Rapid Response Grant applications are currently being accepted

Purpose & Scope

School Liaisons

Have a question? Contact your LEF School Liaison. See the full list of liaisons here.

The purpose of this grant is to provide a quick and responsive funding source for unforeseen needs that arise during the current school year. Requests must reasonably fall within LEF’s current mission.

Funds will support the exploration of innovative approaches to teaching, curriculum development, the creation of educational materials, purchase and implementation of new technology and participation in professional development (see LEF guidelines for professional development in our established grants) during the same school year as the application.

Who May Apply

Rapid Request proposals are welcome from any Lexington Public Schools certified staff, including:

  • Classroom teachers
  • Subject-area specialists
  • Special education personnel
  • Department heads
  • Administrators at the school or central office level
  • Counselors
  • Nurses
  • Town residents working with LPS faculty

LEF encourages projects that involve collaboration across grade levels, departments, or schools.

Eligible Expenses

Activities and expenses that are eligible for LEF Rapid Response support include:

  • Planning and curriculum development time beyond contracted hours to develop and pilot new programs.
  • Professional development (tuition, registration, and travel expenses) tied to the development of new curricula or materials
  • Consultants, guest speakers, artists and performers who assist in the implementation of a project
  • Purchase and installation of equipment and technology that are necessary to achieving the project’s goals (note: all equipment and materials purchased with LEF funds become the property of the Lexington Public Schools.)
  • Educational materials such as books and films
  • Supplies, photocopying, and distribution related to the development and piloting of new curricula.

Please note that Rapid Response funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis.

Activities and expenses that are ineligible for LEF Rapid Response support include:

  • Salaried positions
  • Programs, equipment, or services cut from the school budget
  • Substitute teacher stipends
  • Maintaining existing school programs and activities
  • Retroactive compensation
  • Capital acquisitions such as photocopiers, furniture, construction, and building projects
  • Hospitality costs, such as food and drinks provided at meetings
  • Repeat offerings of programs, courses, and activities that have been previously funded by LEF

Preparing a Rapid Response Proposal

Apply online for a LEF Rapid Response Grant.

Provide all narrative and budgetary information required, as detailed in the application guidelines, in the format and order requested.

Accompanying the proposal must be:

  • Two separate letters of support, signed electronic copies, from your principal, department head, curriculum leader, or superintendent. The letter from the principal, department head, or superintendent must include a statement certifying that your request for funding is not covered by the school system’s operating budget.
  • A statement certifying that (1) you are currently a Lexington Public School certified staff member with professional status, and (2) you will be returning as a Lexington Public School certified staff member for the following academic year. If you are a pre‐PTS staff member, you must include a letter of reappointment from the principal of your school.

Review Process

An LEF committee reviews all Rapid Response proposals in depth and makes recommendations for funding to the LEF Board of Directors. LEF bases its Rapid Response funding decisions on merit and the availability of funds. Reviewers pay particular attention to how the proposed activities promise to enhance student learning and improve professional practice in an applicant’s area of expertise.

The review committee assesses each Rapid Response proposal on its own merits, rather than in direct competition with other proposals. LEF seeks to support every worthy proposal within the constraints of LEF’s budget. The review process provides opportunities for applicants to expand on or clarify information provided in their proposals.

Applicants will generally be notified of LEF’s decision within six weeks of the application deadline.

If your proposal is not funded, LEF will, upon request, provide feedback and suggestions regarding future applications.