Instructional Grants

We fund educator-driven instructional projects for teachers and schools that inspire, educate, and engage students. By partnering closely with the community and Dare County Schools, DEF funds initiatives that fall outside school budgets up to $2500.

Fall 2025 Application Window: October 1 - November 7

Spring 2026 Application Window: TBA

Next Grant Window Will Open Spring 2026!

Teacher Reimbursement Grants

DEF is proud to offer supplemental support for DCS educator endeavors in College Credit coursework, Praxis Certification Exams, National Boards Initial or Renewal Applications, and Professional Development opportunities.

• National Boards Initial: $190 per component, or up to $380 for two components max per school year

• National Boards Renewal: $300

• Praxis or Similar Certification Exams: up to $150 per exam, or up to $300 for two exams per school year

• Tuition: $150 per completed course, up to $450 for three courses per school year; please include course titles

Apply beginning November 1, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through March 1, 2026, or until funds run out.

After School Clubs

With the help of a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation, the Dare Education Foundation will be providing funding for after school clubs and programming at each of our schools. Please see building-level Principal for grant application.

Student Competitions

Grants are awarded to student organizations for the registration fees that enable them to participate in advanced academic competitions at the local, state, and national level.

Affordable Teacher Housing

Our affordable teacher housing complexes, Run Hill Ridge and Hatteras Teacher Housing, are proven recruitment and retention tools, enabling Dare County Schools to hire and keep highly qualified teachers in our classrooms.

Run Hill Ridge is a 24-unit apartment complex located adjacent to the First Flight Schools campus in Kill Devil Hills. Hatteras Teacher Housing is a 12-unit complex located in Buxton adjacent to the soccer field. Both complexes feature affordable 2-bedroom, 2-bath units.

Dare County Schools is responsible for the selection of tenants for the vacant teacher housing at both complexes and the Dare Education Foundation is responsible for the approval process. Approval standards are as follows:

• Minimum 650 credit score and no accounts in collections

• Verified income of 3 times the rental rate (this is combined income of both tenants)

• Good rental references for past 3 years

• Clean background history

If you are interested in securing teacher housing, please send an email to Mr. Ian Adams, housing selection coordinator with Dare County Schools, at adamsia@daretolearn.org.