The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe recently has announced the launch of its new Community Investment Grant Program, along with the first recipients for 2025: $125,000 in total gifts divided among Kitsap County’s public school districts.

North Kitsap School District, Bainbridge Island School District, Bremerton School District, Central Kitsap School District, and South Kitsap School District will each receive $25,000 under the program. Each district has discretion to spend the money as it sees fit to address emergent needs, per a news release.

“Education is something that can’t be taken from you—and it remains at the top of our Tribal Council goals,” said PGST Chairwoman Amber Caldera. “This award recognizes the dedication of our local schools in helping our children succeed today and well into the future. We are proud to support Kitsap’s school districts in this important work.”

Chairwoman Caldera also emphasized the importance of strong partnerships: “No one does this work alone. We see ourselves as a partner to our local schools, working together to ensure they have the resources needed to serve our shared community.” She added, “These investments improve outcomes not just for Native students—but for all students.”

“We are particularly appreciative of the thoughtful approach in making these funds easily accessible and focused on the areas of greatest need, especially at a time when many are concerned about reductions in federal funding. This gift will make a meaningful difference in the opportunities we can provide for our students and community,” said NKSD superintendent Rachel Davenport.

BISD superintendent Amii Thompson said, “Because of this donation, we are able to continue to have the same level of support from our Indian Education Coordinator and are also able to better support individual student needs. It has been a year of substantial budget reductions in the Bainbridge Island School District, and this unexpected donation has made a tremendous difference!”

BSD interim superintendent Donna Colosky explained how the money will be applied: “We are incredibly grateful to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe for this generous grant, which will support our district’s strategic plan goal of ensuring all students have a strong foundation from pre-kindergarten through third grade. These funds will be used for updating curriculum and providing developmentally appropriate, research-based instructional materials for students, supporting our efforts to ensure that every student is reading proficiently by the end of third grade.”

“(PGST’s) support reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every student has access to meaningful learning experiences—in the classroom and beyond,” said CKSD superintendent Dr. Erin Prince. “The funds will be directed to the Paul Linder Educational Foundation to promote opportunities and educational excellence for our students. We are honored by this partnership and thankful for the tribe’s continued investment in our schools and community.”

South Kitsap School District Superintendent Tim Winter affirmed values shared with the tribe: “The support reflects what we call the SK Way: a belief that strong schools are built through strong community partnerships, and that every student deserves to be seen, supported, and inspired to thrive. At a time when resources are stretched and needs are growing, this investment helps us provide meaningful classroom and extracurricular opportunities for our students.”

During its launch year, the program grants are non-competitive, with awardees chosen by Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Council based on community impact and alignment with the Tribe’s values, per the release.

Fall recipients of the grant program will be announced later this year. The grant program replaces PGST’s previous Appendix X grant program and is administered by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation.