Building Stronger Boards Through Delaware’s Capacity Grants
Empowering School Boards to Lead with Confidence
Delaware’s school board members serve one of the most important — and most demanding — volunteer roles in public education. They make decisions that shape district priorities, budgets, and policies, all while balancing the voices and needs of their communities.
At First State Educate (FSE), we believe board members deserve opportunities to grow, innovate, and collaborate. That’s why we created the Capacity Grants — small but powerful awards that support school board leadership development and community partnership projects across Delaware.
These grants are designed to help boards build capacity, test new ideas, and strengthen connections between schools and the communities they serve.
What Capacity Grants Make Possible
With an FSE Capacity Grant, school board members can launch projects that turn local ideas into action. Examples include:
Community Policy Labs that bring together parents, students, and board members to design solutions using design thinking.
Student Advisory Councils to give young people an authentic voice in shaping education policy.
Data Literacy Bootcamps that help boards use student data to guide decisions and track outcomes.
Cross-District Collaborations where leaders share best practices and learn from one another.
AI-Assisted Policy Drafting to create smarter, more inclusive board policies.
Each of these efforts helps build stronger, more informed, and more connected boards — the kind that drive student-centered governance and community trust.
Why This Matters for Delaware
Research shows that effective school board governance and community engagement are key to improving student success:
Districts whose boards adopt best-practice frameworks see measurable gains in achievement (AESA, 2023).
High-performing districts have boards that engage families, use data transparently, and focus relentlessly on student learning (IASB Lighthouse Project, 2024).
Strong community partnerships improve attendance, equity, and graduation rates (Great Schools Partnership).
When boards grow their capacity, students and communities benefit.
How to Apply
Do you have an idea that could strengthen your board’s leadership or deepen community collaboration? This is your chance to make it happen.
Applications are open through November 16, 2025.
Learn more and apply: firststateeducate.org/capacitygrants
Even small grants can spark big change — from new partnerships to innovative ways of listening to families and students.
Growing Together
Leadership at the board table doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built — through reflection, collaboration, and shared purpose. FSE’s Capacity Grants are one more way we’re helping Delaware’s school boards lead with confidence, creativity, and care.
When board members grow, schools grow. And when schools grow, communities thrive.
