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.
Now Accepting Applications for our 2026-2027 Annual Cohort!
Through our annual grants, teams of educators, students, 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.
For the 2025 - 2026 cohort, we've awarded $135,000 in grants to 27 projects across 26 schools.
Our Annual Grant Cycle
Explore our available grants, review the application guide, and ensure you understand our cohort approach and process.
Innovation Grants
Our 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 districtwide. Projects range from inclusive classroom strategies to experiential learning models—each aligned to the pressing challenges identified by schools.
Beginning this year, all funding is awarded through our Innovation Grants program. What were previously Innovation Grants and the WHOLE Schools Fund grants are now unified into a single annual grant program organized around Impact Areas.
This Year's Impact Areas
Every year, we select specific topics and needs that align with the important priorities of our school communities.
When applying, think about how your project fits into the grant’s focus area and how it will make a positive impact on your school community. All proposals must align with at least one focus area to be considered for support.
Expanding Future Pathways
Every student deserves opportunities to explore their future and pursue their goals. This Impact Area supports innovative projects that strengthen literacy, expand access to college and career pathways, and help students see themselves as future leaders, professionals, and changemakers. We are looking for ideas that remove barriers, elevate student voice, and create lasting systems of support for life beyond the classroom.
Empowering Youth Leaders
Young people thrive when they have opportunities to lead, connect, and make an impact. This Impact Area supports innovative projects that elevate student voice, build leadership skills, and create meaningful opportunities for youth to shape their schools and communities. We are seeking ideas that foster belonging, expand access to leadership experiences, and empower students to become changemakers.
Strengthening Wellbeing
Supported by the Zachari Hawkins Memorial Fund, this Impact Area invests in projects that strengthen mental health, wellness, and belonging across school communities. We are seeking innovative approaches that move beyond one-time activities to build sustainable systems of care, connection, and support for students, educators, and families. Successful projects will help create healthier, more resilient school environments where everyone can thrive.
Advancing STEM Learning
Supported by Lenovo, this Impact Area funds innovative STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. We are looking for hands-on, student-centered projects that connect learning to real-world challenges and expand access to STEM opportunities. Successful proposals will empower students to become innovators, critical thinkers, and leaders in their communities.
Elevating Music Education
Music can be a powerful pathway to belonging, creativity, and student engagement. This Impact Area supports projects that reimagine music education by expanding access, increasing participation, and creating meaningful opportunities for student leadership and expression. We are especially interested in innovative approaches that position students as creators, collaborators, and changemakers through music.
Our Cohort Approach and Process
When you receive this grant, you’re not just getting funding—you’re gaining a team dedicated to helping your project succeed.
The Cohort Experience
Through our cohort model, we provide intentional check-ins to keep you on track, capacity-building sessions to strengthen your skills, and valuable networking opportunities to support you along the way.
You’ll work directly with our team to manage spending, budgeting, and all things funding, ensuring a streamlined process that gives you access to your funds sooner. Some sessions are required, so selecting team members who are engaged and ready to participate will help maximize the impact of your project.
As a cohort member you'll participate in:
✓ Orientation
✓ Quarterly learning sessions
✓ Site visits
✓ End-of-year showcase
✓ Regular communication
Ready to Submit an Application?
We are here to help you succeed!
Our Application Guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to confidently complete your application. Inside, you’ll find everything from an overview of the DPS Foundation to details on our grants process and tips for submitting a strong proposal.
Need help navigating the application portal?
Review our step-by-step guide.
Due September 15!
Need more hands-on support?
We provide various opportunities for you to connect with our team to ask the questions. There are virtual and in-person options!
Looking for additional funding?
Review our fundraising guide for ideas and inspiration.
Congratulations 2025-26 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!
Explore their projects to see what impact they made on their students and their school communities.
