Michelson Spark Grants
Our Smart Justice Spark Grant funding cycle was open from November 21st to December 7th. We will be announcing awardees in January.
Spark Grants is an innovative, just-in-time grantmaking process.
Our vision is to introduce a process that can fill urgent needs for education organizations that are well-aligned with our focus areas. We seek to fund highly impactful initiatives that would not be possible if they needed to wait through a traditional grant decision timeline.
The Spark Advantage
Timing
In the spirit of acting quickly, grants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility
For this round of funding we have decided to focus our impact on organizations that are doing work in California. Organizations whose work does not impact California will be ineligible for this opportunity.
Velocity
We are committed to advancing or declining an LOI within 1 week of when our call for proposals close. Grants will be awarded within 6 weeks of the call for proposals closing.
Grant Evaluation Criteria
Baseline Grant Criteria
- Grant ask is up to $25,000.
- We welcome proposals where Michelson Spark Grant funds are part of a larger overall project with multiple funding streams.
- For this cycle of funding we have decided to focus our impact on organizations that are doing work in California. Organizations whose work does not impact California will be ineligible for this opportunity.
- Preference will be given to grants that cover a specific self-contained milestone focus including inflection points, things that may open up a new foothold with a partner (i.e. enabling a new partnership with a market leader), or a new proof of concept.
- For this funding cycle we will not be funding general operating expenses such as rent, utilities, server costs, etc.
Smart Justice Funding Cycle Focus Areas:
- Programming that supports access to high-wage high-growth employment and career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.
- Advancing programming that grows the pipeline for college enrollment of individuals who did not pursue higher education while in prison.
- Multigenerational approaches focused on supporting the family unit of justice impacted students (parents, children, uncle/aunt, cousins, etc.)
- Bolstering scalable solutions for soon-to-be or recently released individuals to advance digital skills.
- Elevating the voices of justice-impacted student leaders to build awareness and educate policymakers on specific challenges and needs.
What We’re Looking For
Our vision is to introduce a process that can fill urgent needs for education organizations that are well-aligned with our focus areas. We seek to fund highly impactful initiatives that would not be possible if they needed to wait through a traditional grant decision timeline.
Alignment with focus areas
Lasting organizational sustainability
Measurability of project impact
Spark Grants Evaluation Process
Grant Application is Received
After LOI is submitted the Grant Committee will do an initial assessment.
Reject or Move Forward Decision is Made
Within 6 business days you will be notified if your proposal is moving forward in the process.
Complete Full Application
Proposals that advance will be asked to complete a full application.
Applications Assessed
Full applications will be assessed and a follow up call will be scheduled with those that advance to the finalist stage.
Final Decision Made
You will be notified of the Grant Committee decision within 6 weeks of our call for proposals closing.
Grant Committee
Phil Kim
Chief Executive Officer
Mayra Lombera
Chief Operating Officer
Ryan Erickson-Kulas
Director of Programs and Operations
Kenia Miranda Verdugo
Smart Justice Program Manager
Past Spark Grant Recipients
Want to Learn More?
The grant committee hosted an informational webinar on November 3rd.