Helping Hands Grants to Schools awarded to all Lexington County School District One Schools
November 20, 2025
Recently, the Lexington One Educational Foundation Board of Directors approved $47,787.77 for the 2025-2026 school year in Helping Hands Grants to Schools awards. These grants are an important investment designed to provide needs-based emergency assistance across Lexington County School District One. The funding is made possible through the Foundation’s LEAP Emergency Fund, which is generously supported by Lexington District One employees each year at the start of the school year.
This is the fourth cycle of Helping Hands Grants to Schools awards that the Educational Foundation leaders have made since 2020. Originally intended to support students and their families that were struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, the grants have evolved and now enable school leaders to quickly assist Lexington District One families who are in need with a variety of smaller grant requests. All 31 schools within Lexington District One received funding this year and the amount of the grant award allocated was based on the number of students qualifying as economically disadvantaged.
Through the years, the Helping Hands Grants to Schools funds have been used for essential items, such as supplemental food for students, groceries or restricted-use gift cards to families experiencing a short-term crisis, assisting with one month’s utilities, and/or supplying clothing, shoes, or eye exams and glasses for students who cannot otherwise afford them. School leaders work closely with Lexington District One social workers and Educational Foundation staff to maximize the impact of these crucial funds.
Educational Foundation Executive Director Julie Anderson Washburn shared, “Considering the recent challenges families have experienced with the federal cut of SNAP Benefits, such need-based grants are critically important to Lexington District One students, employees and their families who are struggling and need temporary help to survive. The foundation’s Board of Directors has awarded a total of $247,171 in Helping Hands Grants to Schools since 2020, as they care about the health and well-being of our students. We are so very grateful to our donors who make such vital grants possible.”
About Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation
Established 30 years ago as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Lexington One Educational Foundation is a source of growth and support for Lexington County School District One. Our mission is to support the district’s educational programs and enrich the quality of life in the Lexington community by raising and managing funds. Annually, the Foundation’s board, staff and volunteers work to build partnerships with individuals and corporations in order to benefit Lexington District One students, teachers, and schools. We plant seeds in our district that bloom into amazing educational opportunities for our students! To learn more about our mission and how to give, visit: www.Lex1EdFound.org.
