The Portland Schools Foundation supports excellence, equity, and innovation in teaching and learning in Portland’s public schools through its PPS Equity Fund, First Octave Fund for Art & Music, and other special grant programs. These grant programs help fill a need in our schools that would otherwise go unmet.On 2009 alone, the Portland Schools Foundation guided, managed, and channeled $4.28 million into our city’s classrooms.

PPS Equity Fund: Since PSFs inception, the PPS Local School Foundations and Equity Fund have been the bedrock of PSF’s vision of ensuring a world-class education for every student in Portland. As outlined in PSF’s original charter, 1/3 of those funds raised after the first $10,000 go directly to schools without the parent base to raise funds independently, thereby working to bridge the existing equity divide. Learn more about the PPS Equity Fund. Read the latest news.

First Octave Fund for Art & Music: The Portland Schools Foundation First Octave Grants are designed to strengthen the quality of public education in the areas of art and music. These grants are available to schools in the Centennial, David Douglas, Parkrose, Portland Public, and Reynolds districts. Learn more about First Octave Grants.

Special Grant Programs: The Portland Schools Foundation works diligently to match the needs of schools with areas of funding that exist with corporate and funding partners. These grants may vary from year to year and are utilized to fund strategic intiatives throughout Portland’s public school districts. Currently, the Portland Schools Foundation is partnering with The Boeing Company to offer The Boeing Ninth Grade Counts Teacher Inquiry Grant.

For additional information on all of the Portland Schools Foundation grant programs, please contact Holly Weems at holly@thinkschools.org or 503-234-5404, ext. 13.