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.
How to Approach MSDF
The best path to MSDF funding is through reputation building. Publish your program results. Present at Texas education conferences. Get connected with MSDF-funded intermediary organizations already working in Austin, Dallas, or Houston. Let them learn about your work over time.
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.
How Forward Education Tools Fit
MSDF has invested in technology integration and STEM access for low-income students. A partner organization running a STEM enrichment program in Austin, Dallas, or Houston could position Forward Education tools as the curriculum platform in a MSDF-aligned proposal.
Forward Education Tools That Qualify
-
micro:bit Classroom Kits
Cost-effective physical computing tools that bring hands-on coding to Title I and low-income urban schools. Proven in classrooms across North America. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
AI literacy curriculum that gives underserved students access to technology education typically reserved for well-resourced schools. -
Coding for Climate Kit
Environmental and social justice connections in coding curriculum. Resonates with MSDF's focus on serving and empowering low-income communities.
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.
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 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
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
Get the Grant Guide
