Request for Applications:
Emerging Ed Tech Solutions to Improve Math and Reading Outcomes
For the second year, the Rainwater Charitable Foundation is thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for K–12 school districts, schools, and teachers across Texas who are working to improve math and reading outcomes through the thoughtful use of emerging education technology.
About the Initiative
Our Request for Applications (RFA) seeks to empower educators and innovators to develop scalable strategies integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to improve student outcomes in mathematics and reading. By fostering collaboration among educators, edtech developers, and community stakeholders, we aim to support solutions that address immediate educational needs and drive long-term achievement for students.
Application deadline: April 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.
What We Are Looking For
Before applying, consider these key questions to ensure your proposal aligns with our goals of improving math and reading outcomes through the thoughtful use of emerging education technology.
The Challenge – What specific problem does your proposal address? A strong application will include both data-driven insights and real-world perspectives to define the issue. We’re especially interested in proposals that deeply engage those affected—ensuring they help shape and refine the solution.
Impact Potential – How will your solution create meaningful change? We’re looking for a clear theory of action that connects your approach to measurable outcomes. A strong proposal will outline key milestones, including project launch, implementation, data collection, and expected results.
Supporting Evidence – What research or proof supports your solution’s effectiveness? We value proposals backed by research, third-party certifications (e.g., Digital Promise, ISTE), or other credible validation. If your approach is untested, tell us how you plan to measure success and whether you’re open to sharing findings to benefit the broader community.
Innovative Use of Technology – How does your solution leverage AI or other technology in a groundbreaking way? A strong proposal will articulate why AI is essential to achieving greater impact and how it enhances learning outcomes in ways traditional methods cannot.
Have Questions About Fit or Eligibility?
We offer virtual office hours to support applicants. During these sessions, you can ask questions, clarify eligibility, and receive guidance on submitting your application. To request office hours, please contact Jeanelle Davis at jdavis@rainwatercf.org.
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.
If you think this opportunity might be a good fit for you—or even if you’re unsure—fill out the form below to sign up for email updates!
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, staff, and school or district foundations—nonprofit entities solely dedicated to raising funds for district projects—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. However, they may submit their email address via the online form on this site to receive updates and additional information about this RFA.
Please be advised applicants will be required to provide one letter of support:
Teachers: One letter from your school leadership or one letter from your district
School leaders: One letter from a school teacher that would be involved in your project or one letter from the district
District leaders: One letter from a school leader or one letter from a teacher who would be involved in your project
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted 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, Word Doc, or Google Doc and drafting your responses in advance. Once your answers are ready, you can efficiently complete the Qualtrics form in one sitting.
Please note that these documents are provided for preparation purposes only and do not constitute the official application. If you believe your project is a strong fit, please click the “Start Your Application” button above.
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?
Feasibility
Is your solution practical and aligned with educational frameworks?
Sustainability
Can your initiative thrive beyond initial funding?
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
Submissions are due by April 1, 2026, with funding decisions expected by May 1, 2026.
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, educators, and school or district foundations. These foundations must be nonprofit entities whose sole purpose is to raise funds for projects benefiting their respective districts. While schools are encouraged to collaborate with education nonprofits and educational technology companies, the primary applicant must be an educational institution, educator, or qualifying foundation.
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. All applicants are required to submit one letter of support as part of the application. The required source of that letter varies based on the applicant type and is outlined below.
Teachers: One letter from your school leadership or one letter from your district
School leaders: One letter from a school teacher that would be involved in your project or one letter from the district
District leaders: One letter from a school leader or one letter from a teacher who would be involved in your project
While only one letter is required, we encourage applicants to seek buy-in from relevant stakeholders to help ensure strong implementation and long-term success of the proposed project.
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?
The final deadline to submit is April 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.
If I applied previously and was not awarded funding, can I apply again?
Yes. Applicants who applied in a previous cycle and were not awarded funding are encouraged to apply again.
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’ll be holding virtual office hours to support you. During these scheduled sessions, you can ask specific questions, seek clarification on eligibility, and receive guidance on submitting your application.
To schedule office hours, please contact Jeanelle Davis at jdavis@rainwatercf.org.
Who is the main point of contact from RCF?
Please reach out to Jeanelle Davis at jdavis@rainwatercf.org
Interested? Questions?
If you think this opportunity might be a good fit for you—or even if you’re unsure—fill out the form below to sign up for updates!
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