Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation

09/03/2026

Please join us in welcoming Christine to the GRPS Foundation team!

Christine brings more than 25 years of experience working and volunteering across both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, along with a passion for building relationships and creating opportunities for young people and our community.

Over the years, Christine has built meaningful relationships throughout the Grand Rapids community, connecting with everyone from students and emerging professionals to business and community leaders. She’s excited to put those relationships and experiences to work in support of Grand Rapids Public Schools scholars.

When she’s not at the Foundation, you can find Christine hiking national parks with her husband, Bob, enjoying local parks, baking (the team is very excited for this one), reading, or pulling weeds in her garden.

We’re so excited to have Christine on our team and can’t wait to see all the ways she’ll help strengthen opportunities and experiences for GRPS scholars.

Welcome to the Foundation, Christine! 💙🧡

08/31/2026

More than 6,500 people joined us last Thanksgiving morning. Runners, walkers, kids, families, friends, first-timers and people who come back year after year.

There really is Something for Everyone.
See you Thanksgiving morning. 🦃

https://runsignup.com/.../GRPSThanksgivingDayTurkeyTrot

One week left at current pricing.

Thanksgiving morning may still feel a ways off, but the Grand Rapids Turkey Trot will be here before we know it.

If you already know you’ll be joining us this year, now is a good time to make it official. Current registration pricing ends Labor Day at midnight!

More than 6,500 people joined us last Thanksgiving morning. Runners, walkers, kids, families, friends, first-timers and people who come back year after year.

There really is Something for Everyone.
See you Thanksgiving morning. 🦃

https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/GRPSThanksgivingDayTurkeyTrot

08/28/2026

Today we're highlighting Raynard Ross, an associate at SIDE Strategies and former Board of Education member.

Raynard brings a thoughtful, strategic perspective to the Foundation and a strong commitment to helping organizations and communities thrive.

We're grateful for the experience, insight, and dedication Raynard brings to our board as we work to create greater opportunities for students across Grand Rapids.

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

08/27/2026

Art is more than paint and paper. 🎨

It's creativity.
It's problem-solving.
It's self-expression.
It's confidence.
It's a place to experiment, make mistakes, and try again.

And sometimes, it's the first place a student discovers something they're really good at.

That's why we're asking our community to help Color Our Classrooms this school year.

$2 for every student.

Because every student deserves the opportunity to create.

Spark creativity today: https://givebutter.com/color-our-classrooms-art-supplies-for-scholars

08/25/2026

Yeah, yesterday was one for the books! 🎉

On the very first day of school, we officially opened the new Gerald R. Ford Academic Center playground with a ribbon cutting ceremony and there was no shortage of smiles!

Students ran onto their brand-new playground for their very first recess. Seeing their smiling faces, hearing their laughter, and watching them explore a space made just for them was the perfect reminder of what this project is all about.

This playground is more than swings, slides, and climbing structures. It’s a place where students will make memories, build friendships, get active, and simply get to be kids.

Thank you to every donor, sponsor, volunteer, partner, and community member who helped make this dream a reality. You helped create a spark! And yesterday, we got to see it shine. ✨

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.

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. 🦃

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!!