Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed without basic needs challenges standing in their way. Through the Michelson 20MM Student Basic Needs Spark Grants, we invest in innovative, systems-level solutions that address the root causes of student hardship and strengthen the policies, partnerships, and infrastructure that help students thrive.

We’re thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026 Student Basic Needs Spark Grants, whose projects reflect this year’s funding priorities:

• Systemic approaches and actionable strategies for higher education systems to address student housing insecurity and housing affordability. 
• Innovative approaches that strengthen equitable economic mobility and long-term student stability. 
• Actionable research, data, and strategies that inform policy and advocacy efforts.  

From uncovering often overlooked resources for affordable student housing and streamlining access to public benefits to developing research and practical tools that inform policy, this year’s cohort is advancing scalable solutions that have the potential to improve student outcomes across California.

Meet the Grantees and Their Projects

The Regents of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is piloting an intersegmental, peer-to-peer, collaborative model with Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) to streamline CalFresh outreach and application support across both campuses. This is a prevalent issue as federal funding cuts have reduced CalFresh recruitment efforts and eligibility for college students has expanded. UCSB will partner with SBCC to provide CalFresh support resources for low-income Santa Barbara County students, while maintaining a more consistent CalFresh application average throughout the year. By demonstrating how campuses can share resources and institutionalize basic needs services, UCSB and SBCC aim to create a scalable model that can be replicated not just by one higher education system but across systems in California.  

Student MOJO is addressing student housing insecurity by uncovering an often-overlooked resource: vacant and underutilized housing owned by faith-based organizations. In partnership with UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, Student MOJO will build the first county-level inventory of faith-owned residential properties in Los Angeles County that could provide affordable housing for college students. The project will pair public parcel ownership data with direct outreach to faith-based organizations, producing both an inventory and a replicable method guide. The resulting report and guide will equip colleges, housing organizations, and policymakers with the data and methodology needed to expand affordable housing opportunities by activating existing community assets rather than relying solely on new development.

The Student Homes Coalition is creating a practical financing guide to help California colleges navigate complex funding mechanisms when developing affordable student housing. Through interviews with housing experts, campus leaders, developers, and policymakers, the organization will work with a student fellow to identify successful financing models and produce an accessible resource and webinar series that institutions—particularly community colleges—can use to plan and finance future housing projects. By equipping colleges with actionable tools and research, the project aims to accelerate the development of affordable student housing and strengthen long-term housing stability for students statewide.

Investing in Systems Change

Addressing student basic needs challenges requires sustainable, innovative ideas that strengthen systems, inform policy, and create lasting change. We are proud to support these organizations as they advance scalable approaches to building stronger support systems for students across California. We look forward to sharing their progress and impact in the months ahead.

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About Michelson 20MM

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

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