Expansion & Innovation Fund

A first-of-its-kind, statewide privately-funded grant program launched in 2018 to seed community-driven solutions and test innovative K-12 education ideas quickly.

Background: Launched in 2018 with support from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Burton Family Foundation, Pharos Foundation, and other donors. Has conducted seven successful grant cycles since launch.

Funding: Nearly 65 grants totaling over $20.75 million awarded across all cycles.

Geographic Scope: Statewide Arizona, open to all K-12 models

Focus Areas:

• Seed funding for innovative leaders and educators
• Reimagine educational models
• Create, scale, or replicate student-focused options
• Develop better teaching and learning approaches
• Small Learning Communities (learning pods, learning hubs, small schools-within-schools, micro-schooling)
• Solutions for students most significantly disrupted during COVID-19 pandemic
• Low-income students and underserved populations

Key Features:

• Fast capital access for bold approaches to learning and educational excellence
• Over 70 community partners actively engaged including chambers of commerce, corporations, civic organizations, universities, youth leadership nonprofits, and parent organizations
• Diverse portfolio of school replications and innovative learning models

Eligibility: K-12 public and private schools, educators, leaders, and community organizations

Application Process

• Enter the Application Portal (link available on website)
• Details on specific application requirements, narrative questions, and submission format not provided in source material

Note: Application portal access and detailed requirements should be confirmed on the official website.