Since 1997, the Portland Schools Foundation has partnered with the parent fundraising community in Portland Public Schools to bridge the funding gap in schools. Because of the generous donations of parents and their communities, more than $2.7 million was raised in 2009, of which $580,000* will be distributed to high-need schools for the 2010-11 school year.
The School-based equity grants (formerly New Vision Grants) were established as a venture capital fund to support principals, teachers, parents, and community leaders as they worked together to raise academic achievement for students in Portland Public Schools. For the 2009-10 granting cycle significant reforms were implemented, creating a transparent formula for the distribution of the grants; and additional changes were made this year. These changes incorporate a data-driven eligibility formula that directs funds to schools with the greatest need without the proposal process required in the past. Principals who receive an Equity Grant align funds to support their annual School Improvement Plan (SIP), reinforcing systemic strategies to achieve academic excellence for all students. Changes were also made in the allocation of these funds to better support the goals of equity and fairness. Changes in the granting procedure have made it possible for principals receiving Equity Fund support to use the funds to pay for additional FTE in their schools. In previous years this was restricted. These changes have empowered principals to address the needs of their students in measurable and outcome-based activity through additional instructional and staff support.
A committee of PSF Board members, PPS leaders (including those in charge of curriculum and instruction), community members and ex-principals oversee the formula used to allocate the grants and the granting of the funds. Amounts awarded range from $20,000 to $55,000 and are made to eligible schools to significantly build the school’s capacity to raise student achievement, particularly for low-income youth, children of color, and English language learners.
2010-11 PPS School-Based Equity Fund Grants Information:
Press Release Announcing 2010-11 PPS School-based Grant Awards
2010-11 PPS School-based Grants: Rankings
2010-11 PPS School-based Grants: Project Information
2011-11 PPS School-based Grants: Donor Schools
2010-11 PPS-School-based Grants: Formula
2009-10 PPS School-based Equity Grant recipients can download the form here.
View past recipients: