Jerry's Pizza Education Grant Fund

As we celebrate 50 years of serving Van Zandt County, we're honored to invest in the next generation by supporting the educators who inspire them every day.

We believe teachers are the backbone of our communities. Every day, they invest far more than their time—often purchasing classroom supplies with their own money and finding creative ways to overcome limited resources. The Jerry's Pizza Education Grant Fund was created to recognize that dedication by helping remove financial barriers that stand in the way of great ideas.

Funds raised through the Jerry's Pizza Education Grant Fund will be distributed to participating Education Foundations, Parent-Teacher Organizations, and other eligible school organizations across Van Zandt County to support classroom grants and educational opportunities for local students.

Our goal is simple: make the grant process easy, practical, and impactful so educators can spend their time where it matters most—with their students.

How the Fund Works

Our Community Gives (events, sponsors, donations)

Applications Are Reviewed (published guidelines)

Grants Are Awarded (teachers bring ideas to life)

Every pizza shared, every sponsorship, and every donation helps create new opportunities for students across Van Zandt County. Thank you for helping us invest in the future of our community.

Who can apply?

Educators serving students in participating Van Zandt County public school districts, including:

  • Certified teachers

  • Librarians

  • School counselors

  • Campus organizations and academic programs

What can the grant fund?

Grants are intended to support projects that directly enhance student learning, including:

  • Classroom technology

  • STEM and science equipment

  • Art and music programs

  • Reading and literacy initiatives

  • Outdoor learning spaces

  • Innovative teaching projects

  • Educational experiences and classroom resources

What Is Not Eligible?

The fund is not intended to cover:

  • Salaries or employee compensation

  • Routine operating expenses

  • Building maintenance or capital improvements

  • Travel unrelated to instruction

  • Other expenses that do not directly support student learning

Grant Amounts

Grant awards will vary based on available funding, the scope of the project, and the number of applications received. The Grant Committee may award multiple grants of varying amounts each funding cycle to maximize the impact on students across Van Zandt County.

Selection Criteria

Each application is reviewed using the same criteria to ensure a fair and transparent process. The Grant Committee considers factors such as:

  • The potential impact on student learning

  • Creativity and innovation

  • The number of students who will benefit

  • A clear and realistic plan for using the funds

  • Long-term value to the classroom, campus, or school community

Our goal is to support projects that create meaningful opportunities for students and make a lasting difference in our local schools.

What a teacher submits

Our goal is to keep the application simple so teachers can spend less time on paperwork and more time doing what they do best—teaching. Applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Applicant's name and school

  • Grade level or subject area

  • Project title

  • Amount requested

  • Brief project description

  • Estimated budget

  • Number of students who will benefit

  • How the project will enhance student learning