We encourage applications for funding in the following program areas:

Enlisting Talent
The Foundation supports creative efforts to attract and retain the next generation of principals, superintendents, school board members and progressive union leaders. We invest in programs that encourage the very best educators to take on leadership roles. At the same time, we support initiatives that aggressively attract talent from other sectors to take on leadership posts in urban public education.

Redefining Roles and Authorities
The Foundation supports initiatives aimed at restructuring the traditional roles and authorities of education leaders. We work with school boards to encourage more effective policymaking, with unions to improve professional practices with the goal of higher student achievement, and with school and district leaders to produce more effective management of both the instructional and operational aspects of the public education enterprise.

Developing High-Performing Leaders and Systems
The Foundation provides grants for the support and development of training programs for aspiring and current leaders of K-12 schools, districts, unions and governing boards. We also work with education and policy leaders to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of urban districts' organizational systems in the areas of data management, communications, marketing, human resources and business operations.

Providing Incentives for Results
The Foundation believes that student achievement will improve if educators have tangible incentives to improve teaching and learning. We therefore support programs that reward educators for improving student academic performance and that institutionalize performance-based and skill-based pay for teachers, administrators and staff.

Honoring and Showcasing Success
The Foundation is committed to shining a brighter spotlight on public education's success stories. We engage in public visibility campaigns that showcase the results of systemwide improvements in urban districts. We also support projects that actively communicate high-potential practices and that honor the success of individuals and organizations that make a profound difference in the lives of urban children.