Nonprofits in the education sector are facing a growing need for funding to support a wide range of initiatives, from improving access to early childhood programs to developing new workforce skills. Funders in this space are often focused on improving educational outcomes, increasing life chances for students, and providing support for educators.

Funding for education nonprofits comes from a variety of sources. This includes government agencies like the U.S. Department of Education, private foundations like the Spencer Foundation (which funds education research), and corporate foundations. Grants can support new or pilot projects, with some, like the Morgan Stanley Tech Change Makers Program, focusing specifically on the intersection of technology and education.

To improve their success rate, education nonprofits must closely align their projects with a funder's specific priorities, whether it's the TJX Foundation's focus on workforce readiness or another foundation's focus on a particular student population. Many foundations have specific deadlines, with some, like the TJX Foundation, having letters of inquiry due in late {current_year}.