LEAP

The Educational Foundation’s Lexington Emergency/Education Assistance Plan supports the district’s educational initiatives and priorities by providing financial assistance in areas of need. When you donate to the LEAP fund, you support educational programs that teach our students to communicate, innovate, collaborate and think critically.

We prioritize educational programs that enhance students’ learning.  In the past it provided grants to school libraries and helped build a STEM lab. Recently our focus has been on reading initiatives and strengthening literacy in Lexington School District One, as the foundation has awarded more than $186,500 in Bucks for Books Grants over the last eight years. Last school year, all third through fifth grade elementary classrooms benefitted. Studies show that children who have more contact with books become better readers. Your support of our LEAP fund helps to foster strong readers in Lexington School District One!

The Educational Foundation’s Lexington Emergency/Education Assistance Plan supports Lexington District One employees, students and their families in a number of ways, thanks to the generosity of those who donate to it each year!

First, it assists our families that have experienced a recent crisis and need temporary help to survive by offering financial assistance and/or in-kind services. Employees and students in crisis must be nominated by a current, permanent employee (i.e., individuals may not nominate themselves) and can obtain a LEAP Application from their school ‘s or department’s volunteer LEAP Representative.

Aid may be given to Lexington District One students and permanent employees. The fund has helped employees who were struggling with a serious illness, students’ families who’ve suffered total loss from a home fire, as well as many others in need. Assistance may include payments towards utility bills, rent or mortgage, or medical bills, as well as food; however, grant aid typically excludes any payments for housing insurance, vehicle purchases/insurance, childcare, security deposits, domestic dispute, and workers’ compensation issues.

Second, the LEAP fund provides help to Lexington One students in need of medical, dental, or vision services that prevent the students from learning. Often a student’s teacher may discover such a challenge and refer the student to the school’s nurse and assigned Lexington One Social Worker, who then communicates with our foundation’s staff.

The Emergency Fund has provided more than $200,000 in Helping Hands Grants to schools since 2020 so that school leaders can quickly help students with need-based aid that may not merit a full assistance application. Higher Education Support Grants to our graduating seniors with substantial financial need assist students who will pursue a college education with dorm room needs and/or academic support. While our International Teacher Grants support our Lexington District One teachers who are new to the country and struggling financially as they get settled in the community.

Learn more about the Lexington One Educational Foundation’s LEAP Funds by checking out our 2025-2026 LEAP Flyer!  

Helping Hands Grants are emergency based derived from the Foundation’s LEAP Emergency Funds and given to each school yearly. This financial support enables school administrators to offer a small amount of immediate assistance to their Lexington District One families in crisis.

Typical grant support provided to Lexington District One families may include groceries, school supplies, clothing, shoes and critical needs for students whose families are experiencing a temporary emergency and financial set back.

Lexington District One Employees may make financial donations to the LEAP campaign anytime during the year. However, the Educational Foundation’s LEAP Campaign is always held during the first three weeks of the school year upon the teachers return to work. Our LEAP Representatives at each school or department assist our faculty and staff in navigating the application process.

Upon donating, individuals must determine if a gift should be directed to the LEAP Education Fund, the LEAP Emergency Fund, or both LEAP Funds. Employees can indicate this on the annual pledge fund form.

Community individuals may also donate to our LEAP funds by contacting our office. 

To apply for LEAP Grant Assistance, please contact your school’s or department’s volunteer LEAP representative as listed below. This volunteer will discuss your crisis with you to help determine if you qualify based on LEAP guidelines. You will be provided a LEAP Grant Application and assistance completing the application process.

Our staff and volunteers are empathetic with an individual’s challenges, however, the LEAP Grant Assistance program is need-based.  Please share this emergency assistance program with any families in crisis in Lexington School District One!

The Lexington High School Boys Soccer Team, led by Coach Will Gettys established the Cats Kick Cancer Fund in 2018 to help support individuals in Lexington School District One who are battling cancer.

Lexington School District One students, teachers, staff or parents of Lexington One students struggling financially due to a battle with cancer may apply for emergency grant assistance via the Cats Kick Cancer Fund, as well as the LEAP Fund. To apply, reach out to your school or department LEAP Representative to find out if you qualify. Both funds require a completed LEAP Application for consideration. The team members are passionate about the Cats Kick Cancer effort and the Educational Foundation is privileged to receive donations each year and administer the funds along with its LEAP Fund. Watch our Cats Kick Cancer video to learn more.