Learning Innovation Fund
A Place For Every Learner
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A Place For Every Learner
The Learning Innovation Fund is the grantmaking arm of Getting Smart Collective that makes innovation investments to ensure equity and access for every learner.
The Fund’s first grant program, A Big Push for Small Schools, is a multi-year initiative aimed at catalyzing innovation and growth in microschool models. These small schools, rooted in a historical tradition of cooperative and small-scale learning, are envisioned to become diverse, sustainable, and impactful alternatives within the educational landscape. The grant program focuses on promoting quality, equity, and accessibility by fostering a network of microschool leaders, providing technical assistance, and offering grants to propel the development of these innovative learning environments. Funding is provided by the Walton Family Foundation.
Grant Application Window Closed
Thank you to all who submitted their applications for the Learning Innovation Fund. We’re excited about the incredible projects we’ve received and look forward to the transformative impact they’ll have on education.
Upcoming Opportunities: Cohort 2
For those who missed this round, don’t worry! Our next grant cycle for the 2024-25 school year will open in the spring of 2024. Keep an eye on our website for updates and details and feel free to read the section below to find out more about the grants.
Have Questions? Visit our FAQ
If you have any questions in the meantime, please visit our FAQ section. We’ve compiled a list of common queries to provide you with quick answers. Thank you again for your interest and dedication to innovation in education.
The program investments will feature up to 20 grants ranging from $75,000 to $250,000 with the aim to accelerate the impact and scalability of select microschool models. The program will feature national models across the K-12 spectrum that showcase various funding methods such as private, public, and ESA funded models. The Fund is seeking geographic diversity with urban, suburban and rural representation. Models must educate historically under-served populations.
Survey of basic details of microschool proposal to ensure the model meets funding criteria. Approved submissions will be invited to submit a full application.
Detailed application will be reviewed by evaluators and fund stakeholders.
Successful applicants will be notified and funds will be dispersed.
Will follow the same process in the Spring of 2024.
The current fund program will include two funding cohorts:
The following is a high level timeline of events for Cohort 1 launch:
Fund grantees will be required to:
As a grantee of this fund you’ll receive:
Thank you to those who applied! You can still view the survey below.
Review the evaluation criteria rubric and learn more about if this opportunity is right for you.
For any questions regarding the fund reach out to [email protected] or book time at the link below.
In addition to grantmaking, this project will also include knowledge creation, research, and community engagement. Through compelling storytelling, case studies, and community conversations, the campaign aims to amplify awareness of microschools’ potential, while also developing practical tools and resources for prospective school developers. A dedicated Community of Practice will also provide a platform for microschool leaders to collaborate, problem-solve and share insights. For more information on microschools, visit the Getting Smart microschool series page.
This resource from Getting Smart provides examples of microschools and addresses why you’d want to start a microschool, how to start a microschool and how to know if it is working.