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Innovation Award submission

The Dr. Mike Caston Innovation Awards

Submission guidelines for school year 2026-2027. 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 Innovation 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
$500 For a single classroom

Be sure to read the complete set of guidelines before starting your application. If anything is unclear, ask us and we will talk it through with you.

Ready to apply

Submit your application.

Applications will be available after September 7th, 2026.

Digital Application Application Guidelines

25 schools, one community

Fund a classroom in EUSD.

Every donation is tax deductible and stays inside the Escondido Union School District.