 2025. Any funded projects must be completed by Dec. 1, 2026 with a final report due by Dec. 30, 2026.

    *Note: Current 12th graders are not eligible to apply for a Student Leadership Grant in this grant cycle.

Applications are due by midnight of each deadline day and must be submitted through the Google Form that is linked in each grant’s Guidelines and Application document.

A copy of the application will be sent to the applicant as well as the applicant’s mentor (for Student Leadership Grants) or the applicant’s school principal (for Red & Gold or Teacher Grants). Questions should be directed to ipei@ipei.org. 

Group of young people at a food stand wearing matching light blue shirts with 'EQUALITY FUN RUN 2024' printed on them, smiling and giving thumbs up.

Student Leadership Grants

The Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) Student Leadership Grant grant provides up to $500 to support an Ithaca City School District (ICSD) 9th -12th grade student as they pursue a project that has a local community impact and builds upon their leadership skills.

Four young women at an outdoor activities course wearing safety gear, including helmets and harnesses. They are smiling and balancing on one leg outdoors in a wooded area with autumn leaves.

Red & Gold Grants

Red and Gold Grants are one-time awards of up to $750 to ICSD teachers and staff members for projects that strengthen and enrich curriculum.

A woman standing on a ladder painting a mural on a brick wall outside a building. The mural features colorful elements, including blue, purple, and flesh tones, and the woman is wearing a pink mask, black sleeveless top, and white pants with paint stains.

Teacher Grants

IPEI’s Teacher Grants program provides grants up to $1750 to ICSD teachers interested in implementing an innovative educational project with a community partner that directly enhances student learning.

Clipart of a grant certificate with a ribbon, badge, check mark, and the word 'GRANT' at the top.

Past Grants Awarded

Past IPEI Grants recipients and project information are organized by school years and can be found in our Grant Archives.