TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Helping ALL Youth Thrive in Decatur

The mission of the Decatur Education Foundation is to enable the full potential of our young people. We believe that every child deserves equal access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.

More About What We Do

NEWS AND EVENTS

Step Up Circle

For more than 20 years, the Decatur community has come together through DEF to help our kids and teens overcome obstacles in their path of learning. DEF’s Step Up Circle represents the commitment of a special group of supporters – a group that is the…

No Ordinary Joe

April 30, 2025 No Ordinary Joe! A coffeehouse music series benefiting DEF’s behavioral health initiative Joe’s Fund. Partnering with Waller's Coffee Shop and DHS's Music Lover's Club, this annual live music event features some of our most talented high school students and connects the importance…

Oakhurst School Counselor With Lighten The Load Weekend Food Bag Program | Decatur Education Foundation

Lighten the Load: Ensuring essential needs are met for ALL students!

Did you know that more than 70 families in the City Schools of Decatur are experiencing homelessness and financial instability? The burden of being temporarily unhoused or food insecure can be overwhelming, particularly for young people. You can help by donating to our monthly Amazon…

DEF Scholarship Applications are now open!

ATTENTION: graduating DHS Seniors and parents/guardians of graduating DHS Seniors: Applications for DEF's 4-year renewable scholarships are now open. All application materials are due by April 15th. Please email info@decatureducationfoundation.org if you have any questions. Application can be found here

LATEST IMPACT STORY

students from Talley Street Upper Elementary School posing with the books they chose at the true book fair.

Talley’s “True” Book Fair Ensures Equity AND Fosters Positive Reading Culture for ALL

“My heart is SOARING! My mom NEVER lets me get books from the book fair!"* While they are anticipated events…

Mentoring

Most of us think we don’t have that much to give, but that’s not what’s most important. You don’t have to be a fount of wisdom; you just have to show up.

Mentor, Decatur Housing Authority Decatur Education Foundation

Teacher Innovation Grants

The Decatur Education Foundation is an essential partner in all of our work at Westchester Elementary. Our teachers look forward to designing their Teacher Innovation Grant projects each year because they have the chance to dream big and be creative!

Principal, Westchester Elementary School City Schools of Decatur

Scholarships

As a journalism major with a concentration in public relations and a minor in communication, I now have the opportunity to be part of many different occupational fields. And that’s just the start of it! I hope to further my education and attain a social work or counseling degree.

Scholarship Recipient, Patrick Family Foundation Decatur Education Foundation

Essential Needs

You have no idea how much this has helped our students. Today we were able to provide breakfast for students who hadn't eaten. DEF and Mr. Goode are saving the day and school year!

Counselor at the Decatur High School Student Center City Schools of Decatur

Essential Needs

I cannot express the weight you have lifted from me. Thank you again for your kindness toward me and my children; it will not be forgotten.

Parent City Schools of Decatur

View All Testimonials

The Decatur Education Foundation has supported the arts in our school through the Arts-Infusion Grants by providing us with a set of steel drums and a set of ukuleles so that all of our students can learn to play a musical instrument. DEF is always there supporting our work!

Principal, Westchester Elementary School

City Schools of Decatur

Decatur Education Foundation provides resources for families in need and hope, joy, and encouragement for everyone they serve.

McKinney-Vento Liaison

City Schools of Decatur

I am incredibly thankful to the Decatur Education Foundation for their response to emergency requests when there are no other options for support. DEF’s response is always, “How can we help, and when is it needed?”

McKinney-Vento Liaison

City Schools of Decatur

Arts-Infusion Grants

Classroom Support, Teacher Innovation Grant

Essential Needs

Lighten the Load

Decatur Education Foundation provides resources for families in need and hope, joy, and encouragement for everyone they serve.

Essential Needs

Lighten the Load

Scholarships

I want to use my bachelor’s degree in journalism and minor in communications to help immigrants and refugees in the U.S. assimilate and prosper. As an immigrant, I want to use my knowledge and experiences to help those in the same circumstances as I was 16 years ago.

Essential Needs

Behavioral Health, Lighten the Load

You have no idea how much this has helped our students. Today we were able to provide breakfast for students who hadn’t eaten. DEF and Mr. Goode are saving the day and school year!

Innovation in Education

Classroom Support

Getting this Teacher Innovation Grant from DEF to create a Game Center has been so impactful on meaningful play in our school community.

Innovation in Education

Classroom Support, Teacher Innovation Grant

Decatur Education Foundation supports special projects that make our schools stand apart from the rest. They allow teachers to imagine and implement innovative and creative projects that inspire students. Teachers with access to resources are more likely to ask, “What is possible?” Thanks to the DEF, our teachers don’t ask “whether” but “how?”

Principal, Westchester Elementary School

City Schools of Decatur

Decatur Education Foundation provides resources for families in need and hope, joy, and encouragement for everyone they serve.

McKinney-Vento Liaison

City Schools of Decatur

McKinney-Vento Liaison

City Schools of Decatur

Arts-Infusion Grants

Essential Needs

Decatur Education Foundation provides resources for families in need and hope, joy, and encouragement for everyone they serve.

Essential Needs

Scholarships

Essential Needs

You have no idea how much this has helped our students. Today we were able to provide breakfast for students who hadn’t eaten. DEF and Mr. Goode are saving the day and school year!

Innovation in Education

Getting this Teacher Innovation Grant from DEF to create a Game Center has been so impactful on meaningful play in our school community.

Innovation in Education

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Help every child thrive in Decatur – donate your talent and your time, offer your expertise, and support us financially. Thank you!

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Help us connect the dots – donate your talent and your time, offer your expertise, and support us financially.