New Start Grant

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

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)