The Portland Schools Foundation's Community-based Equity Grants are designed to support vital partnerships between schools and community organizations in order to strengthen the quality of public education for students in the Portland Public School District (PPS). Community-based Equity Grants are particularly focused on supporting community and family involvement in the education of our children and youth with a goal of increasing success for underserved/underrepresented students and schools.
Every year parents and supporters raise millions of dollars to support teaching and learning in their schools. In 1995, the Portland School Board created a fund to address equity and fairness among our public schools and neighborhoods. One-third of the funds raised by the parent- and family-led local school foundations are re-invested to equalize opportunity across the district. These dollars support the School-based and Community-based Equity Grants stewarded by the Portland Schools Foundation. The Portland Schools Foundation has awarded more than $1,000,000 in Community-based Equity Grants since 1996.
- Non-for-Profit Organization with 501 (c)(3) status
- Schools within PPS that demonstrate strong community partnerships models
Grants will be awarded for up to $25,000 per application. Applicants should request at least $5,000. A total of approximately $220,000 is available in the current funding cycle.
Focus AreasProjects should promote academic achievement and equity for underserved/underrepresented PPS schools or populations by carrying out activities in one or more of the following focus areas:
- Engaging the broader community in initiatives to support schools and students
- Increasing family awareness and involvement in their children’s school and education
Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 1, 2010.
Funding notifications will be made by Monday, May 31, 2010.
Projects should be executed between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.
Click here to download the full Community-based Equity Grant RFP
We encourage you to contact our staff at the Portland Schools Foundation if you have questions about this grant process. We are happy to assist you in any way we can. Please contact Holly Weems at holly@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 13.
2009-2010 Community-based Equity Grant Recipients :
Total Number of Nonprofits and School Partnerships: 10
Total Available Funding for Community-based Equity Grants: $200,000
For Community-based Equity Grant Recipients only - please click here for a blank grant evaluation form.
A Special Thank You
The grants are funded through the hard work and dedication of the PPS parents at local school foundations. In alignment with school board policy, local school foundations must contribute one-third of all funds raised above $10,000 each year to an Equity Fund at the Schools Foundation. These funds are then redistributed through PPS School-based and Community-based Equity Grants.
View Past Recipients:
2006-2008 - matching up grant cycles