Open Educational Resources Spark Grant

The Michelson 20MM Foundation, a part of Michelson Philanthropies, operates the Spark Grants platform, a rapid-response grantmaking initiative. This innovative funding mechanism provides just-in-time grants to organizations working in alignment with Michelson 20MM’s focus areas. The platform aims to support projects that require quick funding and would otherwise struggle under traditional grant timelines. By offering funding within weeks, the Spark Grants platform enables organizations to implement impactful initiatives at an accelerated pace. The Open Educational Resources (OER) Spark Grants funding cycle is scheduled to be open for proposals from March 3, 2025, to March 17, 2025. Interested applicants can review copies of the Letter of Interest (LOI) and the application form in advance. The Spark Grants program emphasizes three core principles: scalability, pilot program support, and rapid response. It prioritizes funding for initiatives that have the potential to create systemic change, inform public policy, and demonstrate the feasibility of innovative concepts. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants will receive a decision on their LOI within one week after the call for proposals closes. Successful applicants will receive funding within six weeks of the proposal deadline. The grant program follows a structured funding cycle, with different focus areas being prioritized throughout the year. In 2025, the schedule includes Open Educational Resources in Q1, Digital Equity in Q2, Smart Justice in Q3, and Student Basic Needs in Q4. This cycle-based approach ensures that funding is distributed strategically to address pressing social challenges within each focus area. Organizations that wish to apply must generally demonstrate a direct impact on communities within California. While there may be some flexibility in eligibility, projects that do not serve California-based populations are likely to be ineligible. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the specific call for proposals for each cycle to confirm their eligibility before submitting an application. The foundation has supported various initiatives in the past, including faculty professional development boot camps for OER, workforce development programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, and research on the impact of automatic textbook billing on student affordability. Additional funded projects have included local broadband speed testing to inform state policy, analyses of California’s broadband investment strategy, and student-led research on community college basic needs centers. The Spark Grants platform exemplifies Michelson 20MM’s commitment to fostering innovative and timely solutions for critical educational and social challenges. Organizations interested in applying should ensure their proposals align with the foundation’s focus areas and be prepared to act swiftly within the application timeline.