Since 2008, the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation has been championing teachers and students by encouraging and funding innovative, educational opportunities and filling gaps throughout the Sioux Falls School District. The Education Foundation has three focus areas: Curriculum Enhancements, Talent and Recognition, and Student Success.

Through Curriculum Enhancements, the Education Foundation offers three grant programs for educators: First Time Teacher Grants, Replenish the Room Grants, and Public School Proud Grants. All first-time, first-year teachers receive $250 to purchase supplies for their first classrooms. Since 2011, the Education Foundation has funded 1,050 First Time Teacher Grants. In 2024, the Education Foundation started a new program: Replenish the Room Grants. Any educator who has taught for two or more years can apply for $250. Educators have used funds to purchase classroom sets of books, art supplies, math manipulatives, school supplies, organization kits, bulletin boards, and more. In its first year, more than 300 teachers applied in 48 hours! Finally, through Public School Proud Grants, educators can apply for up to $10,000 to purchase materials that will give students hands-on, immersive experiences. With grant funds, teachers have purchased programmable robots, musical instruments, 3D printers, aquaponics and garden grow kits, social emotional learning materials, pickleball equipment, health science simulation mannequins, automotive technology tools, STEM resources, and more. During the 2024-2025 school year, Education Foundation staff awarded 110 grants, totaling $189,000. The Education Foundation has invested $1.2 million in Public School Proud Grants alone.

Through the Talent and Recognition focus area, the Education Foundation supports staff appreciation efforts. The organization sponsors catered meals in low-income schools, fills gaps during parent teacher conferences, and funds staff school apparel in buildings without a PTO. During the 2024-2025 school year, the Education Foundation piloted a mental wellness program for educators. They organize giveaways during Teacher Appreciation Week and celebrate staff at the Teacher of the Year event and Annual Recognition Banquet.

 In addition to Curriculum Enhancements and Talent and Recognition, the Education Foundation oversees the Student Success Fund, a resource that helps close the equity gap. Through a partnership with the Education Foundation, school-based social workers purchase emergency food assistance, personal hygiene products, and winter gear for children in crisis. This fund has also been used to install washer and dryer sets in elementary schools and to purchase booster seats so that attendance liaisons can safely transport the youngest students to and from school. The Education Foundation sponsors buses for high school students to attend a national college fair, and they cover the cost of dual credit for high schoolers enrolled in the Teacher Pathway Program, an initiative to support and encourage students who are interested in pursuing a career in education.