DPSF awards $135,000 in grant funding to invest in innovative solutions in 26 DPS schools
Projects are led by DPS educators and communities to meet the evolving needs of Durham’s public school students
The DPS Foundation welcomed its 2025-26 grantee cohort during an orientation on October 11 at EchoNC.
Since 2018, Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPSF) has invested more than $1.8 million directly into schools and communities—impacting all 57 Durham Public Schools. This year, DPSF is awarding $135,000 through its annual grant cycle to fund projects led by teams of DPS educators, staff, students, and parents. 27 projects across 26 Durham Public Schools have been awarded.
These grants empower school communities to launch transformational initiatives while joining a peer cohort that receives support, resources, and connections through DPSF.
“Our Innovation and WHOLE Schools Fund grants have surfaced transformative steps to support student success. I’m eager to cheer on each of the awarded projects this school year and to share widely what is possible when we invest in the dreams of our students, educators, and families,” said Brianna Kennedy, interim executive director.
Grant awards fall into two categories:
Innovation Grants: Supporting new and transformative ideas, with a focus this year on reducing absenteeism and supporting Durham’s most vulnerable public school students.
WHOLE Schools Fund: Funding mental health and wellness initiatives, with priorities including creating safe and brave student spaces, raising awareness of mental health, and strengthening peer and family support systems.
A volunteer committee of 31 DPSF staff along with Durham community members and partners like Book Harvest, North Carolina Central University, and Durham County Public Health Department reviewed 93 applications; they prioritized projects with measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability. DPS schools receiving grants include 14 elementary, 2 middle, 7 high, and 3 secondary schools across the district.
Highlighted projects include:
Drive to Thrive: Engineering Engagement Through LEGO Car Engines - $1,500
Brogden Middle School (Innovation Grant)
This project engages students through hands-on LEGO car engineering to build problem-solving, teamwork, and restorative skills. The program targets students who have struggled with attendance, behavior, or engagement, using collaborative STEM activities to motivate participation and academic growth. Students will design, build, and test LEGO engines while developing persistence, communication, and conflict-resolution skills through restorative practices. The project culminates in a field trip to Durham’s Cars and Coffee, where students connect their learning to real-world automotive innovation and celebrate their progress. By combining STEM exploration with social-emotional support, Driven to Succeed helps marginalized students rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships, and reengage with school as capable and valued learners.
A Mental Health Support Proposal for Middle School Students in Special Education - $2,000
School for Creative Studies (WHOLE Schools Fund)
This project will strengthen mental health supports for middle school students in special education by equipping resource classrooms, inclusion settings, and Exceptional Children (EC) spaces with new SEL framing signage, resources, and accessible information in multiple languages tailored to the needs of students with disabilities. Alongside these visible supports, the initiative will host family workshops and student groups to gather perspectives, share resources, and ensure changes reflect the lived experiences of those most impacted. EC classrooms will also be reimagined as calming, inclusive environments designed to foster regulation and resilience. By combining classroom resources, family engagement, and trauma-informed design, the project creates a holistic system of care where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
A full list of our 2025-26 projects can be found on the grants web page.
Annual school grants are one part of DPSF’s ongoing commitment to ensuring Durham has innovative and equitable public schools where every student can flourish. Beyond grants, DPSF cultivates an ecosystem of support for DPS students, educators, and families through awarding scholarships to students, providing free school supplies to teachers, and empowering families as leaders and advocates.