Start-up Grants

What are start-up grants? 

BWF Start-up grant program is designed to ensure School Founders have sufficient capital to launch their microschool and begin from a place of abundance. We want educators to feel secure, knowing that if they do their part, funding will be waiting for them, without the need to work multiple jobs or undercompensate themselves during the first year of operation.

Who is eligible to apply for start-up grants?

In order to qualify for start-up funding from Black Wildflowers Fund, you must demonstrate a proven track record of supporting students furthest from opportunity and your school must serve an ethnically and socio-economic diverse community. You should also be in the final stages of your School Start-up Journey, formally affiliated with Wildflower Schools, and be recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization.

What does it mean to be “formally affiliated” with Wildflower Schools? 

The Wildflower School Start-up Journey follows a structured process, 1. Discovery, 2. Visioning, 3. Planning, 4. Start-up. Once schools in the start-up journey complete Planning it is then they decide to formally join the Wildflower Network. This legal agreement signifies a formal affiliation with The Wildflower Foundation. 

I’m a Black educator that already has a microschool. Can I still apply for funding?

After listening to current and emerging School Founders, we've learned that the most critical need for launching a microschool is startup capital. Based on this guidance, we will prioritize school startup grants and providing Montessori credential scholarships.  Then, we will turn our attention to providing Ignite grants for open schools in Wildflower’s national network. Educators that serve on the BWF Teachers Council will determine who is awarded Ignite Grants.

I haven’t opened a school yet, but I’ve already begun the planning process. Can I still join the Wildflower Network?

Yes! Even if you’re already in the later stages of your own independent school start-up journey, you can evaluate and consider whether or not there is alignment between your school vision and the principles and norms of Wildflower Schools. There is an option for open schools to convert and affiliate with Wildflower Schools to join our national network. Please note, becoming affiliated with Wildflower is a months-long process. 

What about public charter schools, school district partnerships, independent schools, or varying age levels?

Black Wildflowers Fund supports all schools from Infant/Toddler to Adolescence. Nationally, open Wildflower Schools currently serve students as young as six weeks and as old as 18 years. We are model and governance agnostic – meaning, we believe that educators are best positioned to understand the school model that will meet the needs of their community. We are experienced in supporting the development of public charters, independent K-12 schools, and early childhood programs as well as schools that operate in unique partnerships with women and children’s shelters and affordable housing development.

Are schools operating outside of the United States eligible? Can I apply for a grant for a school operating in South America, Caribbean or Canada?

We welcome schools in any state (including Puerto Rico & District of Columbia) to apply. However, schools located outside of the United States and its territories are not eligible.

Is there any financial means testing for grants – either as an individual school leader or for the families my school will serve?

While grant award amounts will reflect the specific financial needs, budgets, and circumstances of each school, there is no means testing requirement. On the contrary, a central goal of Black Wildflowers Fund is to ensure Early Childhood Educators experience greater economic prosperity and find pathways to higher professional compensation levels.

As part of the Wildflower principles, we do envision that schools serve at least ⅔ students who live in below median-income households and at least ⅓ from low-income households. Many microschools in Wildflowers Network serve a much higher share of families who earn low incomes, often operating in states with generous public funding streams or via public charters.

What is my commitment to Black Wildflowers Fund (BWF) if I accept a grant?

Knowing our liberation and futures are bound up together, we will embrace every member of the BWF community as enthusiastic champions of the Fund. This may include hosting funders, emerging School Founders, members of the media or other BWF community members in your school, sharing photos/stories, and being storytellers for this movement. Members also commit to being active participants in this collective work, by attending convenings, sharing advice and supporting their peers with connections and support as needed.

What is the likely size of grants offered?

Grants will increase as we build and secure philanthropic investments. We expect there to be a range in the size of the school startup grant awards falling between the range of $25,000-$60,000. Black Wildflowers Fund aspires to ensure that our grantees open schools from a place of abundance and will want to understand how School Founders are leveraging various sources of capital to fund their schools.

When can I apply for a school start-up grant?

Start up grant applications open late spring. Be on the lookout for announcements in our monthly newsletter that announce exact dates.

Montessori Credential Grants 

What are Montessori Credential grants? 

To invest in the future of leadership and innovation in Early Childhood education, BWF invests in educators to pursue Montessori Credentials. Funds will be distributed directly to the Montessori training center of the awardees choice to cover the full cost of tuition.

Who is eligible to apply for these grants?

This fund is designed to support educators who live in and serve communities of color and ensure more high quality early learning opportunities are available across the United States. Educators who have already applied, enrolled or been accepted to a Montessori training program will be prioritized for grant awards.

I’m already working at a Wildflower School. Can I still apply for a Montessori scholarship?

Yes! If you have not obtained your credential from a MACTE certified training center or want another level of training you are encouraged to apply. 

When can I apply for a Montessori credential scholarship?

We open this grant program in February annually.

Ignite Grants for Innovation and School Sustainability

What are Ignite grants? 

After schools open, systemic inequities continue to take a greater toll on Black school leaders than their white counterparts. To combat this, Black Wildflowers Fund will offer “just-in-time” microgrants for microschools that need assistance overcoming unforeseen financial or legal challenges. These grants will be issued by a council of teachers who are best positioned to understand and support their peers through financial awards.

Who is eligible to apply for Ignite grants?

School Founders affiliated with the Wildflower Foundation that serve students furthest from opportunity.

When can I apply for teacher training grants?

The application window usually opens in late fall (October). Sign up for our newsletter to receive announcements about the Ignite Grant program application window.

General

To apply for a grant, do I have to be a certified Montessori teacher?

No! Grants are open to teachers with Montessori training and certifications, individuals that are currently studying, and those interested in financial support that covers the cost of tuition. What matters most is your vision for leadership and your potential contributions to your school community.

Beyond funding, what does being a part of the Black Wildflowers Fund community mean?

The Black Wildflowers Fund is a dedicated team that works alongside our grantees as partners in this work. We regularly reflect and seek input from this community to ensure we offer meaningful, just-in-time operational and funding that matter most. Together, we will create a national movement for educators where they can show up authentically, be affirmed, be challenged and inspired to meet their limitless potential as education entrepreneurs.

I have more questions. How should I contact you?

Please send your questions to contact@blackwildflowers.org.