Our grants:

  • contribute to the excellence of the educational experience within Rochester Public Schools.
  • enable pilot projects that otherwise would not occur given limited resources.
  • enrich student learning district-wide as successful projects serve as seeds to grow similar programs across Rochester's schools.

RPSF grants may NOT be used for:

  • participation in seminars, college courses, or workshops.
  • compensation for time and/or services for public school personnel or grant applicants.
  • ​substitute teachers, except for a teacher supervising students in grant-related activities.
  • ​purchase of food unless request is integral to the completion of the grant.

Grant Guidelines and Application

​​About RPSF Grants

Twice per year, grants of up to $5000 are awarded to Rochester Public Schools staff members for innovative projects that introduce new teaching methods, programs, or infrastructure within our schools. These small grants enable pilot projects with the goal of demonstrating that the project is able to achieve its stated goals and objectives. In essence, RPSF grants are intended to provide “seed money” rather than to provide ongoing funding or fill holes in budgets.

Do you have questions about the grant application? Feel free to discuss your project proposal & grant application with RPSF! Contact: 

RPSFGrantCommittee@gmail.com

Applications are open for our Fall 2025 Grant Cycle for projects that would begin the second half of the 2025-2026 school year or during the 2026-2027 school year. The deadline for completed applications will be Tue. Nov 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Award notifications will be sent in late December with funds expected to be available in mid January 2026.


The instructions and guidelines for the Fall grant application are here.  The link to the application can be found inside that document. 


​Our Spring Grant Cycle, for projects occurring during the 2026-2027 school year, is expected to open in Mar. 2026.


Grant Funding Sources

RPSF receives its funding from a variety of sources, including fundraising, donations from individuals and businesses, and endowed funds that were established in memory of former RPS educators and other individuals. 

Often, when RPSF awards a grant, we will state the source of the funding that we utilized to make the grant possible.

Please contact us if you would like information on establishing an endowed fund.