LIGHT Awards Program

The LIGHT Awards, managed by the Intrepid Philanthropy Foundation, support collaborative projects that aim to rejuvenate and elevate the teaching profession, with a particular focus on fostering teacher leadership, school-wide impact, and relevance to educators’ daily work. Each year, selected awardee cohorts are announced in the spring, following a fall application period. Successful teams are invited to a summer convening to share their progress and strategies. Applications are rigorously reviewed by the Foundation’s Board, an Advisory Board, and education experts who prioritize innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Projects eligible for the LIGHT Awards must align with core criteria, including enhancing educators’ passion for teaching (Rejuvenating), demonstrating relevance to teachers and schools (Relevant), potential for school or system-wide influence (Impactful), and strengthening teacher leadership skills (Elevating). The goal is to inspire sustainable changes within schools that empower teachers and benefit students and communities. Applicant teams should include three to six members, with a preference for teams of four or more. At least three team members must be full-time classroom teachers who dedicate at least 60% of their time to classroom instruction. Teams may also include specialists, instructional coaches, and one paraprofessional, provided there is a clear explanation of their role’s necessity. While teacher’s aides and part-time teachers are ineligible, a team contact who spends time in the classroom is required. Notably, administrators are not permitted on teams unless essential to the project’s execution. Additionally, teams with current LIGHT Award grantees are ineligible to apply. Eligibility requirements include a minimum teaching experience of two years for all team members, with preference given to projects based in under-resourced schools where 50% or more of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The program is open to elementary, middle, high school, and cross-school projects, but excludes brand-new schools in their first operational year. Teams from public, charter, or qualifying private schools located in specific California counties—Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo—are eligible. Teams can include educators from the same or different schools, districts, grades, or subjects, as long as the collaboration is meaningful for the project. Principal support is essential, with each principal required to endorse the project in a letter, indicating the level of support provided, such as feedback or leadership opportunities. If obtaining a principal’s letter is not feasible, teams are advised to contact the LIGHT Awards team to discuss alternative arrangements. This program offers a unique opportunity for educators in eligible California counties to develop impactful, sustainable projects that enhance their professional growth and contribute to broader educational outcomes within their schools and communities.