DPS Foundation School Awards

Principals and Administrators!

Do you have something different that you’d like to do to enhance your school for next year? 

Have an activity idea that will improve your students’ learning, but can’t be afforded by DPS?

We want to fund your project!

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED - PLEASE CHECK BACK IN SPRING 2027

Each Spring we open the awards application process and invite our teachers to develop and submit a project. These awards seek to enhance learning at a particular school or for an academic program.

School Awards range from $1,000 - $2,500.

When writing and submitting an award 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 sustainable once the initial funding is in place
Applications  are  CLOSED
Check  back  Spring  2027
APPLY HERE

SEE GUIDELINES BELOW

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GUIDELINES

Applications must be submitted by a full time certified Dayton Public School building principal or assistant principal. 

Awards will be from $1500-2000 for each project approved. Monies must only purchase items not normally paid for by DPS.  Projects must be completed during the upcoming school year.  Winners will receive DPS purchase orders for supplies listed in the proposal from their school’s treasurer.

Projects should support student achievement and make relevant connections to the curriculum adopted by the Dayton Public Schools.

The evaluation committee will conduct blind reviews of all award proposals. The number of awards to be approved each round is dependent upon the funds available, as well as the quality of proposals.

The evaluation criteria are based upon the goal of the proposal, the project’s relevance to the goal, and the student progress achieved by the project. Extra points may be earned. See accompanying TIPS.

Recipients will be required to submit a project evaluation and photos of student participation. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT of receiving this award. These will be used on our website and in other media to attract more donors.  The evaluation should attest to the student growth achieved, the satisfaction of the teachers involved, and accomplishment of the goals/objectives stated in the application.

Award money cannot be used for monetary rewards for students, salaries, professional development, food, or workshop fees. Any equipment purchased becomes property of DPS.

Winners will be notified in June and will be publicized via press release, social media, and other media outlets. Winners will also be recognized with a certificate at a DBOE meeting.

TIPS

  1. Read the application guidelines and instructions carefully.
  2. Talk to other people who have successfully written grant proposals.
  3. Commit your ideas to paper.
  4. 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, easily understood, and accomplished.
  5. 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.
  6. Proofread your proposal and have someone else proofread it.
  7. Include a budget with approximate prices that will show how you will carry out your objectives.
  8. Keep a copy of your application for future reference.
  9. Abide by all deadlines. 
  10. 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:
  • Affect the greatest number of students/staff or partners from the community;
  • Have the ability to be shared and repeated in other grade levels/buildings;
  • Use recyclable/reusable materials that are long lasting;
  • Utilize components of state standards or DPS curriculum.
  • Demonstrate an innovative instructional curricular method, especially literacy- based instruction, ELL education, instrumental music integration, visual arts, and performances (ex. theatre, dance, music, and visual art shows). 
DOWNLOAD THE GRANT APPLICATION FORM

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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