Silicon Schools Fund - School Launch and Expansion Grants

Silicon Schools funds the launch and expansion of innovative, excellent schools and seeks partners and solutions that can support their success.

Funding Categories

The fund invests in two primary areas:

1. Schools

Invests in excellent and innovative charter, district, and independent schools across the K-12 spectrum.

School Investment Criteria - Applicants must demonstrate:

• Innovative educational model that pushes the envelope on new ways to operate schools that help all students thrive
• High quality leadership team with a track record of success
• Financially sustainable model that is self-financing on California public funding at full enrollment
• Understanding of the complexity of launching new schools or transforming existing schools and the operational and educational challenges entailed
• Sound strategy for scalability and ability to have national impact
• Deep commitment to creating a more just society

2. Education Solutions & Support Providers

Invests in education support providers and tech-enabled tools that make teaching, learning, and school management more effective.

Support Provider Investment Criteria:

• Academic support providers with a proven track record of student impact
• Help schools implement rigorous core curriculum and aligned interventions
• Training teachers and principals in effective pedagogy and coaching
• Organizations that embrace new approaches and innovations
• Rigorously test assumptions and outcomes to ensure the sector develops new knowledge and spreads proven models

Geographic Scope

Primary focus: California (self-financing on California public funding mentioned)

Scalability expectation: National impact capability required

Application Process

Step 1: Assess Fit
Review the "Our Work" section of the website and the Investment Criteria to determine if your organization is a strong fit for Silicon Schools Fund.

Step 2: Submit Introductory Letter
If you are a strong fit, send an introductory letter to proposals@siliconschools.com

Requirements:

• Length: No more than two pages
• Format: Email submission
• Required Content: Your introductory letter must describe the following:
  1. Your vision for a new school
  2. Details about your school, model, location, etc.
  3. Members of your team and previous experience
  4. Track record of success and demonstrated impact
  5. What stage of the opening/transforming process you are in and details about timing