Grants for School Communities
We believe the most powerful solutions for our schools come from the people closest to the work—our educators, students, families, and community members. Each year, we invest in bold equity-centered ideas that transform learning and improve student outcomes that can scale across DPS.
Through our annual grants, teams of educators, families, and community members receive funding to launch innovative projects that make a real difference in our schools.
Each grant cycle supports a vibrant learning community, providing resources, training, and opportunities for collaboration to design, pilot, and share solutions that advance educational equity and whole-child development.
Annual grant applications for 2025–26 are now closed, but read on to learn about the groundbreaking work our current grantees are doing—and see the impact firsthand.
We will accept applications for new projects May 2026 through September 2026.
Congratulations to our 2025-26 Grantees!
Read more about our grant programs and recipients below.
Innovation Grants
These grant-funded projects accelerate school-based solutions that expand access, equity, and engagement across DPS.
We fund ideas with the potential to shift school culture, improve student outcomes, and be replicated district-wide. Projects range from inclusive classroom strategies to experiential learning models—each aligned to the pressing challenges identified by schools. Click below to read about our 2025–26 Innovation Grants Projects.
WHOLE Schools Fund
These grant-funded projects build a culture of wellness, safety, and connection within our schools—focusing on mental health, healing-centered practices, and strong student-adult relationships.
Rooted in the values of Wellness, Healing, Opportunity, Learning, and Equity (WHOLE), this fund transforms how schools support the emotional and psychological well-being of students and staff. Click below to read about our 2025–26 WHOLE Schools Fund Projects.
Other Funding Opportunities
No additional funding opportunities are available at this time.
Grants in Action
Each funding cycle is designed in consultation with DPS educators and aligned with district strategic priorities.
Our model not only supports immediate school needs but also creates scalable prototypes that can inform district policy and practice. Past grantee projects have led to system-wide curriculum adaptations, family engagement strategies, and student support innovations.
Congratulations 25-26 Grantee Cohort!
In October we officially welcomed our 2025 grant recipients — DPS innovators, educators, and dreamers turning ideas into impact. We gathered together at EchoNC to connect with each other and resources for the year.
Our grants project teams include 65 DPS educators, 10caregivers, 12 students, and 9 community members who will be learning and growing together as they implement innovative projects in 26 DPS schools during the 2025-26 school year!
Check out our 2024-25 Grants Impact Report to learn more about our cohort model.
