Investing in true innovative student, educator & family-led projects to transform DPS schools
DPS Foundation Innovation Grants power bold ideas that expand equity, accessibility, resources, and opportunities across DPS schools. Offered each fall, these grants are exclusively available to DPS students, teachers, staff, administrators, and family members—ensuring projects are led by those who know their school communities best.
During the 2024-2025 school year, we awarded $85,900 in funding across 18 DPS schools, bringing transformative ideas to life.
The next grant cycle, supporting projects for the 2025-2026 school year, is now open! It will close on September 15th.
In addition to Innovation Grants, we also funded $82,500 across 25 schools through the WHOLE Schools Fund, which focuses on mental health initiatives. This grant program will return for 2025-2026—learn more about funding opportunities specifically for mental health and well-being projects.
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.
We want to make sure you have the tools and support to bring your ideas to life—let’s make it happen!
NEW! 2025 Focus Areas
These are 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.
Addressing absenteeism
Supporting our most vulnerable students (including Exceptional Children (EC), immigrant students, students experiencing homelessness, and others who face systemic barriers)
Our Grants Approach
When you receive this grant, you’re not just getting funding—you’re gaining a team dedicated to helping your project succeed. Through our cohort model, we provide intentional check-ins to keep you on track, capacity-building sessions to strengthen your skills, and valuable networking and funding 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.
Required Participation Items
Grantee Orientation (Tentatively October 10th)
Quarterly Cohort Chit Chat Meetings (2 Virtual, 2 In-Person)
Site Visits / Storytelling
Grantee Summit
Communication with Program Lead (Monthly Newsletters, Progress Reports, etc.)
Fundatory Items
Monthly Cohort Engagement Offerings
Biweekly Drop-In Support Office Hours
Important Dates to Know
May 15th: Grant Application Opens
May 19th: Virtual Support Session from 12 PM - 1:30 PM via Zoom | Registration Link
June 9th: Ice Cream and Innovation Session from 5 PM - 7 PM @ WG Pearson Center | Registration Link
July 31st: Virtual Support Session from 5 PM - 6:30 PM via Zoom | Registration Link
August 17th: Virtual Support Session from 2 PM - 4 PM via Zoom | Registration Link
September 8th: Pizza and Planning from 6 PM - 8 PM @ WG Pearson Center | Registration Link
September 15th: Application Closes
October 1st: Grant Recipients Notified of Decisions
October 10th: Grantee Orientation [Early Release Day]
June 30th: All funds and the final report will need to be completed