Innovation Grants
How It Works
The Menifee Educational Foundation Innovation Grant Program provides permanent MUSD classified and certificated employees with up to $250 to bring a creative idea, project, or activity to life that benefits students. From arts and STEM to wellness, leadership, and hands-on learning, no idea is too small to make a difference. Applications are reviewed by a panel, and selected projects may receive partial or full funding.
Applications open September 21 – October 16, 2026.
- Dream It — Think of something you’ve wanted to do for MUSD students.
- Plan It — Tell us how your idea will benefit students and how you would use the funding.
- Apply — Submit your application by October 16, 2026.
- Make It Happen — Selected applicants can receive up to $250 to bring their idea to life.
Application Resources
- Grant Overview — Eligibility criteria, funding details, and application requirements.
- Scoring Rubric — How applications will be evaluated.
- Budget Template
- Evaluation Report — Recipients must submit project evaluation photos and receipts by February 28, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a teacher?
No! Innovation Grants are open to all permanent, non-management MUSD classified and certificated employees. Teachers, paraeducators, counselors, secretaries, custodians, health staff, librarians, support staff, and other eligible employees are encouraged to apply.
How much can I request?
You may request up to $250 for your project. Applications may be approved for full or partial funding based on available funds and the grant review process.
Does my idea have to be academic?
No. Your idea simply needs to benefit MUSD students. Projects can support creativity, wellness, student engagement, leadership, enrichment, hands-on learning, career exploration, and more.
Can I apply with my coworkers?
Yes! Employees are welcome to collaborate on a project. One team member should submit the application as the team lead and identify the other participating employees.
I’ve never applied for a grant. Can I still apply?
Absolutely! No grant-writing experience is required. We want to hear your idea and how it could positively impact students.
What if I am not sure my idea qualifies?
We encourage you to ask! Contact the Menifee Educational Foundation at musdedfoundation@gmail.com before applying.
Past Grant Success Stories
Building Science with LEGO — Innovation Grant funds helped students bring geoscience to life through hands-on LEGO projects, resulting in strong engagement and 100% student participation.
Discovering the Science of Germs — Innovation Grant funds gave students the opportunity to investigate germs around their campus using real science tools.
Brewing Skills for the Future — Innovation Grant funds helped bring a student-run coffee cart to life, giving students hands-on job skills.
Previous Grant Recipients
| Employee | School | Donor |
|---|---|---|
| Adriana Perez | Chester W. Morrison Elementary (CWM) | A Better Look Inspection |
| Cynthia Hurrington | Herk Bouris Elementary (HBE) | AALRR |
| Karen Willie | Sally Buselt Elementary (SBE) | AES |
| Gabriella Ibarra | Sally Buselt Elementary (SBE) | Altura Credit Union |
| Lesley Stevens | Sally Buselt Elementary (SBE) | Andy’s Xpress Car Wash |
| Britnee Fradd | Southshore Elementary (SSE) | Archibald’s |
| Sara Alcala | Chester W. Morrison Elementary (CWM) | California Coast Credit Union |
| Yanavith Villanueva | Freedom Crest Elementary (FCE) | City of Menifee |
| Patricia Cruz | Bell Mountain Middle School (BMMS) | Core5 |
| Veronica Rivera | Southshore Elementary (SSE) | CW Driver |
| Stacee Davis | Evans Ranch Elementary (ERE) | Law Offices of Robert Karwin |
| Brittney Roddy | Taawila Elementary (TES) | DLR Group |
| Martha Ahumada | Quail Valley Elementary (QVE) | Erickson Hall Construction |
| Barbara Sanchez | Callie Kirkpatrick Elementary (CKE) | Fieldmann, Rolapp, and Associates |
| Darla Bryant | Oak Meadows Elementary (OME) | Harbottle Law |
| Vannessa Fowler | Taawila Elementary (TES) | HCN Bank |
| Holly Fratt | Menifee Valley Middle School (MVMS) | Helios |
| Krystal Simioli | Callie Kirkpatrick Elementary (CKE) | Imperial Dade |
| Rebecca Martell | Quail Valley Elementary (QVE) | JoAnne Lauer |
| Cheryl Stark | Hans Christensen Middle School (HCMS) | John R. Byerly |
| Christopher Borjas | Kathryn Newport Middle School (KNMS) | Jones Hall |
| Victoria Kaylor | Harvest Hill STEAM Academy (HHSA) | Keenan and Associates |
| Jennifer Goodale | Bell Mountain Middle School (BMMS) | Key Analytics |
| Ronnae Forsyth | Ridgemoor Elementary | 9th Shield |
| Raquel Vizcaino-Palacios | Freedom Crest Elementary | Law Offices of Robert Karwin Foundation |
| Cheryl Stark | Hans Christensen Middle School | Neff Construction |
| Lineth Garcia | Southshore Elementary | PCH Architects |
| Danielle Martin | Callie Kirkpatrick Elementary | Pulte Group |
| Carmen Arellano | Hans Christensen Middle School | Ruhnau Clarke Architects |