DPSF Community Support Fund

Versión en español aquí


Please read below for changes to the process!

Previously referred to as the DPSF Crisis Support Fund, the DPSF Community Support Fund provides immediate short-term financial relief for DPS students, families, and staff. While these funds only provide short-term relief, our goal is to support and uplift the well-being of all families by also offering resources for longer-term community resources. This fund is to serve as a last resort for emergency needs.

Please note:

  • These funds are limited and NOT guaranteed.

  • We re-analyze our fund every 6 months to determine impact, efficiency, and outcomes. 

  • Applying does not guarantee funding.

  • You will receive an email notifying you if you will or will not be receiving funding from us.

  • Once funding is depleted for the quarter the form will be updated to share that information.

If you have received funding from us in previous years, you are still eligible but we will prioritize applicants who have never received funding from us. 


The fund covers urgent needs including but not limited to:

  • Emergency Rent Assistance (Eviction is Imminent)

  • Emergency Transportation Assistance (Loss of Car is Imminent)

  • Doctors’ Visits and Medical Bills

  • Emergency Utilities Assistance (Service Disconnection is Imminent)

  • Funeral Expenses 

  • Therapy co-pays for insured and uninsured

  • Essential needs (e.g., eyeglasses) 

  • Medical Services (e.g., insulin)

Funding Stipulations: 

  • One household can apply for up to $500 per fiscal year, this amount is not guaranteed and documentation must be provided to elaborate on the request. 

  • Funds will be dispersed on a quarterly basis until exasperated on a first come first serve basis. 

    • September 15th 

    • December 15th 

    • February 15th  

    • May 15th  

  • If you have applied previously and didn’t receive funding, you should apply again for the next quarter. Each quarter will have a different form for the application. 

  • Please allow for 2 weeks following your request for a response. 

Qualifying Criteria 

To receive funding, your household must: 

  • All applicants must have at least one DPS student or staff member residing within the household

  • Individuals/families must make at or below the equivalent of the salary of a certified educator for the North Carolina Base Level salary, $39,000 for the 2023 -2024 school year. 

  • Share information on the demographic of your household 

    • Race 

    • Ethnicity 

    • Number of people in the household 

    • Income 

    • Disability Status 

    • Marginalized Identities 

  • Proof of request amounts 

  • Any additional information you would like to share on your current circumstance? 

Please note! The fund prioritizes the needs of families of color and uninsured or underinsured families, but all DPS families and staff are welcome to apply. Funding is not guaranteed, and we urge all families and staff to also utilize the resources below.  

If you have any concerns with providing information please contact Taylor,  grants@bullcityschools.org. 

Community Resources 

"Community is the catalyst for lasting change." We know no one can support alone or in a silo, here are different organizations doing amazing things to uplift and support the DPSF community as well as resources. 

As we continue to deepen our connections with additional community partners and resources we will add on to these. If you are a community partner or member interested in providing resources, monetary donations, or more please email grants@bullcityschools.org. 

These organizations have different eligibility requirements, so it would be beneficial to contact them directly for more information on how to apply and gain access to these resources. 

Crisis Support 

Wrenn House / Haven House Crisis Line • 919-832-7866 • Website • Wrenn House is the only homeless, runaway, crisis intervention program & 24 hour shelter for youth in the Triangle. They provide a safe, legal & responsible environment for youth who run away, who are homeless, or are otherwise in a crisis situation.



Food Supports 

Housing Supports 

Durham Department of Social Services (DSS): DSS offers various programs to assist families in crisis, including emergency financial assistance for food, housing, and utilities.

Urban Ministries of Durham: This organization provides a range of services, including emergency shelter, food, and financial assistance, to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

The Salvation Army of Durham: Offers emergency assistance, including help with rent, utilities, and other basic needs for families facing financial difficulties.

Essential Needs 

Prevent Blindness NC - Free eyeglasses voucher program. You will need to work in partnership with the school so they can request the vouchers for your student to receive these at no cost to them. 


Additional Resources 

These are community resource lists that are maintained by others. We do not monitor these to see which have made any shifts. We hope that the organizers of these lists are doing their due diligence to ensure accuracy.