VELA Micro Grants

VELA is now accepting applications for its 2023 Micro grant program. Micro grants provide fast funding for everyday entrepreneurs – students, parents, educators, and community leaders – who are building unconventional learning ecosystems within their communities. Eligible applicants can apply for $2,500 or $10,000 on a rolling basis. Approved grant recipients are welcomed into VELA’s fast-growing community of thousands of out-of-system innovators nationwide. 

VELA’s grant programs provide funding to everyday entrepreneurs whose work falls into one or more of the following categories:

• Unconventional Learning Environments: Entrepreneurs operating unconventional learning environments for out-of-system learners not enrolled in public, charter, or traditional private schools (micro school, learning pod, homeschool co-op, unschool, or any other setting that serves as the primary learning environment).
• Ecosystem Builders: Entrepreneurs who offer content, infrastructure supports, resource platforms, and other programming utilized in unconventional, out-of-system learning environments.
• Community Catalysts: Entrepreneurs that provide resources, support, and guidance to families participating in out-of-system learning, or contribute to knowledge sharing and collaboration among entrepreneurs in the out-of-system space.

In order to qualify for VELA funding, applicants must:

• Use funding for a qualifying charitable purpose. 
• Serve K-12 learners or programs outside of traditional public, private, or charter schools.
• Use funding within the United States or its territories.
• Be operational now or in the immediate term. VELA does not award planning grants.
• Have proof of concept. Applicants must be publicly verifiable through website, social media, or other publicly-available information.

Have a question about our grant programs? Contact grants@velaedfund.org.