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

Instructional Grant Applications Now Open!

2025 Fall Grant Window: October 1 - November 7

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.

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. More information coming soon!

Student Competitions

Grants are awarded to student organizations that enable them to participate in advanced academic competitions on the 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.

For more information, please contact Dare County Schools at 252.480.8888.