In 1997, the Portland Schools Foundation established New Vision grants as a venture capital fund to support principals, teachers, parents, and community leaders as they work together to raise academic achievement for Portland Public School students.
Research shows that when teachers and principals systematically and creatively align curriculum to clear learning standards, continuously refine instruction through ongoing student assessment, and coordinate school-based efforts with school improvement plans and district goals, significant school-wide achievement gains are made.
We encourage you to contact our staff at the Schools Foundation if you have questions about this grant process. We are happy to assist you in any way we can. Please contact Ryan Bender at ryan@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 11.
2008 Grant Awardees
The Portland Schools Foundation is pleased to announce the 2008 grants awards for our New Vision grant program. This grant program - now 11 years old - supports the efforts of teacher, principals and parents to raise student achievement and close the achievement gap in schools throughout the Portland Public School district.
This year we received a record number of New Vision and Parent, Family and Community proposals requesting more than five times the grant money available. The 2008 awards focus on four strategies:
- K-8 implementation and 8-9th grade transitions.
- Targeted leadership training parents and families.
- Attention to specific students, including homeless, students of color and those academically at-risk for dropping out.
- Alignment with school district priorities.
To see a complete list of the 2008 New Vision awards click here.
A Special Thank You
The grants are funded through the hard work and dedication of the 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 New Vision and Parent, Family, and Community Grants.
View past recipients: