Michelson Spark Grants
Phase 3 of the Spark Grant program will launch in Q1 of 2020.
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.
Please review our request for proposals to learn more about materials we ask be submitted.
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
Root and Rebound’s Incarceration to Education Initiative Receives Spark Grant
For the millions of Californians with prior justice involvement, education is critical for developing skills as well as building a support network for a better life. Unfortunately, students with records face a myriad of barriers to...Read More
Hildreth Institute Awarded Spark Grant for No Debt College Campaign
For millions of American, student debt is more than a temporary burden; it’s a detriment to their economic and personal well-being. According to the Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, over half of all young adults...Read More
U.S. PIRG Receives Spark Grant for Study on Textbook Publishers Automatic Billing Practices
To kick off Phase 2 of the Michelson Spark Grant program the Michelson 20MM Foundation is proud to announce we will be awarding U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund a $15,000 grant to produce a research paper on the...Read More
A Piece of the Puzzle: State Financial Aid for Incarcerated Students
The Vera Institute of Justice, with support from the Michelson 20MM Foundation through our Spark Grant program, has launched a new publication titled “A Piece of the Puzzle: State Financial Aid for Incarcerated Students”. The report...Read More
The California Digital Financial Aid Awareness Toolkit
The Michelson 20MM Foundation will be awarding our 4th Spark Grant to The Education Trust-West, a nonprofit that advocates for educational justice and the high academic achievement of all California students, pre-k through college;...Read More
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
Alignment with Key Target Outcomes
Potential Impact of Grant
Measurability of Project Impact
Long-term Organization Sustainability
Scalability of Project
Spark Grants Evaluation
Grant Committee
Phil Kim
President
Mayra Lombera
Director, Strategic Initiatives
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
Sign Up For Notifications
Want to Learn More?
Watch this 45 minute webinar to learn more about the Michelson Spark Grant program.