Grant Applications Open - Winter 2025 SPSF Newsletter
Jan 27, 2025
Dear Foundation Stakeholders,
As winter settles in, we are thrilled to share exciting updates from the Spokane Public Schools Foundation. This season represents a time of growth and renewed focus as we advance our mission to support innovative and equitable learning opportunities for all students in Spokane Public Schools.
We are delighted to announce the completion of our communications plan, which will guide our outreach and engagement efforts in the years ahead. Additionally, we are finalizing updates to our strategic plan, ensuring our mission remains impactful and forward-thinking. With this refreshed vision, we are already witnessing progress as grant applications begin to roll in for the 2025–2026 school year. These grants empower educators to implement creative and transformative ideas, enriching learning experiences of our students in meaningful ways.
Our work is driven by a shared belief in the transformative power of education and the remarkable dedication of Spokane Public Schools teachers. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, we are investing in the next generation of leaders, equipping every student with the tools they need to succeed.
We invite you to visit our website at www.spokaneschoolsfoundation.org to learn more about our updated plans, the grant process, and the many ways you can contribute to our efforts. Together, we can continue to make a lasting difference in our schools and community.
Warm regards,
Aaron Chavez Executive Director Spokane Public Schools Foundation
WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION?
The Spokane Public Schools Foundation (SPSF) was founded in 2006 by local parents, alumni, business leaders, school district retirees, and members of the community who support public education and understood the value of a strong public school system. The sole purpose of the Foundation is to provide small grants (typically $200 - $2,500) to teachers and the local school community through a streamlined application process. With more than 30,000 students in the Spokane Public School District, this allows over 2,000 educators to engage their students in activities and programs they may not have otherwise had access to due to budgetary constraints within the general education fund of the school district.
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GRANT HIGHLIGHT
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators: Girls Who Code at Linwood Elementary
The Spokane Public Schools Foundation (SPSF) Grant Program is making a significant impact on young learners through initiatives like "Girls Who Code" at Linwood Elementary. Thanks to a fully funded grant request for $2,400 by teacher Hilary Davis, the program acquired essential robotic supplies and technology to inspire a new generation of young women in STEM.
“Girls Who Code” is an international non-profit organization that is dedicated to increasing the representation of women in STEM fields within the workforce. Now in its second year at Linwood Elementary, the program has already benefited approximately 80 girls in grades 2–5. With tools such as Spheros, Ozobots, MakeBlock, mbots, Scratch, and Tinkercad for 3D printing designs, these students have had the chance to explore, experiment, and innovate with cutting-edge technology.
The “Girls Who Code” program fosters a hands-on learning environment. It also introduces girls to influential women in STEM at the start of each session, providing inspiration and context. This year culminated in a “Celebration of Coding,” where students showcased their projects to friends and family. Each student was paired with a partner to create and demonstrate a project using one of the technologies explored through the program. The event had an incredible turnout! All 44 participants had family members in attendance, filling the room with energy and excitement as the students shared their accomplishments.
“The girls did a phenomenal job working with the technology and preparing their projects,” said Hilary Davis. “Families were amazed to see the challenges their girls overcame and the skills they developed through the program.”
The impact of the SPSF grant has been transformative. This year alone, 44 girls were directly introduced to STEM and were provided access to resources not typically available in a traditional classroom setting. This grant also enabled the program to expand its technological offerings, allowing even more students to experience the possibilities within STEM.
The success of “Girls Who Code” at Linwood Elementary underscores the importance of programs that empower young learners to explore and thrive in STEM fields. With the support of the SPSF Grant Program, the future is bright for these young innovators!
FOUNDATION NEWS
Grant Applications Open Through April 1st
We’re accepting grant applications through April 1st for the 2025/2026 school year. SPSF awards dozens of grants annually to educators in the Spokane Public School District, ranging from $200 up to $2,500. These grants allow educators to create enhanced learning experiences to keep students engaged, and we’re proud to help them bring their visions to life! With an improved grant application process, it’s easier than ever for educators to apply for the funds they need. We are looking forward to another fantastic year and are very thankful for the businesses and individuals that make these grants possible.
Bowling Event Ahead – May 29th
Dust off those bowling shoes! Our annual Bowling for Kids event will take place on May 29th this year. It’s sure to be a fun, lively event. Stay tuned for more details!
SPSF SUSTAINERS CIRCLE
Investing in the Foundation for Years to Come
The “Sustainers Circle” is a very special giving opportunity for our donors and corporate sponsors who support the Foundation with a multi-year financial commitment.
Sustaining gifts help preserve SPSF’s ability to deliver our mission for years to come. These important financial commitments directly contribute to the sole purpose of the Foundation, which is to provide grants to teachers and the local school community that provide creative and innovative educational opportunities to the district’s 30,000 students.
Making a multi-year donation is easy and practical by using our monthly, quarterly, or annual giving options. With giving levels ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 per year, you can choose the level and frequency that works best for you. Please consider joining us by investing in our students’ future.
Thank you to our SPSF Sustainers Circle
CAMTEK Inc
INTEGRUS
NAC
Jerry and Lynn Winkler
Barb and Tom Richardson
Steve Jones
Jan and KC Constable
