Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation

Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation We exist to remove barriers and enrich the education of ALL Grand Rapids Public Schools students.

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation is about more than just raising money. We identify and strengthen partnerships and engage the community to use their resources to support Grand Rapids Public Schools students. Since 1993, we’ve raised money to provide tools and enrichment experiences for the students of Grand Rapids Public Schools. We currently invest our energy and funds in the following

priorities: Literacy, The Arts, Math Science & Technology, Environmental Education, and Physical Wellness. Mission: Cultivating community resources to enrich educational experiences and remove barriers so every student learns, develops, and thrives. Vision: All GRPS students are inspired and supported to pursue their dreams and shape their community’s future. Values:
● Dedication: We are a dedicated partner to GRPS by being intentional in our consistency and responsiveness in meeting the needs of the scholars.
● Equity: We pursue equity in opportunities and outcomes by ensuring all scholars share in the abundance of our community.
● Inclusion: We create equity-based solutions by fully valuing and affirming all identities and experiences in our design, decision making, and partnerships.
● Integrity: We demand integrity from ourselves, GRPS, and all partners by focusing on accountability, financial responsibility, and transparency.
● Collaboration: We value collaboration by working openly, honestly, and authentically with donors, partners, and GRPS.
● Possibility: We believe that every student has the potential to be an educated, self-directed, and contributing member of society.

This week we're excited to spotlight Tony Baker, an executive board member at the GRPS Foundation and a Professor at Fer...
08/21/2026

This week we're excited to spotlight Tony Baker, an executive board member at the GRPS Foundation and a Professor at Ferris State University.

Tony brings a unique perspective to our board, having served on the GRPS Board of Education and now continuing his commitment to public education through the Foundation. As an educator, he understands firsthand the power of education to shape lives, open doors, and create opportunities for the next generation.

We're grateful for Tony's continued leadership and dedication to students, educators, and public education in Grand Rapids.

Learn more about why public education matters to Tony and what inspired him to continue serving our community in today's Faces of the Foundation spotlight.

What happens when a classroom lesson steps outside the classroom? ✨For nearly 70 Buchanan Elementary third graders, Mich...
08/20/2026

What happens when a classroom lesson steps outside the classroom? ✨

For nearly 70 Buchanan Elementary third graders, Michigan civics came to life in Lansing! Thanks to a $500 Teacher Innovation Fund grant, students explored the Michigan State Capitol, Michigan Supreme Court, and Michigan History Museum—turning a classroom lesson into an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience.

This is what the Teacher Innovation Fund is all about: giving GRPS educators the opportunity to turn their ideas into experiences that spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make a lasting impact on students. 💙🧡

Are you an educator with a big idea? Apply for a mini grant today!
Link to apply: https://my.reviewr.com/s2/site/grps_TIF_2025-2026

08/19/2026

Backpacks are packed. Alarm clocks will be set.
Here we go, GRPS!

School starts Monday, and another year is about to begin.
And before we know it, thousands of students, families, teachers, alumni, runners and walkers will be downtown together on Thanksgiving morning for the Grand Rapids Turkey Trot.

5K. 10K. One Mile.
Fast. Slow. Young. Old. Somewhere in between.
Something for everyone.
See you at the starting line in November. 🦃

Something colorful is coming to GRPS. 🎨Today, we're excited to introduce Color Our Classrooms, our new back-to-school ca...
08/18/2026

Something colorful is coming to GRPS. 🎨

Today, we're excited to introduce Color Our Classrooms, our new back-to-school campaign focused on bringing more creativity into classrooms across Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Our goal is simple:

13,000 students.
$26,000.
$2 for every student.

Because every student deserves the opportunity to create, explore, and express themselves.

This school year, let's put a little more color into every classroom.

Join us. 💛

Donate Now: https://givebutter.com/color-our-classrooms-art-supplies-for-scholars

08/17/2026

We are getting so hyped for this!!

We're proud to spotlight Javier Cervantes, Executive Director of the Diatribe and a member of the GRPS Foundation Board ...
08/14/2026

We're proud to spotlight Javier Cervantes, Executive Director of the Diatribe and a member of the GRPS Foundation Board of Directors.

Javier is a familiar and influential voice in the Grand Rapids community, bringing a deep commitment to youth, community, and creating opportunities for the next generation. His perspective and leadership are a valuable part of the Foundation's work to support students and public education.

We're grateful to have community leaders like Javier lending their time, experience, and voice to help move this work forward.

Learn more about why public education matters to Javier and what inspired him to serve on the GRPS Foundation Board in today's spotlight.

🏈 THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS IS ALMOST HERE! 🏈Get ready for a night of football, school spirit, and community as GRPS takes o...
08/13/2026

🏈 THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS IS ALMOST HERE! 🏈

Get ready for a night of football, school spirit, and community as GRPS takes over Houseman Field! 🌟

📅 Thursday, August 27
📍 Houseman Field
🏈 Game kicks off at 6 PM
🎟️ Tickets are just $5!

Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring the energy. We’ll see you under the lights!

We are so excited to add some new additions to Grand Rapids Turkey Trot this year!
08/12/2026

We are so excited to add some new additions to Grand Rapids Turkey Trot this year!

Thanksgiving morning. Grand Rapids. You know the drill. 🦃

The 34th Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot returns November 26.

6,500+ joined us last year.

Ready to do it again?

Get signed up! We'll see you Thanksgiving morning!
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/GRPSThanksgivingDayTurkeyTrot

Every great idea starts with someone willing to imagine what's possible.If you're a GRPS educator with an innovative ide...
08/01/2026

Every great idea starts with someone willing to imagine what's possible.

If you're a GRPS educator with an innovative idea to engage students, enhance learning, or strengthen your school community, our Mini Grant Program can help make it happen.

Applications are now open!
📚 Teacher Grants: Up to $500
🎓 Principal Grants: Up to $2,000

We can't wait to see the creative ideas our educators bring forward this year.

Apply today: grpsf.org/im-a-grps-employee

The work of the GRPS Foundation is made stronger by leaders like Jermale. As a Program Manager at Spartan Innovations, J...
07/31/2026

The work of the GRPS Foundation is made stronger by leaders like Jermale.

As a Program Manager at Spartan Innovations, Jermale brings an innovative mindset and a passion for building opportunities that strengthen our community. His leadership and commitment to public education help advance the Foundation's mission of supporting students and educators across Grand Rapids.

Learn more about why public education matters to Jermale and what inspired him to serve on the GRPS Foundation Board in today's Faces of the Foundation spotlight.

Address

125 Ottawa Avenue Northwest
Grand Rapids, MI
49503

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