How To Apply

Edvestors Grantmaking Focus

Since the first showcase in 2003, EdVestors has worked with interested donors to raise and facilitate $4,000,000 in grants to effective school improvements initiatives in Boston.


What types of grants are given?

A broad range of proposed activities will be considered, but the overall grant-making focus is as follows:

  • School-based initiatives in Boston or Lowell aimed at strengthening teaching and learning in urban schools and improving student academic achievement through professional development, curriculum development, student programs, or parent outreach and engagement.
  • Arts initiatives that reinforce student learning in school will be of particular interest for some donors. Proposed initiatives may involve one or more schools and be led by the schools themselves, or by nonprofit organizations working in close collaboration with one or more school partners. Schools may be public (district, pilot or charter), independent or parochial schools serving a significant percentage of low-income and minority students.

Who can apply?

Start-up or early-stage projects as well as more established initiatives are welcome to apply.

When are applications collected?

Each fall, EdVestors welcomes concept papers outlining school-based programs or services that are solidly grounded in best practice research regarding what works in urban education, and that pilot, implement or expand effective models of demonstrated excellence in improving student academic achievement.

How does one apply?

Applicants may propose multi-school initiatives that impact students or educators in more than one school or setting, as well as single-school initiatives that implement models with strong potential for replication or expansion over time. To apply, download the Call for Concept Papers document and submit to EdVestors. To see a sample project budget, please click here .

Concept papers are due in October of each year.