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Michelson Spark Grants

Applications for Phase 2 of the Spark Grant program will open on August 5th. To learn more and be added to our mailing list please sign up below.

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Spark Grants Overview

The vision for the Spark Grants program is to introduce an innovative just-in-time grantmaking process to fill urgent needs for education organizations that are well-aligned with our Key Target Outcomes. We seek to fund highly impactful initiatives that would not be possible if they needed to wait through a traditional grant decision timeline.

Timing

In the spirit of acting quickly, grants will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis.  

Eligibility

The Spark Grant program is available to United States-based non-profits, institutions, and for-profits (for for-profit organizations we will apply additional scrutiny to mission alignment).

Velocity

We are committed to reaching a decision on each application within 15 business days.

Spark Grant Awardees

Grant Evaluation Criteria

Baseline Grant Criteria

  • Grant ask is up to $25,000
  • Grant would cover a specific self-contained milestone focus
  • Accepted types of milestones: inflection points, things that may open up a new foothold with a partner (such as enabling a new partnership with a market leader), new proof of concept
  • Examples of milestone restrictions: general operating expenses (rent, utilities, server costs, etc.), general working capital

Key Target Outcomes

  • Increase the number of underserved learners who enroll in postsecondary opportunities.
  • Increase the number of individuals prepared for 21st century careers.
  • Decrease the cost of postsecondary education for all students.
  • Increase students’ college persistence.  
  • Decrease students’ average time to degree completion.
  • Advance nascent digital technologies that are relevant to learning outcomes.

What We're Looking For

R

Alignment with Key Target Outcomes

R

Potential Impact of Grant

R

Measurability of Project Impact

R

Long-term Organization Sustainability

R

Scalability of Project

Spark Grants Evaluation

Grant Committee

Phil Kim

Phil Kim

President

Mayra Lombera

Mayra Lombera

Director, Strategic Initiatives

Ryan Erickson-Kulas

Ryan Erickson-Kulas

Program Officer

Evaluation Steps

  • After an application is submitted the Grant Committee will do an initial application assessment. Within 6 business days you will be notified if your application is moving forward in the process.

 

  • If you do move forward a follow up call will be scheduled within 6 to 10 business days of application submittal for an in depth discussion of your proposal.
  •  Applicants that do not respond within 48 hours to our request to schedule a follow up call will be determined ineligible for a Spark Grant.

 

  • You will be notified of the Grant Committee decision within 15 business days of your application submission date.

Evaluation Timing Based on Rolling Applications

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Want to Learn More?

Watch this 30 minute webinar to learn more about the Michelson Spark Grant program.