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GRPS Foundation reports $400,000+ in school sports and grant support; plans expansion of teacher grants and community engagement
Summary
The GRPS Foundation reported its 2024 activities to the board, including teacher innovation grants, principal support funds and more than $400,000 for sports; trustees asked about earmarks for mental-health supports.
The Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation presented highlights from 2024 to the school board on Jan. 13, reporting more than $400,000 in grants for middle- and elementary-school sports and dozens of targeted grants for teachers and principals.
Stephanie Andrews, CEO and president of the GRPS Foundation, said the foundation launched a teacher innovation fund and awarded mini-grants to 35 teachers totaling more than $13,000 last year, and supported 22 principals with more than $36,000 through the Teresa Wether O'Neil Principal Fund. The foundation said it expects to increase teacher grants in 2025 and has awarded early-round grants for fall 2024.
The foundation reported a successful Turkey Trot sponsorship and registration drive that produced more than $200,000 combined, a record turnout of more than 6,000 participants, and partnerships that provided clothing, prom and homecoming support, and targeted donations to neighborhood schools. The board was also told of a Cook Foundation grant for $25,000 earmarked for Burton Heights and Cesar Chavez neighborhood schools.
During questions, trustees asked whether foundation funds can or do support mental-health and trauma-informed initiatives. Foundation leaders said the organization focuses on pillars such as sports, arts and experiential learning and tries to act as a connector to community partners; when other nonprofit partners fund mental-health supports the foundation will help connect resources rather than duplicate funding.
Trustees commended the foundation's work and asked for a public report; the foundation said it will present a wrap-up report to its board and include the results in a newsletter and other outreach.
