JACKSON, Tenn. (October 27, 2026) – Leaders Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, gave $35,550 to educators in West Tennessee schools for their L.E.A.D.S. Grants. These grants cover Classroom Grants, Teacher Appreciation Grants, and Professional Development/Certification Grants.
“Educators play a vital role in shaping future generations,” said Leigh Anne Bentley, President of Leaders Education Foundation. “L.E.A.D.S. Grants help remove barriers for teachers, whether they are creating hands-on learning experiences, celebrating colleagues, or advancing their education. We are honored to empower educators to excel in their classrooms and professions while making a lasting difference for their students and communities.”
The reception took place at Union University’s Ethos Forum, where the Foundation held a check presentation for recipients to recognize their impact. In 2026, there are 42 recipients of L.E.A.D.S. Grants. The recipients of the Classroom Grants shared videos of what projects they wanted to do with the grants and were voted on by the public through Leaders Education Foundation’s Facebook page. Their videos reached over 150,000 people, as well as over 17,500 interactions total. Teacher Appreciation Grants were $500 each, and recipients can use them for a celebration day for teachers, classroom supplies, or other materials. Professional Development/Certification Grants are for recipients who want to further their own education, so they can help improve the teaching skills that they can apply to their classrooms. These grants were $1,000 each.
The application period for L.E.A.D.S. Grants opens every July. To apply, visit leadersgives.org/grants.
To learn more about Leaders Education Foundation, become a Foundation member, or Give Forward, visit leadersgives.org.
About Leaders Education Foundation
Leaders Education Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in West Tenn., established in 2019. The Foundation brings together community-minded citizens, members, and organizations to make lives better, together. It invests back into its community through scholarships, grants, and additional resources. These resources provide educational opportunities and promote workforce development, lifelong learning, and training for students, teachers, and communities. For more information about Leaders Education Foundation, to become a member, or to Give Forward, please visit their website, leadersgives.org.