There are many ways that members of the community can support Durham Public Schools, including through monetary donations, donations of supplies and other goods, and volunteering.

The DPS Foundation is the nonprofit organization that unites our DPS school communities, public- and private-sector resources, and community leaders around strategies to strengthen our district for all students. The Foundation collects monetary donations and provides support to teachers, students, and schools through scholarships, grants, and more. Through DPSF, everyone in Durham can invest in our schools, students, educators, and families.

You may donate to the DPS Foundation and support our schools by clicking the button below:

Donate Now

In addition, many community organizations donate school supplies and other goods for teachers and students. Common donations include:

  • School supplies for students

  • Backpacks

  • Classroom supplies for teachers

  • Classroom furniture

  • Technology for use by students, teachers, or staff

  • Musical instruments

  • Athletic equipment

Donations may be made to individual schools, to the district for distribution to schools, or through our Crayons2Calculators program for teachers. All donors are asked to complete the donor submission form so that the district can properly track donations and credit donors.

Donor Portal

Many schools also accept personal items for students and families, including clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene items. Please contact schools individually to learn about the need at that school and the appropriate way to donate.

Our McKinney-Vento program supports students who are experiencing housing insecurity, including those who:

  • Lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence

  • Are in families that are “doubled-up,” sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason

  • Are living in motels/hotels, trailer parks, and camping grounds due to a lack of adequate alternative accommodations

  • Are living in emergency or transitional shelters

The McKinney-Vento program regularly accepts donations of gently used clothing and shoes in a variety of sizes. The program also accepts community help in the form of:

  • A temporary stay sponsorship for families

  • Sponsoring an identified student for the winter holidays

  • Sponsoring an identified student going to college

  • Sponsoring an unaccompanied youth going to college

Please email the program to help support our identified students and their families!