The Schools Foundation supports excellence, equity, and innovation in teaching and learning in Portland Public School District schools through our First Octave, New Vision, and Parent, Family, and Community grant programs.
In 2008, through a partnership with the City of Portland, the Schools Foundation also has a Schools-Families-Housing community grant program, available to all school districts and other entities within the boundaries of the City of Portland.
The First Octave Fund for Arts & Music – Up to $5,000 to integrate arts and music into classrooms and support creative partnerships between schools and community arts and music groups. Contact Ryan Bender at ryan@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 11.
New Vision Grants – Up to $40,000 per individual school or group of schools in the Portland Public School 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 Ryan Bender at ryan@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 11.
Parent, Family & Community Involvement Grants – Up to $40,000 to build vital partnerships between our schools and parents, families, and community organizations that strengthen the quality of public education for each student in the Portland Public School district. Contact Ryan Bender at ryan@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 11.
Schools-Families-Housing Community Grants – to address the ability of families to stay in their neighborhoods and schools, and increase student retention and connection to schools. Contact Sonali Balajee: sonali@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 15.
Please contact us if you have questions about any one of the grant programs for the coming year. We are happy to talk about your initial concepts and ideas and assist you in any way we can.
Our New Vision and Parent, Family, and Community Involvement 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.
"When a community loves its schools and its children, it gives them the strength and resources to do their job." John Stanford, late Superintendent, Seattle Public Schools