The Portland Schools Foundation supports excellence, equity, and innovation in teaching and learning in Portland Public School District (PPS) schools through our School-based , Community-based , and First Octave grant programs.
School-based – Up to $55,000 will be made available to eligible schools in the PPS District to significantly build the school’s capacity to raise student achievement and close the achievement gap for low-income children, children of color, and English language learners. Contact Ben Furr at ben@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 10.
Community-based – Up to $25,000 per applicant to support vital partnerships between schools and community organizations in order to strengthen the quality of public education for students in the PPS District. Community-based Equity Grants are particularly focused on supporting family and community involvement in the education of our children and youth with a goal of increasing success for underserved/underrepresented students and schools. Contact Terri Theisen at terri@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 32.
The First Octave Fund for Arts & Music – Up to $500 to integrate arts and music into classrooms and support creative partnerships between schools, community arts and music groups. Contact Terri Theisen at terri@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 32.
Please contact us if you have questions about any one of the grant programs for the coming year. We would be happy to discuss your initial concepts and ideas and assist you in any way we can.
Our School-based and Community-based Equity Grants are funded through the efforts of PPS District local school foundations. By Portland School Board policy, one-third of any funds over $10,000 raised through individual foundations are set aside in an Equity Fund to assist all schools in the district. Click here for a full listing of school foundations who have contributed to the fund.