The ECMC Foundation provides grant funding aimed at improving postsecondary outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based innovation and systemic reforms, the foundation's primary goal is to increase persistence and completion rates in undergraduate education. Grants are aligned with one of three strategic priorities under the foundation’s North Star goal and are available to organizations that demonstrate clear alignment with these objectives.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with U.S. 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) status, government entities, and postsecondary institutions or their affiliated foundations. Applicants must operate within the United States, including all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and sovereign tribal nations. Proposals that fail to align with ECMC Foundation’s mission, including those supporting K–12 programs, postgraduate students, capital improvements, scholarships, or programs without a clear postsecondary connection, are ineligible.
The grants submission process begins with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), accepted year-round through the foundation’s online system. LOIs must outline the point of contact, organizational background, budget and timeline, and a project concept summary including goals and anticipated outcomes. ECMC Foundation staff evaluate each LOI for strategic alignment and may request additional information or a full proposal. Proposals are invitation-only and undergo a thorough review process, which may extend over several months before a final funding decision is made.
Grant funding is strictly project-based. General operating support, sponsorships, and standalone career prep or job placement programs without a link to academic credentialing are excluded. Each grantee is required to define and track metrics of success, providing annual assessments to report on progress. Additionally, ECMC Foundation mandates that all research supported through its grants be made available via open access, ensuring the broader education community can benefit from the findings.
By investing in organizations and solutions that remove systemic barriers and promote academic success, the ECMC Foundation supports long-term structural improvements in U.S. higher education. While funding amounts and cycles are not fixed, the foundation emphasizes partnerships that are data-informed, equitable, and focused on scalable impact.
Emphasize equity impact and postsecondary outcomes; avoid K–12, capital, or general operations; align closely with ECMC strategic priorities.
