Magnolia Education Foundation

"We look for projects that are durable, that will last a long time and touch a lot of students," Rogers said. "We are also looking for creativity. We want the money to be put to good use."

Teachers typically purchase the new materials soon after receiving the grants, through a purchase order, and quickly fold it into their curriculum.

"A lot of them implement it immediately," Clifton said.

The foundation notifies the teachers who are awarded the grants by surprising them in their classrooms with balloons or flowers.

"Some teachers are reduced to tears," Rogers said. "This is money for materials they otherwise would not get because their budget just won't allow it."

The foundation is run by parents and community members and works closely with the district.

"This is something that encompasses the entire district," Rogers said. "One-hundred percent of the money goes to grants to teachers, which funnels through to students."

The foundation raises money primarily through two annual fundraisers. Its largest fundraiser is its New Year's Eve gala at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.

The foundation also accepts direct donations. In May, the foundation awarded $1,000 each to Magnolia's teachers of the year to spend in their classrooms. The money was donated to the foundation from Quality of Life Chiropractic in Magnolia, which held a three month promotion at its office, donating $30 to the foundation for each first time visitor.

"If you're a business in the community, this is the perfect place to donate," Clifton said. "The money stays in the community to help the children. We're not helping just one school; we're helping all the schools."

The foundation's New Year's Eve gala will be Dec 31 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The event is open to the public. 7:30 p.m. $195 (single ticket) or $375 (couple). The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 713-598-8729. www.magnoliaisd.org/mef.