Donate online to INVEST IN OUR STUDENTS. Your contribution is 100% tax-deductible, and supports operations and grant-making for the Decatur Public Schools Foundation. The Foundation operates independently of the District 61 budget and is completely funded by private donors and corporate partners. Your gift provides enrichment programming for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and in every District 61 building.  If you have a specific area of interest  or wish to make a  Gift in Honor  or as a  Memorial , please indicate in the Notes section or call our office to discuss at (217) 362-3042. 

View Less  

Multi-Item

Free

Recurring

Beautifully-inscribed bricks installed at the alumni walk located in front of the newly-built Johns Hill Magnet School. Honor or remember a favorite teacher, classmate, or family member. Dedication scheduled for Fall of 2023. Pavers come in the following sizes: 4"x8" - $100 8"x8" - $250 12"x12" - $500 *Please submit separate orders for each paver.*  If you wish you pay by check or cash, click here for a printable form:   https://www.dps61.org/cms/lib/IL01000592/Centricity/shared/foundation/DPS-JohnsHill-BrickOrder.pdf 

View Less  

Multi-Item

Free

Recurring

Support for the Montessori Academy for Peace (MAP) provides funding for enrichment opportunities that engage students within an independent learning environment. Students work cooperatively to explore and experience the world through hands-on activities. 

View Less  

Multi-Item

Free

Recurring

The “B.J. and Friends" scholarship was created in 2021 in memory of Billy Lavell Guyse, Jr , a student-athlete and 2002 graduate of MacArthur High School. Contributors to the scholarship assist in covering educational expenses for a graduating MacArthur High School minority student-athlete who will be attending a college or university in the following academic year. B.J. was well-known and respected throughout his time at MacArthur High School and was also actively engaged in service activities as a young person in the community. Apart from playing an integral role on MacArthur's most successful varsity soccer team, which finished fourth in the state, B.J. always looked for opportunities to provide others with a helping hand. While on the baseball team at MacArthur, B.J. garnered First Team All-Conference rankings, and was one of only two Afro-American males to be named the Macon County Player of the Year, an honor he received during his graduating season in 2002. His love and passion for the game of baseball earned him a full scholarship to the NCAA Division I Chicago State University. B.J.'s defensive skills at short stop and third base are not the reasons why he will be remembered forever in the Macon County community. Upon his return home to Decatur B.J. began to coach, sharing his knowledge and excitement for baseball while mentoring young men who wore the uniform of his alma mater of which he was so proud. His love and respect for everyone around him brought smiles to the faces and earned a place in the hearts of the thousands of lives he touched in his 26 years on Earth. His legacy lives on through his favorite saying: “We Ain’t Done Yet.” 

View Less  

Multi-Item

Free

Recurring

Make a contribution to the MacArthur Victory Fund in memory of Loren "Doug" Hagen, Class of 1964 and Medal of Honor Recipient for his service in Vietnam. 

View Less  

Multi-Item

Free

Recurring

The creation of the  Eline Svendsen Memorial Fund  provides community members, alumni and business supporters with an opportunity to invest in committed educators s For more information click the following link:  https://www.dps61.org/Page/12863 You may send a personal message or memory to organizers of the Eline Svendsen Memorial Fund in the Comment box on the Checkout page.

View Less  

Multi-Item

Free

Recurring

We are proud to remember Ellen's commitment to education by honoring 25 teachers with classroom grants every autumn. Your contribution to this designated fund helps ensure that Ellen's support for teachers carries forward forever. Click here to read more  http://www.dps61.org/Page/12864    

View Less  

Multi-Item

Free

Recurring

Contributions are designated to support project-based learning programs and teacher grants within this historic West End school.

View Less  

Multi-Item

Free

Recurring

Contributions to the Instrument Library Fund provide support to repair and maintain instruments in the loaner library managed by the Decatur Public Schools Foundation. Donors who wish to sponsor a Beginning Musician Starter Kit  can do so for $40 per kit, and are encouraged to indicate this purpose in the message box.

View Less  

Multi-Item

Free

Recurring