Michelson Spark Grants

Phase 3 of the Spark Grant program will launch February 24th, 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 non-profit institutions doing work in the United States.

Velocity

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

Spark Grant Awardees

Final Phase 2 Spark Grant Awarded to RAND Corporation

We have awarded our final Phase 2 Grant to the RAND Corporation. The grant funding will be used to develop and publish an educational guidebook for correctional professionals that outlines best practices and considerations for...Read More

Wiki Education Awarded Spark Grant to Update Dashboard

Wiki Education has been awarded a Spark Grant for their Wikipedia Student Program. This program supports Wikipedia writing assignments in higher education, giving students the rare and powerful opportunity to write for a real audience...Read More

Spark Grant Awarded for First Ever Americorps Program for Justice Involved Young Adults

Image Courtesy of the Corporation for National and Community Service As part of Phase 2 of the Spark Grant program, the Michelson 20MM Foundation has awarded a grant to Impact Justice for its California Justice Leaders program. CJL is...Read More

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

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

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.