The NewSchools 2026 Funding Opportunity is now open, offering early-stage education leaders, innovators, and organizations the chance to secure one-year, unrestricted grants ranging from $150,000 to $250,000. Through this major national initiative, NewSchools invests in bold ideas designed to transform U.S. K-12 public education, expand student opportunities, and advance equitable outcomes, especially for students furthest from opportunity.

As a leading venture philanthropy organization, NewSchools supports innovators who are creating new, evidence-based, community-informed approaches to learning. The 2026 funding round includes opportunities for innovative schools, K–8 learning solutions, reimagined teaching models, and approaches that support students with learning differences.

Applications open October 29, 2025 and close January 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. All applicants must begin with the official Eligibility Form, which determines alignment with NewSchools’ mission and identifies the correct application pathway.

About the NewSchools 2026 Funding Opportunity

NewSchools is investing $10 million in early-stage ideas and organizations working to transform public education. The 2026 opportunity is open to education entrepreneurs designing new public schools, building math and literacy learning tools, developing sustainable teaching innovations, and supporting students with diagnosed or undiagnosed learning disabilities.

NewSchools reviews applications on a rolling basis, and organizations submitting the Eligibility Form by December 1, 2025 will receive an update by the end of January. Everyone who applies will hear back by March.

NewSchools also provides a community of support through coaching, national experts, and connections with peer organizations across the country.

Eligibility Criteria

Based strictly on the provided information, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Alignment With NewSchools’ Mission

Applicants must demonstrate strong alignment with NewSchools’ mission:

• Supporting innovative education solutions that create new possibilities for U.S. students.
• Focusing on students furthest from opportunity.
• Advancing equitable, academically strong, and holistic learning environments.

Ideas must fit into at least one of NewSchools’ investment priority areas:

1. Innovative Schools
2. Learning Solutions
3. Teaching Reimagined
4. Learning Differences

2. Focus on U.S. K-12 Education

• All applicants must be working on solutions that directly serve U.S. K-12 public education systems.
• Applicants whose work is not U.S.-focused are considered ineligible.

3. Early-Stage Status

NewSchools invests in:

• Early-stage organizations
• New initiatives within existing organizations
• New, innovative public schools

Innovative Schools applicants must be opening schools in:

• Fall 2026
• Fall 2027
• Fall 2028

Learning Solutions, Teaching Reimagined, and Learning Differences ideas must:

• Be at pilot stage or in the first two years of implementation
• Be feasible to pilot within one year
• Not have been implemented for more than two years

4. Application Pathway Eligibility

Your application pathway depends on your project focus:

Schools Application Pathway

• For applicants opening a new public charter, tribal, or district school.

General Application Pathway

• For applicants aligned with the Learning Solutions, Teaching Reimagined, or Learning Differences investment areas.

What NewSchools Offers

Selected applicants receive three major supports:

1. Funding

• One-year, unrestricted grants.
• Grant range: $150,000 – $250,000.
• Funding is intended to advance the organization’s idea and increase national impact.

2. Expert Support

• One-on-one coaching
• Access to national experts across education and innovation fields

3. Community

• Opportunities to join a national network of education innovators
• Peer learning, shared resources, and communities of practice

Investment Focus Areas

Innovative Schools

Funding for new public schools that build academic foundations, promote student well-being, and equip students with essential life skills.
New for this year: the HBCU Charter School Design Fellowship, supporting future charter school founders in partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Learning Solutions

K–8 reading and math solutions that build foundational skills, personalize learning, and support measurable student success.

Teaching Reimagined

New approaches that:

• Redesign educator roles
• Strengthen school-community partnerships
• Use AI or other tools to make teaching more sustainable and effective

Learning Differences

Solutions improving instruction and learning experiences for students with diagnosed or undiagnosed learning disabilities.

Application Timeline (2025–2026)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Create an Account

Create an account in the NewSchools Funding Portal to access:

• The eligibility form
• Application pathways
• Email updates

Funding Portal:

Link provided here

Step 2: Complete the Eligibility Form

The form confirms:

• Mission alignment
• Whether your idea serves U.S. K-12 public education
• Whether you belong in the Schools or General pathway

Preview the eligibility form here

Step 3: Review Pathway Results

Depending on your eligibility results, preview the relevant application:

• General Application Questions
• Schools Application Questions

Step 4: Submit the Full Application

Submit your completed application through the portal by:
January 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT

The NewSchools 2026 Funding Opportunity is a major national initiative supporting early-stage education ideas with unrestricted funding, expert coaching, and opportunities for scale. This competitive grant program empowers innovators who are redefining what works for U.S. K-12 public education, particularly for students furthest from opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, complete the eligibility form promptly, and use available support resources.