Michael and Susan Dell Foundation
Eligibility
MSDF is almost entirely invitation-based. The Foundation identifies organizations aligned with its strategy and initiates contact. Unsolicited proposals are rarely funded. Building visibility through published results, conference presentations, and connections in the Austin education community is the best path to a MSDF relationship.
- Lead organizations: Austin, Dallas, and Houston nonprofits with a track record in K-12
- Focus: Students in urban poverty (low-income urban communities)
- Rarely accepts unsolicited proposals
- Geographic focus: Austin, Dallas, and Houston
Program Goals
The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, headquartered in Austin, is one of the largest private education funders in Texas. MSDF focuses on improving outcomes for children in urban poverty, with a strong emphasis on K-12 education, health, and economic mobility. Their education work includes technology integration, STEM pathway development, and college readiness programs.
MSDF expects strong data, clear logic models, and evidence of impact. They invest in organizations with proven approaches, not early-stage pilots.
Application and Distribution
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents - TEKS and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing - classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support - documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence - ready-to-use program outlines
Grant Award Amount
Grants range from $100,000 to several million dollars, often multi-year. MSDF expects strong data, clear logic models, and rigorous evaluation. Programs serving low-income urban students in Austin, Dallas, and Houston are the primary focus.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
Our physical computing and AI literacy kits are built to meet the learning outcomes these programs fund.
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Hands-on physical computing for K-12 CS and STEM programs. Curriculum-aligned and classroom-ready. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
Introduces AI concepts through hands-on activities. Prepares students for technology careers. -
Coding for Good Kit
Project-based learning connecting coding to real-world applications and community impact.
Keep in Mind
Unsolicited applications rarely lead anywhere. Focus on building your track record, publishing results, and connecting with MSDF-funded partners before seeking a direct relationship.
Organizations already receiving MSDF funding can be strong co-applicants or referrers. Find MSDF grantees in Austin, Dallas, or Houston working in K-12 STEM and explore partnership opportunities.
MSDF is a data-driven funder. They want to see outcome data from your existing program before investing. Start collecting rigorous student outcome data now, even before you seek MSDF funding.
MSDF primarily funds programs in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. If your program is in one of these cities, emphasize that prominently in any outreach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Michael and Susan Dell Foundation in Texas?
MSDF is almost entirely invitation-based. The Foundation identifies organizations aligned with its strategy and initiates contact. Unsolicited proposals are rarely funded. Building visibility through published results, conference presentations, and connections in the Austin education community is the best path to a MSDF relationship. Lead organizations: Austin, Dallas, and Houston nonprofits with a track record in K-12 Focus: Students in urban poverty (low-income urban communities) Rarely accept
How much funding is available through Michael and Susan Dell Foundation?
$100,000 - multi-million; mostly invitation-based. Check the current program guidelines for the latest award ranges and allocation details.
Can Michael and Susan Dell Foundation funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Michael and Susan Dell Foundation funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do schools apply for Michael and Susan Dell Foundation?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements. Curriculum alignment documents - TEKS and state standards mapped to our kits Program quotes and pricing - classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing Letters of support - documentation for grant applications Project ideas and scope-and-sequence - ready-to-use program outlines Talk to Our Team Free Resource
How can Forward Education help with Michael and Susan Dell Foundation funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Texas schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Michael and Susan Dell Foundation funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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