The Dr. Mike Caston Excellence Awards

Submission guidelines for 2024 to 2025. Read the full guidelines before you begin your application.

Our vision

Funding the work that moves students forward.

The Escondido Education Foundation is a community centered fundraising organization that provides funding for programs which empower educators, enrich learning, and champion innovation and academic excellence throughout EUSD.

These contributions go to the annual Dr. Mike Caston Excellence Award. Renamed in tribute to the founder of the foundation, the award funds classroom and school wide projects that measurably improve student achievement: specific skills, academic knowledge, competencies, and literacies.

Award levels

Three tiers of funding.

The amounts below are indicative. A proposal may come in somewhat under or over its tier.

$5,000 For a comprehensive, school wide initiative

$2,500 For collaborative projects involving two or more educators, up to a full grade level Most common

$500 For a single classroom

Be sure to read the complete set of guidelines before starting your application. If anything is unclear, call (858) 231-1442 and we will talk it through with you.

Ready to apply

Submit your application.

The digital application opens in Google Forms. You can save and return to it before submitting.

Digital Application Back to Innovation

23 schools, one community

Fund a classroom in the city you live in.

Every donation is tax deductible and lands within a few miles of your front door.

Donate now Call (858) 231-1442