New Start Grant

New Start Grant

Funder: Education Forward DC

Geographic Scope: Washington, DC

Program Status: Active annual program launched in March 2019

Overview:
Education Forward DC supports leaders opening new schools in DC. The formal New Start Grant process was launched in March 2019 as part of efforts to expand the network of grantees and ensure transparent, equitable funding processes.

Focus Areas:

Supporting creation of high-quality, equitable public schools

Funding visionary leaders, particularly leaders of color

Supporting innovative school models designed to serve at-risk and special education students

Disrupting patterns of racial inequity

What They Fund:

Teams seeking DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB) approval

New school openings with innovative, quality school models

Funding and advisory support during year leading up to school opening and early years of launch

Eligibility:

Teams with PCSB-approved charter applications

Focus on serving underserved students

Leaders committed to equity and high-quality education

Teams designing models that serve at-risk and special education students well

Application Process:
Clear application process outlined; teams seeking PCSB approval invited to apply (specific details on application process not provided in website content)

Contact Information:
Shalini Shybut, Principal on Schools and Human Capital grant making team
Email: shalini@edforwarddc.org

Recent Examples (2019-2020):

Social Justice School (EL Education middle school with social justice focus)

I Dream Academy (Montessori/project-based learning, Pre-K3-5th grade)

Girls Global Academy (all-girls high school, grades 9-12)

Capital Village Academy (micro middle school, grades 6-8)