In 1997, the Portland Schools Foundation established School-based Equity Grants (formerly 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 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 Grant Awardees
The Portland Schools Foundation is pleased to announce the 2009 grant awards for our School-based Equity Grant program. This grant program - now 12 years old - supports the efforts of teachers, principals and parents to raise student achievement and close the achievement gap in schools throughout the Portland Public School district. The 2009 awards focus on empowering principals whose extensive knowledge of their own schools allows them to distribute grant money in the most effective way possible.
2009-2010 School-based Equity Grant Recipients:
Total Number of Eligible Schools: 19
Total Available Funding for School-based Equity Grants: $515,000
For School-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 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 School-based Equity Grants, Community-based Equity Grants and First Octave Grants.
View past recipients: