Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Friends of Ferris

Friends of Ferris is an independent, tax‑exempt 501(c)(3) non‑profit created to provide financial support to Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane, Washington. The organization emerged when many extracurricular programs were at risk of being cut due to limited public funding from the district and the state. By mobilizing donations from families, alumni, and community members, it helps maintain a broad range of activities that enrich students’ educational experience.

The organization raises money and then allocates it directly to school activities, student support services, and memorial scholarship funds. Projects funded include the Saxon Pantry, which supplies food for students in need; subsidies for free and reduced lunch programs; and purchase of items such as club T‑shirts, graduation caps and gowns for loan, and sports equipment. Friends of Ferris also supports student travel and participation in competitions by funding meals, warm‑ups, and other trip costs.

Beyond general program support, Friends of Ferris manages dedicated scholarship and memorial funds, such as the Bridget Marie Kirby Memorial Scholarship Fund and other named funds. These are designed to ensure that cost is not a barrier for students who wish to join summer sports programs, Speech and Debate activities, or other school experiences. In this way, the organization functions as a local grantmaker, directing philanthropic contributions to individual students and teams.

The website showcases past success stories and provides multiple ways to give, from direct donations and sponsorships to special campaigns like “buy a brick” or banner sponsorships. All of these mechanisms feed into a common goal: sustaining diverse academic, cultural, and athletic opportunities at Ferris High School so that every student can participate regardless of financial means.