DHS PTSA Grants Program
The DHS PTSA Grants Program provides funding for activities and materials that help make Decatur High School an engaging, inclusive, and inspiring learning community. Our goal is to maintain a streamlined process that welcomes ideas from teachers and student organizations, ensuring DHS continues to thrive.
Key Dates for DHS PTSA 2026 Grant Applications
- January 14, 2026 – Application deadline
- January 15–19, 2026 – PTSA Grant Committee reviews applications
- January 20, 2026 – Grants Chair presents recommendations at PTSA meeting
- February 4, 2026 – Grants awarded
Types of PTSA Grants
- Annual Grants Solicitation Cycle
Each fall, the PTSA announces its annual grant cycle. Applications are due shortly after Winter Break, and proposals are reviewed at the following PTSA meeting using the evaluation criteria outlined on this page. - Just‑in‑Time Grants
Designed for time‑sensitive opportunities, these grants support staff and students when needs arise outside the regular DEF and PTSA cycles. Applications follow the same criteria as annual grants, with additional details required to explain the urgency and background of the request. - Supplemental Grants
These funds extend support for Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) grants and other parent‑student initiatives such as Decatur Performs, Bulldog Boosters, and more. Supplemental grants are intended to enhance projects and purchases that have already been reviewed and recommended.
Who Can Apply?
- DHS teachers and staff
- DHS student groups
- DHS PTSA teams
How Much Can We Apply For?
- Teacher or Committee Grants: Up to $3,000. Requests above this amount must be discussed with the PTSA Grants Chair in advance.
- Student Organization Support Grants: Up to $500. Requests above this amount must have a DHS staff sponsor and be submitted by a teacher or committee.
- Check the Grant Guidelines and Evaluation page to learn what DHS PTSA may and cannot support.
When to Apply?
- The online PTSA Grant application is always open and available on the DHS PTSA website.
- The due date for the annual solicitation will be announced by the Principal.
- Grants submitted before or after this date, as well as “Just‑in‑Time” grants, will be accepted on a rolling basis as long as funds are available.
Quick Links
- 📊 View Evaluation Criteria
- 📄 Apply for a Grant
- 📧 Questions? Contact the DHS PTSA Grants Chair at grants@decaturhighptsa.org. We are happy to hear and give feedback on your idea before you submit a grant application.
PTSA Grant Guidelines and Evaluation
Decatur High PTSA has clear evaluation criteria. These criteria highlight the values that guide our decisions—impact, inclusivity, community engagement, and responsible use of resources. In addition, to help applicants understand the scope of PTSA grant funding, we’ve outlined the types of projects and expenses that may be supported and those that will not be considered. Please review these guidelines to ensure that funding is used in ways that best serve our students, staff, and school community.
Evaluation criteria:
- Impact of the Project: Consideration of the number of students served, longevity of use, and ability to share benefits broadly.
- Promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Projects should foster inclusivity and ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources.
- Community Engagement and Recognition: The extent to which the project highlights and strengthens DHS’s recognition in the wider community.
- Funding History and Availability: Review of past grants awarded and/or the availability of funding from other sources to ensure balanced support.
How Are Grants Reviewed and Awarded?
- Each proposal is reviewed using the criteria above by a team of 2–3 people from the PTSA Grants Committee, DHS Inclusion Team, and ad hoc reviewers as needed.
- The Principal reviews and approves all final decisions
What PTSA Grants May Support:
- Academic and Career Academy Support
- Co‑curricular Programs that benefit students and the wider community
- Extra‑curricular Activities for DHS clubs and organizations (e.g., start‑up costs, registration fees, DHS representation, supplies)
- Arts Support and Supplies* (visual and performing arts materials and equipment)
- Athletics (equipment and program support)
- Instructional Materials or Equipment **
- Special Projects or Events that enrich the DHS experience
- Faculty, Staff, and Student Wellness and Recognition
- Speaker Fees for classroom or assembly presentations
- DHS Beautification initiatives
* Arts support will be coordinated with Decatur Performs, Band Boosters, or the appropriate department lead.
** IT equipment and software requests will be reviewed by DHS IT staff.
What PTSA Grants Will Not Support:
- Professional development (separate funding available)
- Supplies for classrooms or clinics (funding available through supply closet and clinic support)
- Food or snacks for classrooms or events (with some exceptions)
- Field trip costs
- Expenses associated with trips organized by DHS clubs
Important Considerations
- All grant funds must be spent by June 1; unused funds must be returned to the PTSA.
- Materials and equipment purchased with PTSA funds should remain at DHS.
- Recipients are asked to report back to PTSA on the use and impact of their grant through photos, a thank‑you letter, and/or a short video.
📧 Questions? Contact the DHS PTSA Grants Chair at grants@decaturhighptsa.org. We are happy to hear and give feedback on your idea before you submit a grant application.
DHS PTSA Grant Application
Key Dates for DHS PTSA 2026 Grant Applications
• January 14, 2026 – Application deadline
• January 15–19, 2026 – PTSA Grant Committee reviews applications
• January 20, 2026 – Grants Chair presents recommendations at PTSA meeting
• February 4, 2026 – Grants awarded
Apply for a PTSA Grant
Decatur High School teachers, staff, student groups, and DHS committees are encouraged to apply for a PTSA Grant using the application template below.
To learn more about the different types of grants—Annual Grants, Just‑in‑Time Grants, and Supplemental Grants—please visit the PTSA Grants Program page. Each grant type uses the same application form, available through the link below. Please review the types of projects and expenses that qualify on the Evaluation Criteria page before beginning an application.
📄 Apply Now: DHS PTSA Grant Application