What We Do
Who We Are
The Foundation for Portland Public Schools (FPPS) is a nonprofit organization that serves as a catalyst for increased educational opportunities, achievement, and equity for all Portland Public Schools students and staff.
Our vision is to strengthen schools through community investment. If our community comes together to support educational enrichment and innovation, we can ensure that PPS students will be fully prepared to participate and succeed in a diverse and ever-changing world.
The Portland Public Schools is the largest and most diverse district in Maine
What We Do
Strategizing with PPS leaders
FPPS helps make the vision and goals of the district a reality, such as:
- Increasing STEM programming & opportunities
- Providing arts and cultural experiences
- Advancing curriculum development and purchasing supplies
Addressing Unmet Needs of our Schools
When the Portland Public Schools need help, FPPS is there. For example, our Families in Crisis Program exists to provide emergency, one-time rental, utility, or medical relief. The PPS Food Fund supports food delivery, a culturally appropriate food pantry, and snack programs at schools.
Accelerating & Deepening Systemic Change
Equity is at the center of the PPS strategic plan. We are committed to the work of rooting out systemic and ongoing inequities in our schools. Recently, FPPS fundraising and community building supported these efforts:
- Trainings for staff and students
- Development of Wabanaki Studies and Black History curriculumn materials
- Early implementation of restorative justice practices
- Providing resources for McKinney-Vento (unhoused) students
Community Engagement
One of our organizational goals is community engagement. FPPS works with school-based parent groups, community based organizations, alumni, business leaders, and others to bring ideas, volunteers, and partnerships into our schools.
Supporting Teachers
FPPS runs multiple grant programs to support teachers and other PPS staff. Each fall, we provide three opportunities to PPS staff, our Equity & Innovation Grants, Co-Curricular Grants, and PPS Food Fund grants. The goal of these programs is to allow staff to invest in innovations they believe will have a meaningful impact and reach for students. In the spring, we provide grants for teams of staff to plan and collaborate over the summer. Last year, we gave grants to 170 teachers, impacting over 10,000 student experiences!