Applications are open!
Investing in true innovative student, educator & family-led projects to transform DPS schools
DPS Foundations Innovation Grants, fund projects aimed at increasing equity, accessibility, resources, and opportunities within DPS schools. Available in the fall of each school year, Innovation Grants are open only to DPS students, teachers, staff, administrators, and family members for projects that directly center and impact their school or school communities. In the 2023-2024 school year, we awarded $121,257 across 27 DPS schools. This upcoming cycle (for projects happening during the 2024-25 school year) will be open from May 15th until September 15th.
We also funded an additional $112,392 across 26 different schools for the WHOLE Schools Fund, and we’ll be offering that grant program again in 2024-2025. Click here for more info on the WHOLE School Fund, for projects specifically related to mental health.
Looking for Inspiration? Here are some previously funded projects
Fall 2023 Grant Funded Projects
Fall 2022 Grant Funded Projects
Fall 2019 Grant Funded Projects
Spring 2019 Grant Funded Projects
Before Applying, Review The Following!
Our Grants Approach
Our grants process is a cohort model, therefore we integrate support, connection, collaboration, and peer-based learning into this grant process. Participation in this cohort model has the following expectations when receiving funding:
Required Participation
Grantee Orientation (Tentative October 5, 2025)
Quarterly Progress check-in via Chit Chats
Grantee Digest Newsletter with Important Updates
Site Visits and Storytelling
Grantee Summit (Tentative May 22, 2025)
DPSF School Bookkeeper Onboarding
Must be completed once and will be offered quarterly in the event of staff turnover
Optional Offerings
Monthly Fun-datory Opportunities
Weekly Drop-In Support Hours with Taylor
New! The foundation no longer funds field trips, art projects, classroom materials, facility upgrades, and technology stocking through innovation grants. We are moving towards having funding buckets for common asks that will always be available as we understand the continuous need for these across schools that don’t fall into the category of “innovation” or “transformation”. More information on funding buckets can be found here!
Important Dates
Application opens May 15th and closes September 15th
Support Sessions
2 Pizza and Planning Sessions (in-person) - June 18th and August 29th
At the WG Pearson Center (600 East Umstead Street - Register Here)
Recipients will be notified if they are grantee recipients on October 1st.
Grantee Kickoff will take place on October 5th, 2024 (tentative)
October 15th, 2024 Grantees begin receiving funding
Grantee Summit (Tentative May 22, 2025)
All funds and the final update will need to be completed by July 15th, 2025.
