Request for Applications:
Emerging Ed Tech Solutions to Improve Math and Reading Outcomes
The Rainwater Charitable Foundation is thrilled to introduce an exciting opportunity for K-12 school districts, schools, and teachers across Texas seeking to improve student outcomes using emerging education technology.
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About the Initiative
Math and reading skills are not just essential for success in the classroom but for navigating life beyond it. These foundational abilities enable children to understand the world around them, think critically, and solve both today’s challenges and uncover tomorrow’s solutions.
At the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, we believe every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of zip code, income, race, or learning style. We envision an inclusive educational environment that meets students where they are in their academic journey and equips them with thoughtfully designed tools to master necessary skills—not just for standardized assessments but for lifelong success. Emerging education technologies hold immense potential to support educators, students, and families in achieving measurable improvements in reading and math outcomes, bringing this vision closer to reality.
As an organization committed to supporting scalable and transformative solutions in education, we seek to identify and invest in education leaders who are innovating to enhance student performance. We want to support projects that demonstrate clear potential for widespread and equitable impact.
This initiative focuses on empowering educators and innovators to develop impactful, feasible, and scalable strategies that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and other new educational technologies to improve outcomes in mathematics and reading. By fostering collaboration among educators, edtech developers, and community stakeholders, we aim to support solutions that not only address immediate needs but also drive long-term achievement for students everywhere.
WE BELIEVE
EVERY CHILD DESERVES AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED.
With scalable and sustainable solutions, our communities can address systemic issues and improve access to educational tools and resources, setting students on the path to success.
Who Can Apply
Whether you’re a classroom teacher with a vision, an administrator with a strategic plan, or part of a collaborative group, your innovative ideas are welcome. (Only public K-12 administrators, teachers, and staff are permitted to submit applications for this RFA.)
Applicants are welcome to partner with nonprofit organizations and private education technology organizations, but education and technology nonprofits and companies may not serve as the applicant. They may however submit their email address via the online form on this site to receive updates and additional information about this RFA.
How to Apply
Submissions will be collected through Qualtrics. Respondents can save their progress and return to complete the form later on the same device without losing their drafted responses. To streamline the process, we recommend downloading the application questions as a PDF and preparing your answers in advance. Once your responses are ready, you can quickly and efficiently complete the Qualtrics form in one sitting.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
Scalability
Can your project expand across districts or communities?
Impact
Will your initiative improve math and reading skills?
Sustainability
Can your initiative thrive beyond initial funding?
Feasibility
Is your solution practical and aligned with educational frameworks?
Evidence of Effectiveness
What data or resources demonstrate your project will work?
Stakeholder Alignment
How do the key players work together to implement an effective project?
Deadline
The deadline for all RFA submissions is April 7, 2025.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the RFA?
This RFA invites K-12 public schools, districts, and educators to apply for grant funding for projects that leverage emerging educational technologies to improve student outcomes in math and reading education.
What kind of projects are eligible for funding?
Eligible projects should focus on using emerging educational technologies to improve math and reading outcomes. Projects could include interventions, instructional tools, or resources that aim to support both teachers and students. Promising projects are those that show a clear plan, collaboration and implementation and will have a direct and measurable impact on student outcomes.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to public K-12 schools, school districts, and educators. While schools are encouraged to collaborate with education nonprofits and educational technology companies, only a school leader or entity may apply.
What is the focus area of the RFA?
Projects that focus on math or reading, with a specific emphasis on using emerging educational technologies to enhance educational outcomes, are preferred. RCF will consider projects that do not focus on math and reading, but math and reading are the focus areas of this RFA.
Are there any geographical restrictions for applicants?
Yes, this grant is open to public schools, districts, and educators located within Texas.
What qualifies as an “emerging educational technology” for this RFA?
Emerging educational technologies include tools like AI-based tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, data analytics tools for personalized learning, gamified learning environments, and other innovative tech that aim to improve learning experiences and outcomes.
Do I need to have already implemented emerging educational technologies in my classroom or district to apply?
No, prior implementation is not required. However, you should have a clear plan for how you intend to incorporate emerging educational tech into your project and a strategy for evaluating its effectiveness.This clear plan should also include key leaders and partners for the project, evidence of effectiveness and proposed scalability.
Do I need support from my school or district leadership to apply?
Yes, having support from your school or district leadership is required. Applicants will be required to submit a letter of support from an administrator, district and implementing teacher to ensure the project has the necessary resources, institutional support, and teacher buy-in.
How do I apply for the grant?
Submissions will be collected through Qualtrics. Respondents can save their progress and return to complete the form later on the same device without losing their drafted responses. If you are interested in applying, please submit your email address at the top or bottom of this page to receive additional instructions and apply.
What sorts of projects are eligible for this RFA?
While projects that involve digital/AI literacy and training for teachers may be considered, highest priority will be given to projects that directly affect students and show clear improvements to reading and math outcomes.
What is the ideal project duration for applicants?
Ideal applications are those that cover an entire academic school year, although semester-long projects will also be considered.
How much grant funding can I receive?
RCF will make determinations on the size of grants based on the scope of the project and depending on the number of promising projects that are submitted. Grants may range from $10,000 to $100,000, with some exceeding this amount.
When are project submissions due?
Project applications should be submitted no later than April 7, 2025.
Can I apply if my school or district has already received a previous grant?
Yes, you can apply, provided the project you’re proposing is in line with the RFA’s eligibility criteria
I have a question that isn’t answered in the RFA or FAQs. How can I get more information?
If you have questions about the RFA or the application process, we will be holding “office hours” in order to help. During these scheduled sessions, you can ask specific questions, seek clarification on eligibility, and get guidance on submitting your application. These office hours will be held from 11-1pm CST on the following dates:
February 14, 2025
February 28, 2025
March 14, 2025
March 28, 2025
Who is the main point of contact from RCF?
Please reach out to Jeanelle Davis at edtech@rainwatercf.org.
Interested? Questions?
If you think this opportunity might be a good fit for you—or even if you’re unsure—click the button below to sign up for updates! We’ll be sharing details about our upcoming “office hours” via email, where we’ll answer all your questions.
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