Welcome to the Dayton Public Schools Foundation Dream Grants Program page.

Since 2015 we have awarded more than $81,000 in grants that have made a positive impact within DPS. New to our grant portfolio since 2021 are the Dream Grants. These grants are for innovative ideas, creating a wish list to approach the community to support. The requests are for up to $2,500.

When writing and submitting a grant we encourage authors to use the application forms available on the DPS website and this website.

We look for grants that:

• Complement and support the goals of the Dayton Public Schools
• Demonstrate innovative thinking and promote cooperative learning
• Yield materials and durable goods that can benefit future students
• Be self-sustaining once the initial funding is in place

Applications do not have a deadline and are accepted any time

Use the template to craft your response before uploading to the form above. Access the template here. 

 Budget template

Grant Tips

1. Read the application guidelines and instructions carefully.
2. Brainstorm with colleagues about proposal ideas.
3. Talk to other people who have successfully written grant proposals.
4. Commit your ideas to paper.
5. Clearly describe your project objectives.  Tell who is going to do what, when, and how much it is going to cost.   Proposals must be clear, concise, readable, and easily understood.
6. Write your proposal so as to convince the committee that your proposal should be funded. Typically, the committee does not grant funds for video cameras, digital cameras, computer software, or technology equipment.  However, exceptions have been made for extremely well-written, unique, and creative proposals.
7. Proofread your proposal and have someone else proofread it.
8. Include a budget with approximate prices that will show how you will carry out your objectives.
9. Keep a copy of your application for future reference.
10. Abide by all deadlines. Applications are due May 7 at 11:59pm via online form
11. A rubric is used by the committee as a guide to help in awarding grants. The highest score on the rubric is given to grants that:
12. Affect the greatest number of students/staff or partners from the community;
13. Have the ability to be shared and repeated in other grade levels/buildings;
14. Use recyclable/reusable materials that would last more than a year;
15. Utilize components of state standards or DPS courses of study; and
16. Demonstrate an innovative instructional curricular method, especially, literacy- based instruction, immigrant education, instrumental music integration, and STEM.