Edward E. Ford Foundation — Special Grant
The Edward E. Ford Foundation is seeking field-shaping ideas from eligible independent schools to help rethink the purpose, design, and sustainability of America’s high schools.
Key facts
- Funder
- Edward E. Ford Foundation
- Status
- Open
- Next deadline
- March 1, 2027
- Amount
- Varies — see provider
- Who can apply
- Schools
- Where
- United States (national)
- Topics
- Innovation
- Official page
- https://www.eeford.org/special-rfp
- Apply
- https://airtable.com/appYuV1ZxhI50XBxa/pageCfFn38PxYWQON/form
- Last verified
- October 13, 2026
Deadline note: Preliminary Proposal Due
About this funding
This grant aims to galvanize the creation of models, frameworks, and approaches to improve practices, strengthen sustainability, and serve the civic future of all schools, both independent and public. They are looking for audacious thinking and transformational intent, not incremental optimization. The Foundation is also open to other ideas aligned with its mission to improve secondary education by supporting U.S. independent schools and encouraging promising practices. Competitive proposals will demonstrate a clear potential to add value to the broader field, practical experimentation, relevance where possible to both independent and public schools, and systemic implications.
Eligibility:
Independent schools accredited by an NAIS-approved body.
Must have a full upper school division.
Must have at least one senior class already graduated.
The Head of School must have held the position for at least two years by Spring 2028.
The Head of School must plan to remain in the role for the period of time specified to raise the match.
Schools are encouraged to collaborate, but one E.E. Ford eligible school must act as the lead.
How to apply
Eligible schools were invited in September 2026 to submit a Preliminary Proposal. Preliminary proposals should be no more than six pages, double-spaced, in 12-point standard font, with one-inch margins, and include the school's name and project title. A detailed budget is not required for the preliminary proposal, but readers should have a general understanding of how funds would be spent. Submit preliminary proposals via the provided Airtable form.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for Edward E. Ford Foundation — Special Grant?
Schools
How much funding does Edward E. Ford Foundation — Special Grant offer?
Varies — see provider
When is the Edward E. Ford Foundation — Special Grant deadline?
March 1, 2027. Preliminary Proposal Due
How do I apply for Edward E. Ford Foundation — Special Grant?
Eligible schools were invited in September 2026 to submit a Preliminary Proposal. Preliminary proposals should be no more than six pages, double-spaced, in 12-point standard font, with one-inch margins, and include the school's name and project title. A detailed budget is not required for the preliminary proposal, but readers should have a general understanding of how funds would be spent. Submit preliminary proposals via the provided Airtable form.