Our Focus

The focus of the Foundation is on students living in the city of Downey or students studying at a school in the Downey Unified School District (DUSD). The Foundation provides funding directly to students in the form of awards and scholarships and directly to schools in the form of grants to teachers, principals, and the school district.

Student Awards and Scholarships

Each year the Foundation presents over $300,000 in awards and scholarships to over 1,000 DUSD students.

$150 College Savings: This is a merit “Stauffer Foundation Scholar” award for 7th and 8th grade DUSD students with a 4.0 GPA in core subjects. Eight students are selected for an additional $500 Scholar of the Year college savings award.

$100 Scholar Athlete/Performing Arts: This is a merit award for 9th-12th grade DUSD students who competed in varsity sports, band, drama, or chorus while maintaining a 3.8 GPA or better.  Thirty-two seniors are selected for an additional $125 to $500 Outstanding Senior Scholar award.

$200 Jr 4.0: This is a merit award for 11th grade DUSD students with a cumulative 4.0 GPA or better.

$2,500 Community College Scholarship:  This scholarship can be used at a community college, trade school, or adult school certification program and is paid out over 4 semesters in $625 increments.  Annually about 80 DUSD seniors are selected.

$15,000 California Lutheran University Scholarship: A DUSD senior is selected.

School and Teacher Grants

At the beginning of each school year, the foundation invites grant proposals for innovative learning programs from teachers, principals, and the Downey Unified School District.  Annually, about $150,000 is awarded across an average of 20 grants.

Teacher grants rotate every three years between Elementary, Middle and High School teachers.

Principal grants are offered annually in memory of volunteer Linda Kennedy.

District grants are for district-wide programs such as Robotic Clubs grades 3 through 12.

Applying for a Grant

Currently all student awards, student scholarships, and district grants are offered through the Downey Unified School District.  If you are a teacher or principal of DUSD, contact the Director of Elementary Education or Director of Secondary Education.  If you are a community organization, send a preliminary inquiry to the postal address.