NewSchools: Learning Differences Grant Program

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The first step is to complete the eligibility form to determine if your idea aligns with our strategy. Submitting this form early will give you the opportunity to receive personalized support to strengthen your application.
What We’re Looking For
As a result of what we’ve learned and the opportunities we see for innovation, we will invest in ideas that enhance teaching and learning for students with learning differences through our core  investment areas — Innovative Schools, Learning Solutions, and Teaching Reimagined — and make a small set of direct investments in critical opportunities that fall outside of these areas, including:
Special education teacher recruitment and retention initiatives: Ideas that increase the number of highly qualified special education teachers in schools and improve retention rates by providing support throughout their careers Professional development and instructional tools:  Professional learning and related tools designed to accelerate an educator’s ability to translate research into practice, create communities of belonging and improve outcomes for students with learning differencesPostsecondary readiness solutions:  Experiential learning opportunities and transition support services uniquely designed for students with learning differences as they move through high school and prepare for college and career
What We Offer
One-year, general operating support grants range from $150,000 to $250,000.Expert SupportOne-on-one coaching and access to national experts.CommunityConnection with peer organizations across the country.

Eligibility

NewSchools invests in the ideas and energy of education leaders and entrepreneurs who are advancing innovative solutions and creating new possibilities for all students. PK-12 public education.We fund work that is based in the U.SWe support early-stage organizations and new initiatives within existing organizations.

Ineligibility

We do not invest in ideas that cannot be piloted within a year or those that have been implemented for more than two2 years and are focused on growth and scale.NewSchools does not fund 501(c)(4)s or policy-focused efforts.