IMPACT
The Fund fuels innovation by connecting private resources to public education to accelerate excellent teaching and learning. We also are nimble and responsive, advancing pilot projects or stepping in to support emerging needs. Here are a few of the ways we’ve had an impact since our founding in 2019.
Climate Resilience
It's electrifying! Since 2022 The Fund for PPS has been supercharging the school district's ability to reach its goal of zero emissions in 2040, securing $1,234,000 in grants from the PGE Electric School Bus Fund and matching charging infrastructure grants from Pacific Power. These grants are helping PPS purchase six electric buses, increasing its electric fleet to a total of 10 Type C Special Education buses that run clean and quiet. They are also a big hit with students and teachers, making appearances at spring Student Climate Summits and serving as a basis for investigative case studies in classrooms.
Lifting Literacy
Educators and caregivers alike know students will succeed when they can read at grade level, since reading proficiency is critical to all other learning. The Fund supported teacher training in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), accelerating the district’s commitment to expanding access to this research-based method for teachers and students. We continue to seek investments to further enhance literacy for PPS students, especially those who are struggling to meet grade level benchmarks.
Arts Education & Enrichment
Dance, music, theater and visual arts promote student growth, self efficacy and success–in alignment with the PPS Graduate Portrait. The Fund is proud to support the essential components of authentic arts learning: meaningful experiences and tasks; opportunities to perform and exhibit work; access and time; materials, equipment and supplies; and authentic and functional spaces.
School Partnerships
Great things happen when we come together! The Fund pairs local businesses, philanthropic organizations and even Portland’s athletic stars and creative luminaries with schools. We’re supporting special events, from assemblies to supply drives, celebrations and more.
Crisis Relief
As a “start up” nonprofit when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, The Fund raised and distributed more than $1 million dollars in direct aid to students and families for necessities like food, hygiene supplies, utility bills and more. A highlight of these efforts was connecting students to the virtual classroom and their peers through access to much needed internet connectivity and a broad distribution of Home Classroom Kits so scholars could continue their learning with the required supplies—from math manipulatives to paints.
PPS Parent Fund
Due to the generosity of Portland families and community members, 61 schools and programs received grants totaling $728,500 for the 2024-25 school year. These PPS Parent Fund Awards help school communities to invest in programming and supports to better serve students. Learn more