The Office of Grant Development (OGD) supports individuals and teams seeking additional funding for programs that align with the School District of Philadelphia’s mission. We assist school leaders, parent groups, central office staff, and external partners in securing grants that enrich students’ learning experiences. We encourage you to reach out for support if you’re considering applying for a grant or exploring funding options.
Grant Development
Support Services
- Acts as a communication bridge between District offices and external partners throughout the grant process
- Provides technical support and guidance for grant writing, including personalized, one-on-one consultations
- Distributes funding opportunities and resources via the Monthly Small Grants Newsletter and the Grant Oversight Committee
- Facilitates professional development for educators, administrators, families, and community partners
- Hosts the School Resource Academy, a year-long professional development initiative
Calendar
Teachers & School Staff
The Office of Grant Development offers professional development opportunities and one-on-one support for teachers and student-facing staff pursuing additional funding for their classrooms and schools.
It is important to communicate with your principal in advance of your fundraising efforts.
Professional Development
Donorschoose is the only SDP approved online crowdfunding platform for teachers and student-facing staff to bring in extra resources for their classrooms and schools. Our office offers optional workshops on how to use Donorschoose during District-wide Professional Development Days.
School Resource Academy is a series of professional development workshops led by the OGD to build the capacity of school teams to raise funds for school priorities. Ten schools are selected to participate each school year via a competitive application process.
FAQs
What is online crowdfunding?
Online crowdfunding is an effort to raise money for a worthwhile project from multiple individuals and/or organizations via a web-based platform. It is critical to use social media to amplify your message.
There are only 2 approved online crowdfunding sites supported by the School District of Philadelphia:
- Philly FUNDamentals for SDP principals/school leaders
- DonorsChoose for teachers/school staff
Employees who launch crowdfunding campaigns using other online platforms do so at their own risk, and are fully responsible for managing any proceeds generated thereby, as well as any tax implications that may arise.
Do I have to inform the Central Office of my school’s plan to raise money, whether through grants or fundraising?
School-based staff considering pursuing a grant are highly encouraged to reach out to OGD for advice and support in the endeavor.
Note: According to Policy 702, any grant, gift or donation involving improvements to District building, grounds, or other real property exceeding $100,000 must be approved by the Board of Education via a Board Action Item.
My school doesn’t have a nonprofit or any organization helping us raise money for school projects. What do you suggest?
Partnering with an existing, independent local nonprofit can provide many benefits. Contact the Office of Strategic Partnerships to find a local organization/group looking for a school partner.
If my school wins a grant, how quickly will we get the money?
It can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to receive the money. The original grant opportunity instructions should contain this information. If it’s still unclear, contact the funder. Because of this timeframe, fundraising – not grant writing – may be the better route to fund your project.
Calendar
Need support?
Email us at grants@philasd.org to connect with our team for guidance and strategy.
School Supporter Groups
We can advise parent and community groups tied to schools (i.e. HSA/Friends of/PTA/Alumni groups) on pursuing funding.
School supporter groups looking to raise funds should always first consult with the principal. It is important to make sure your efforts are aligned with the principal’s priorities.
Grant Seeking Support
The Office of Grant Development highly encourages you to notify us of any grants you are applying for, especially if you need a letter of support and/or substantial support from central offices to implement your proposed project.
Outside Entity Intent to Apply for Grant Funding
If you’re applying for a grant that requires a letter of support or significant involvement from District central offices, the Office of Grant Development encourages you to complete the Outside Entity Intent to Apply for Grant Funding / Request for Letter of Support form at least three weeks before the grant deadline.
EITC Eligibility Support Letter Request
Any organization seeking to take part in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) needs this support letter from the District. You are welcome to include a draft of your desired letter when you fill out the request form. Though we can provide this support letter, the District is not responsible for and cannot advise you on DCED EITC reports and other requirements. Please remember to review the PA DCED EITC guidelines.
Fundraising Support
If you are seeking guidance on a fundraising campaign, please email us at grants@philasd.org and we will address on a case-by-case basis.
External Organizations
The Office of Grant Development’s main focus is supporting schools and internal offices in their pursuit of additional funding, but we will be happy to review your project and discuss possibilities with you. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to support every worthy education-driven nonprofit with grant development.
Grant Seeking Support
If you are an external organization applying for a grant in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, please complete the appropriate form below. Your form submissions will be brought in front of the Grant Development Committee, which meets every other Wednesday. See the Calendar of Events for the next committee meeting.
Outside Entity Intent to Apply for Grant Funding
If you’re applying for a grant that requires a letter of support or significant involvement from District central offices, the Office of Grant Development encourages you to complete the Outside Entity Intent to Apply for Grant Funding / Request for Letter of Support form at least three weeks before the grant deadline.
EITC Eligibility Support Letter Request
Any organization seeking to take part in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) needs this support letter from the District. You are welcome to include a draft of your desired letter when you fill out the request form. Though we can provide this support letter, the District is not responsible for and cannot advise you on DCED EITC reports and other requirements. Please remember to review the PA DCED EITC guidelines.
Fundraising Support
If you are an external organization seeking guidance on a fundraising campaign, please email us at grants@philasd.org and we will address on a case-by-case basis.
Central Offices
If you are a central office administrator looking to apply for a grant, please contact us directly or have your office’s representative to the Grant Development Committee share on your behalf at the next meeting. The Grant Development Committee meets every other Wednesday.
See the Calendar of Events for the next committee meeting.
For more information, please review Board of Education Policy 702: Grants, Gifts, Donations, and Fundraising and 702 Administrative Procedures.
School Resource Academy
School Resource Academy is a series of professional development workshops led by the Office of Grant Development to build the capacity of school teams to raise funds for school priorities. Ten schools are selected to participate each school year via a competitive application process.
We aspire to create greater equity in fundraising across the District. We envision a fundraising environment that empowers school leadership and communities to prioritize specific classroom needs that will help to foster equitable learning spaces for all students, especially students of color, students with disabilities and English language learners (ELL).
How the Academy Works
Principal/Assistant Principals
- Meet with OGD 3x during the school year to discuss and confirm school fundraising priorities for SRA.
- Identify a school team with at least 2-4 school-based staff to participate in after-school sessions
- Are able to release school teams to work on School Resource Academy projects
School Teams
- Attend 20 virtual/in-person workshops (virtually 4:00-6:00 p.m. Oct.- Feb.; in-person March-June)
- PFT members are compensated with PD pay
- Participate in team fund development activities that will raise up to $10,000 per school
Past School Teams
4th Year Cohort (SY 2024–2025)
- Lewis Elkin Elementary
- Feltonville School of Arts & Sciences
- Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High
- Francis Scott Key Elementary
- Robert E. Lamberton Elementary
- Thomas G. Morton School
- Philadelphia Military Academy
- James J. Sullivan Elementary
- Richard R. Wright Elementary
3rd Year Cohort (SY 2023–2024)
- Benjamin B. Comegys School
- Crossroads Accelerated Academy
- Julia De Burgos Elementary
- Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School
- Phila. Juvenile Justice Services Center School
- General Philip Kearny School
- Northeast High School
- Roxborough High School
- South Philadelphia High School
2nd Year Cohort (SY 2022–2023)
- James G. Blaine School
- Murrell Dobbins CTE High School
- James R. Ludlow School
- John Moffet School
- John H. Taggart School
1st Year Cohort (SY 2021–2022)
- Thomas K. Finletter School
- Furness High School
- George Washington High School
- Gloria Casarez Elementary
Resources & Policies
Resources from the School District of Philadelphia and other organizations to assist you with fund seeking.
Board of Education Policies
The Board of Education has established policies and procedures regarding grants, fundraising and the Student Activity Funds. For a full list of the most updated policies, please see The Board’s Policies Page.
How-to Guides
Guide to Fundraising and Grantwriting for Schools
The Office of Grant Development prepared this guide to help principals, teachers, parents and non-profits secure funding for their schools via grants, fundraising and in-kind donations.
Schoolyard Improvement Projects Guide
Created by the Offices of Capital Programs & Grant Development, this guide outlines the process for planning and fundraising for playgrounds and other schoolyard projects.
District Resources & Connections
Accelerate Philly
The School District of Philadelphia’s 5-year strategic plan.
The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia
An independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as a fiscal intermediary between the private sector and the Philadelphia public education system. They manage the online crowdfunding platform Philly FUNDamentals for School District of Philadelphia principals and key personnel to launch school-based fundraising campaigns.
The Office of Grant Compliance & Fiscal Services
Assists school and central office staff in effectively administering awarded grants while ensuring compliance with grant laws and rules.
The Office of Research and Evaluation
Works with groups that want to conduct research within the School District.
The Office of Strategic Partnerships
Connects the District and schools with external organizations that offer programming and services at no cost.
Local & National Resources
Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at the Free Library of Philadelphia
Houses Philadelphia’s largest publicly accessible collection of print and electronic resources on fundraising, nonprofit management, general philanthropy, and institutional advancement. BRIC also provides free access to the Foundation Directory—the most comprehensive database of U.S. grantmakers and their grants.
DonorsChoose
An online crowdfunding platform that empowers public school teachers from across the country to request much-needed materials for their students. Only teachers or those who spend 75% or more of their time in front of students can develop a classroom project. When successfully funded, DonorsChoose notifies the principal and sends the requested materials to the school.
Pennsylvania DCED Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program
A state program that gives tax credits to eligible businesses that contribute to scholarship organizations and educational improvement organizations.
PHENND
A network of over 25 colleges and universities that strengthens service-learning, civic engagement, and community partnership in Philadelphia, connecting academics with community involvement. They publish a weekly email update with local events, resources, national conferences, calls for proposals, grants, and volunteer and job opportunities in the higher education and nonprofit sectors.
Philadelphia Home and School Council
The umbrella organization for all Home and School Councils (HSAs) in Philadelphia. They provide a host of tools to HSAs to help them organize and carry out activities important to the education and welfare of students.
Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia
The region’s membership association for organizations and individuals active in philanthropy. Their purpose is to educate and inspire members to do their best giving.
Contact Us
Need support?
Email us at grants@philasd.org to connect with our team for guidance and strategy.
Contact Our Team
- Michael Sonkowsky, msonkowsky@philasd.org
- Laura Lau, llau@philasd.org
- Andrew Smith, fasmith@philasd.org
- Daniel Sapon, dssapon@philasd.org
- Micael Navarro Lopez, mnavarrolopez@philasd.org
- Gina DeRosa, rderosa@philasd.org