DPS Foundation Teacher Awards

The Dayton Public Schools Foundation
Teacher Awards

Teachers, do you have something different you’d like to do to enhance your instruction for next year’s class? 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 $500. So make sure you submit your grant request as directed by 11:59pmET, April 30, 2025.
Help us and our community aid you in forming successful DPS students!!

Welcome to the Dayton Public Schools Foundation Teacher Awards Program page.

Each year, we open the awards application process and invite our teachers to develop and submit a project. Since 2015 we have awarded more than $120,000 in grants that have made a positive impact within many academic disciplines, most grade levels, and other categories (ELL, Special Education). 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
  • Sustainableonce the initial funding is in place
Applications are due April 30, 2025. APPLY HERE
Grant Guidelines
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Teacher Award Guidelines

Any full-time, certified classroom Dayton Public School teacher may apply for the award.

Applications may be submitted by individuals, grade-level teams, or school committees.

Awards may be made up to $500 for each project approved. Monies must only purchase items not normally paid for by DPS.  Projects must be completed during the 2024-2025 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.

Your principal should be made aware of your award application. You will be asked for the name and email address of your principal and to attest to their knowledge of the proposal.

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 value of student progress achieved by the project. Extra points may be earned (see accompanying TIPS).

At the end of the award period, award recipients will be required to submit a project evaluation, photos of student participation, and a few student letters of gratitude. These will be used on our website and in other media to attract more donors.

Grant money cannot be used for monetary rewards for students, salaries, professional development, food, or workshop fees. Equipment purchased becomes the property of DPS.

Winners will be notified on or before June. Winners will be publicized via press release, social media, DBOE meeting and other media outlets.

Proposal Writing 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 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.
  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:
  • 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 courses of study; and
  • Demonstrate an innovative instructional curricular method, especially literacy- based instruction, instrumental music integration, and STEM.
DOWNLOAD THE GRANT APPLICATION FORM

Previous Recipients of DPSF Teacher Awards

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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