The Fund for Portland Public Schools
Established in 2019, The Fund for PPS is the sole 501(c)(3) non-profit organization actively fundraising on behalf of Oregon’s largest PK-12 public school district. We believe that a robust generosity network will advance an equitable, inspired and intellectually rigorous education for PPS students so that, true to the community designed vision, PPS reImagined, they will be prepared to “lead change and improve the world.”
key strategies
Collaboration: Listen to schools, students and families to understand their needs and work with external partners to design best practices for their participation.
Innovation: Take risks and embrace change and new ideas when connecting private resources to public education to accelerate excellent teaching and learning.
Responsiveness: Be nimble and adaptable, advancing pilot projects or stepping in to support emerging needs.
The Fund believes that an important part of creating the conditions in which students can take full advantage of their schooling is providing support for healing-centered schools that care for students and their families. It also means we believe that both the physical and mental health of our students matter. We are committed to “showing up” where we are most needed, for example with the $1.3 million raised through our COVID Relief Fund, now an ongoing Crisis Relief Fund that will continue the important work of stabilizing families in times of need.
We’re focused on expanding access to Inspired, Sustainable Schoolyards and to Arts Education & Enrichment. As we hear from school communities about additional needs and aspirations, you’ll see our priority list evolve.
We are actively rallying regional stakeholders, encouraging business, philanthropic and civic leaders and families to take collective action: Let’s work together in the service of all PPS students!
