DPS Foundation Dream Awards


The Dayton Public Schools Foundation
Dream Awards

Principles and Administrators, do you have something different you’d like to do to enhance your school for next year? An activity that will improve your students’ learning, but can’t be afforded by DPS? We at the Dayton Public Schools Foundation are looking to fund such projects with grants up to $2500. Help us and our community aid you in forming successful DPS students!!
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
Apply Here
DPSF grantee Sarah Schumacher

Dream 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.

We Are Built on Community Support

Your investment in this initiative—both personal and financial—is vital. Together, we can encourage the City of Dayton to transform today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.

The DPS Foundation is a fund of The Dayton Foundation. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. When you click the “Donate Now” button you will be redirected to The Dayton Foundation website to make a secure on-line pledge that is pre-addressed to DPSF.

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