OVERVIEW: The Louis Calder Foundation invests exclusively in education reform through its four funding initiatives: charter and parochial schools, teacher leadership and development, public policy and capital projects. The foundation is a strong supporter of the growth and expansion of charter and faith-based schools in geographic areas of high need.
IP TAKE: The Louis Calder Foundation invests exclusively in education reform, supporting the expansion of established charter school networks as well as the development of new schools through smaller organizations. This funder accepts letters of inquiry on an ongoing basis through its online application portal.
PROFILE: The Louis Calder Foundation was established in 1951 by Louis Calder, president of the Perkins-Goodwin paper company. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, this foundation invests in education reform, supporting "academic programs throughout the country that offer families alternatives to under-performing public schools." Its four areas of investment are charter and parochial schools, teacher and leadership development, and public policy.
The foundation's charter and parochial schools initiative supports successful charter organizations and faith-based schools as they add grade levels to existing schools, open new schools or expand geographic focus. This initiative also supports smaller organizations in the establishment of new schools in areas of high need. In the area of teacher and leadership development, the foundation funds professional development programs “that stress the importance of curriculum and its relationship to standards.” In the area of public policy, this funder has supported advocacy for education reform based on research findings and curriculum development.
Louis Calder grants range from $50,000 to $300,000 with an average grant amount of $100,000. The foundation has funded large and small projects in 32 states and limits funding to the continental U.S. Past grantees include Classical Charter Schools, Hope Christian Schools, Teach for America and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. A grantee search function is provided on the foundation’s strategies page.
The Louis Calder Foundation accepts letters of inquiry through its application portal on an ongoing basis. Questions about the application process may be submitted via email.
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