Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s (PEC) Community Grants program awards grants of up to $1,000 to eligible classrooms for qualified projects located within the PEC service area or in a community surrounded by the PEC service area. The grants are made possible by PEC members’ participation in the Power of Change program.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a full-time educator teaching in a kindergarten through eighth grade classroom. 
• Must teach in a classroom located within the PEC service area or in a community surrounded by the PEC service area.
• Must teach at a public school or nonpublic school recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) and the Commissioner of Education. 
• Projects must be completed within 12 months of the date the grant money is awarded, and complete a mandatory post-grant final report. 
• Must not have received PEC Educational Spotlight Grants funding during the previous application cycle.

Other Guidelines: 

• No more than one grant will be awarded per teacher per year.
• No more than two grants per school district will be awarded annually.
• Projects may support individual classrooms, grade levels, or broader instructional initiatives.

PEC Educational Spotlight Grant funds up to $1,000 can be used for expenses directly tied to the approved project, including but not limited to:

• Classroom supplies and materials.
• Educational tools and instructional resources, including field trips.
• Consumable items needed to complete the project. 

PEC Community Grants cannot be used to/for:

• Ineligible uses include facility renovations, religious instruction, non-academic projects, professional development, fundraising, pre-k programs, and tuition.

Evaluation factors 

• Student Impact: Emphasis will be placed on projects that demonstrate a clear and measurable benefit to student learning and engagement while also positively impacting academic outcomes or skill development.
• Classroom Need: Preference will be given to projects that clearly identify a classroom or instructional need. Title 1 designation will be prioritized.
• Planning: Preference will be given to projects presented with a clear, well-organized implementation plan, and the teacher demonstrates readiness and capability to carry out the project.
• Creativity: Preference will be given to projects that propose a creative or innovative instructional approach that strengthens curriculum-aligned academic objectives in new or enhanced ways.
• Budget and Cost Effectiveness: Individuals must provide a project budget that is reasonable, detailed and demonstrates responsible use of funds and overall value. 

For questions before applying, contact us at youthprograms@peci.com