NewSchools: Learning Differences Grant Program

NewSchools: Learning Differences Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: NewSchools Venture Fund
Amount: US $150,000 - US $250,000
Last Updated: November 23, 2025

Summary

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.

Overview

NOTE: The final application deadline is January 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST. The first step is to complete the eligibility form to determine if your idea aligns with our strategy. We strongly encourage you to submit the form by the priority deadline of December 1, 2025. Submitting this form early will give you the opportunity to receive personalized support to strengthen your application. Our Vision We envision an education system that keeps its promise to all students. That’s why we invest in the ideas and energy of education leaders and entrepreneurs who are advancing innovative solutions that expand the definition of what works. There’s a better way to advance education through philanthropy — one that is more equitable, more collaborative, and more courageous–and we’re proving it every day. We invest in visionary, early-stage education leaders and entrepreneurs with bold ideas that expand the definition of what works. Our focus is on creating new possibilities and a just future for all students, especially those furthest from opportunity — including students of color, students experiencing poverty, and students with learning differences. Ideas must align with at least one of our investment areas: Innovative SchoolsLearning SolutionsTeaching ReimaginedLearning Differences Learning Differences Grant Program Overview Students with learning differences who are also further marginalized by racism and poverty are especially vulnerable to the effects of school systems that are not designed to meet their needs. Yet, with the right instruction and support, research shows that the majority of students with learning differences have the potential to achieve outcomes at the same rate as their general education peers. They need access to new school models, educators with the skills to create communities of belonging and provide instruction that works, and new content and tools designed for their unique needs. Students with learning differences are entitled to a great education that allows them to thrive — in and out of the classroom — and we all have the opportunity to make that possible. 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 FundingDirect financial support to advance your work. 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

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. NewSchools invests in the ideas and energy of education leaders and entrepreneurs who are advancing innovative solutions and creating new possibilities for all students. Our investments are focused on reimagining U.S. 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.