Introducing the Innovation for Learning Fund
A new EdLoC funding opportunity designed to support bold, innovative initiatives that improve learning outcomes and strengthen curriculum and instruction for students of color, students experiencing poverty, multilingual learners, and/or students with disabilities.
Coming Soon
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Coming Soon ·
The Opportunity at a Glance
Applications open April 7 - May 29, 2026
Only active EdLoC members may apply
Organizations with budgets under $10M
Awards of $100,000–$150,000
Awardees announced July 2026
About The Fund
The EdLoC Innovation for Learning Fund is a new initiative supporting new or emerging efforts that improve learning outcomes through strengthened curriculum and instruction for students of color, students experiencing poverty, multilingual learners, and/or students with disabilities.
This fund is a direct investment in the ideas and innovation already happening across the EdLoC Network, providing members with the resources to launch, test, and scale new initiatives.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is designed for current EdLoC members who are ready to launch or expand an innovative initiative. Eligible applicants are leaders who:
Are active EdLoC members
Are developing a new or emerging initiative (not general operations)
Are focused on improving learning outcomes for students of color
Operate within the education sector (direct service, partnerships, or leadership development)
Have organizational budgets under $10 million
What Makes a Strong Application
We encourage applications that:
Clearly define the problem your initiative is addressing
Demonstrate potential to improve learning outcomes
Reflect innovation in approach or design
Leverage partnerships or collaboration where possible
Show readiness to implement within 12 months
You do not need every detail finalized to begin. Starting early allows you to refine your idea over time.
Why This Fund, Why Now
Across the country, students of color, students experiencing poverty, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities continue to face systemic inequities in access to high-quality curriculum and instruction.
At the same time, many of the most promising, community-rooted solutions are led by leaders of color who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and a clear understanding of what their students need to thrive.
Yet these leaders are often under-resourced and navigating increasing funding instability.
This fund exists to:
Invest directly in member-led innovation
Accelerates bold, innovative approaches to improve student outcomes
Supports new models, partnerships, and strategies that move beyond incremental change
Protect education innovation and the leaders behind it
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Applicants must be current members of Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC).
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No. Funds must be used for new or innovative initiatives and cannot support general operating expenses.
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Eligible initiatives should improve learning outcomes, strengthen curriculum and instruction, serve students of color, students experiencing poverty, multilingual learners, and/or students with disabilities, and operate within the education sector through direct services, partnerships, or leadership development.
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Awards range from $100,000 to $150,000.
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Applications are open from April 7 through May 29, 2026.
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Funds must be used within 12 months of disbursement.