Change Agent grants allow educators to have voice and agency in creating change in classrooms and beyond.

We believe in supporting teachers’ work within our schools to create grassroots change that can grow in impact.

Change Agent grants exist so that educators have the resources they need to address racialized disparities and foster dignity in the lives of District 65 students. These grants, ranging from $500-$3000 are available to those working with District 65 students who have an idea that can make a difference. Whether the idea fosters dignity and belonging (especially for historically marginalized students), builds empathy and racial consciousness, and/or supports family engagement to historically marginalized families, these grants allow educators to incubate and grow their innovative ideas.

We encourage educators to submit proposals once they have determined research-based and equitable solutions.  Grant proposals should be grounded in educational equity and racial justice. As you develop your grant proposal, please do not hesitate to reach out to brainstorm ideas or ask questions and give suggestions.  Thank you for all that you do for our children. 

Change Agent Grants

Application material

The 2023-2024 grant cycle is now open. Want to talk through your idea? Contact info@foundation65.org to set up a time to chat.

  • Get your application here.

    1 application per project

  • Each applicant/co-applicant should submit their personal REIA rubric scores here. 

    1 rubric assessment per applicant/co-application

  • Discuss your proposal with your school principal and find your signature sheet here. Email completed form to alecia.wartowski@foundation65.org (electronic signatures are acceptable).  Principals also have the option of sending an email to us to sign off on the project. 

    1 signature sheet per project

Grant Criteria

Applications for our Change Agent Grants are due on March 31, 2024, at 6:00 pm.  We anticipate awarding these grants after our May Board of Directors meeting.  All grants must center the needs of children of color through targeted intervention or by building more equitable and justice spaces. Grants should be seen as a vehicle for racial justice and demonstrate adherence to District 65’s REIA rubric. Submitting an REIA rubric worksheet with the proposal is a requirement, and early review of this tool may also guide the thoughtful development of your proposal.  Grants that focus on the educational enrichment of Black Indigenous People of Color, diverse learners, and children considered homeless per the McKinney-Vento act will be prioritized.  Grant criteria are as follows:

  • Thoughtful adherence to District 65’s REIA rubric.  Each collaborator should record their responses on this form and the team should determine a consensus score for submission on the application.

  • Grants must have proposed and measurable outcomes (Examples include: student pre/post survey results, assessment data shifts, growth data, standards based performance, narrative data, testimonials).

  • Grants range between $500 and $3000.  

  • Grants can not be for library expansion, general book clubs, or program “swag” (tshirts, parties, etc).  Book clubs with a targeted equity focus and programmatic piece will be considered.  

  • Requests must provide a statement of why these funds are needed from Foundation 65 and can’t be obtained from District 65.

  • Funding is limited to District 65 employees and/or nonprofits with strong collaborative relationships with District 65.  

Please reach out to alecia.wartowski@foundation65.org with any questions or ideas as you begin to develop your grants. We are happy to talk things through with you and support your grant development.