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.
Assistance for PPS Families
Update November 2025: In response to uncertainty surrounding public nutrition benefits, we launched a “Food Assistance for PPS Families” campaign. Similar to the relief campaign begun in 2020 that raised and distributed more than $1 million to PPS families during the pandemic, this effort gets assistance out quickly to those most in need. To address this current emergency, The Fund has awarded:
$20,000 for direct grocery assistance to families facing extreme financial hardship distributed through the Office of Student Support Services and intended for emergency circumstances.
$15,000 to support families in PPS’s McKinney-Vento (homeless) and Indian Education programs.
Advancing 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 for PPS pairs local businesses, philanthropic organizations and even Portland’s athletic stars and creative luminaries with school communities. We’re supporting special events, from assemblies to supply drives, to celebrations and more.
Climate Resilience
It's electrifying! Since 2022 The Fund for PPS has been supercharging the district's ability to reach its goal of zero emissions in 2040, securing $1,900,000 in grants from the PGE Electric School Bus Fund and $200,000 from Pacific Power for charging infrastructure. These grants are helping PPS purchase 11 Type C Special Education electric buses, increasing its electric fleet to a total of 13 (by 2026) that run clean and quiet. The buses are 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.
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 helped school communities to invest in programming and supports to better serve students. Learn more
