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THIS GRANT’S FOCUS: Educational Leadership, Education Innovation, Education Improvement
Deadline: Oct. 15, 2026 (preliminary proposal; must request Agenda placement before submission)
“Starting in 2008, the Foundation dedicated one of its three annual grant-making cycles to the Educational Leadership Grant program— larger grants to fewer schools— that was initially by invitation only. Beginning with the 2018 agenda, the Foundation allowed schools to pursue placement on an Educational Leadership Grant Agenda without first being invited to do so. The Foundation Board wants these Educational Leadership Grants to be generative. We seek proposals that:
- Promise a significant impact on the practice and thinking in the independent school community throughout the country
- Are innovative and replicable
- Have a “ripple” effect where the benefits of the successful pursuit of an idea will not be limited to a single school
- Encourage bold, new ideas that address challenges faced by independent schools
- Represent original thinking and can conceivably catalyze change
- Inspire creative problem-solving and incubate novel approaches
- Involve partnerships outside of the immediate school community when appropriate
Furthermore, Educational Leadership Grants are awarded based on the quality of the proposal and other considerations in terms of the school’s operation, but it does not favor certain areas of independent school work.”
Funder: The Edward E. Ford Foundation
Eligibility: “All Applying Schools Must… (1) At least serve a 9–12th grade division. (2) Have had students graduate from 12th grade. (3) Be a full member of NAIS. (4) Have a mission to serve a diverse population. (5) Have a current Head of School who is serving in at least their 2nd year (Traditional Grant) or 3rd year (Leadership Grant) before a proposal from the school can be considered, and must plan to remain in the role for the period of time specified to raise the match. (6) Not have applied for funding from the E.E. Ford Foundation within the last 4 years. | All Applying Associations Must… (1) Have a proposal that supports the work of students and faculty in independent secondary schools, grades 9-12. Support will not be provided for administrative expenses of the Association. (2) Have a current Association Executive Director serving in at least their 2nd year. (3) Not have applied for funding from the E.E. Ford Foundation within the last 4 years.”
Amount: Up to $250,000
Contact: Link →
