Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Support for Education

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Support for Education is sponsored by Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. This foundation offers funding for STEM education organizations to support or scale programs serving urban children and youth from low-income communities.

Explore a Partnership - Michael & Susan Dell Foundation A $1 Billion Commitment to Build What’s Next in Health and Life Sciences Partnerships That Drive Impact We build pathways that change lives through long-term partnerships with organizations delivering measurable results. The teams leading our work in each focus area and geography identify high-impact programs and come alongside them to scale what’s working.

Most of our partnerships develop through direct relationships, with our teams identifying and connecting with aligned organizations in our focus areas. We’re also genuinely open to organizations we haven’t yet met. If your work aligns with our focus areas and shows real results, we’d welcome the chance to learn more.

Below, we share where we invest, what we look for, and why. We encourage you to read through carefully before submitting the form at the bottom. We look for where the gap between potential and opportunity is greatest — places where the right investment, at the right time, can unlock real change.

We reach out to organizations working to fill those gaps, talking directly about what's possible — their vision, their momentum, and how we might move further together. We engage deeply with our partners, bringing resources and hands-on support to the table. It's more than funding.

It's a shared commitment to making projects succeed. We provide the strategic support, connections, and capital to help proven solutions grow and sustain that growth long after our investment ends. The areas below highlight our current partnership priorities, reflecting our belief that education, health, and economic stability are the levers that open pathways to opportunity.

In the United States, capital and competition can unlock change at scale, if you direct them at the right problems. We invest in the people, programs, and systems that give children and families real opportunity, from classroom to career. Texas is home and where we invest most deeply.

Evidence-based school models, learning technology with proven results, and interventions that move the needle on reading, math, and graduation outcomes. Student supports that keep people on track to graduate, and programs built with employers so a degree leads directly to a job. Skills training, internships, and career preparation that helps people secure quality jobs.

Care coordination, community-based care, and payment models that improve outcomes and expand access to quality care. Culturally grounded social services and identity-building experiences that help young people build lasting connection and belonging. Supports for family stability, education-to-employment pathways, civic engagement, and data tools that help partners reach more people with what works.

Civic opportunities, service initiatives, and trusted local partnerships that help young people and communities shape and strengthen the places they live. In India, we believe some of the most promising opportunities emerge where no proven model yet exists.

We invest in new approaches that expand access to quality education, connect skills to employment, and enable entrepreneurs to build businesses that create jobs and strengthen communities. Proven school models built through public-private partnerships and education technology ready to scale. The resources, guidance, and career-ready skills college students need to find meaningful employment.

Skills training with real credentials and real placement — with outcomes to demonstrate both. Innovative lending and financial solutions that help entrepreneurs access capital, grow businesses, and strengthen local economies. Israel is stronger when more people can participate in the opportunities created by its innovation economy.

Through education, jobs, health, and financial services, we build pathways to upward mobility for communities throughout the country. Schools and programs that expand access to high-quality STEM learning and prepare students for future careers. Internships, skills training, national service, and university pathways that lead to meaningful employment.

Financial services that expand opportunity and support long-term economic mobility. Programs and innovations that strengthen resilience and expand support for children and families. We invest in entrepreneurs and innovators whose ideas create jobs, grow local businesses, and expand economic opportunity.

Entrepreneurship, skills training, and employment programs that lead to higher earnings and lasting livelihoods. Point-in-time interventions — vision, hearing, women's health, and surgery — that remove barriers to school and work for teens and adults. Is the foundation accepting new funding requests?

We don’t have open grant cycles. We reach out directly to organizations whose work aligns with ours. We are, however, open to hearing from organizations doing strong, aligned work.

You can share a project using this form. We review all submissions and will reach out directly if there’s a strong fit, though due to volume we’re not able to respond to every inquiry. What projects don’t you fund?

We only invest within our specific focus areas and geographies. If your work doesn’t align with what’s described above, it’s unlikely to be a fit. Beyond that, we don’t invest in: Medical research projects Event fundraisers or sponsorships Infrastructure or capital campaigns Requests for computers, laptops, tablets, or other hardware Can the foundation donate computers or technology equipment?

No. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is an independent family foundation — we are not affiliated with Dell Technologies and do not supply computers, laptops, tablets, or other hardware. What does "scale" mean to you? We invest to create change that reaches more than a single community or cohort.

A successful partnership doesn’t just work. It grows. That means we’re looking for organizations with a model that can expand within each of the regions where we work, serve more children and families over time, and ultimately attract the funding and systems-level support to sustain that growth beyond our investment.

What do you mean by “measurable results? ” We require concrete, verifiable evidence of the change a program creates (improvements in learning levels, employment outcomes, income, or health) not just activity metrics like the number of people reached. We’re intentional about what and how we measure, focused on data that genuinely shows whether an approach is working.

Do you make investments in for-profit companies? Yes. Beyond grants, we deploy a range of financial tools including equity, debt, convertible notes, and pay-for-performance instruments to support mission-driven for-profit enterprises.

We typically invest at Series A or B and take an active role as a partner, including board representation. Every investment, regardless of structure, must demonstrate measurable impact, whether that’s change in learning levels, access to jobs, or increase in income for the children and families we serve. Please review your responses before submitting.

You can edit any section before you submit. We genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share your work with us. We review all submissions and will reach out directly if there's a strong fit.

Because we receive a high volume of submissions and build partnerships primarily through direct outreach, we aren't able to respond to every inquiry or provide individual feedback. We're grateful for the work you're doing and wish you continued success. If there is strong alignment with our work, our team will be in touch.

Please review your responses before submitting. You can edit any section before you submit. Briefly describe your organization's work and the specific change you are trying to drive.

Who benefits, and what would be observably different if this effort succeeds? * How are you currently measuring the impact of your work? What evidence do you have that your approach is working?

* What is your current reach, and what is your path to scaling this work? What would need to be true for this model to grow significantly? * Are you currently, or have you in the past, worked with a Dell Foundation grantee or on a Dell Foundation-funded project?

If yes, please provide details. (optional) Select the country where your project is based. Don't see your country?

Our partnerships depend on deep, hands-on engagement — which is why we work in nine countries within close reach of our regional offices. Where in the United States? What state or states does your work take place in?

Select states or territories U.S. Minor Outlying Islands No states or territories match your search. U.S. Minor Outlying Islands What is your primary focus area? Choose the area that best describes the change your organization is working toward.

Which strategy best describes your work? Based on your focus area, select the strategy that best aligns with what you do.

Strengthening Government Schools Quality Classrooms with Edtech Unlocking Career Potential Demand-Linked Skills Training Technology-Led Nano Enterprise Financing Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship Point-in-Time Interventions Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship Point-in-Time Interventions Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship Point-in-Time Interventions Classroom Tools and Interventions College and Career Pathways Care Access & Coordination Fostering Stability for Jewish Families Forging Strong Jewish Identity Civic Engagement and Service Civic Engagement and Service Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship Strengthening Government Schools We invest in programs that work within and alongside government school systems to improve academic and career children’s learning outcomes for students in public schools, specifically those that: Strengthen teaching and school leadership and improve learning in the classroom Use evidence and robust assessment tools to measure improvements in student learning Have a credible path to expanding across schools, districts, or states and sustaining results through the public system and/or PPP models Quality Classrooms with Edtech We invest in technology-enabled solutions that give teachers and students the data, learning resources, and support they need to improve classroom outcomes, specifically those that: Address a clearly defined teaching or learning need rather than introducing technology for its own sake Demonstrate measurable improvements in student learning or teaching practice Can be adopted affordably and effectively across low-resource schools We invest in programs that help school students build the skills, exposure, and guidance needed to make informed choices and prepare for the workforce, specifically those that: Connect learning to real education and employment pathways Integrate employability, entrepreneurship, or career exploration into the school journey Measure progress through outcomes such as skills gained, transitions to further education, or entry into work Unlocking Career Potential We invest in programs that help college students complete higher education and translate their degrees into meaningful careers, specifically those that: Connect what students learn with the skills employers need Build employer relationships before graduation, creating clear pathways into the workforce Track placement and earnings after graduation.

Demand-Linked Skills Training We invest in training programs that prepare young people for sustainable livelihoods in growing industries, specifically those that: Train for sectors where employer demand is strong and earnings offer a pathway to economic stability Track completion, placement and retention; not training participation alone Expand access to formal employment and long-term careers Technology-Led Nano Enterprise Financing We invest in tech-forward solutions that expand access to credit and financial services for nano-entrepreneurs and small businesses, specifically those that: Enable owners to grow their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen financial stability Offer products designed around the financial realities of nano enterprises in India (e.g., seasonal income, large periodic expenses, limited collateral) Use responsible underwriting and repayment structures that enable business growth without creating harmful debt burdens We invest in schools and programs that expand access to advanced STEM learning and future-focused careers, specifically those that: Connect students to high-quality STEM instruction, hands-on learning, and advanced coursework Expand access to opportunities that prepare students for higher education and careers in science, technology, and engineering Demonstrate measurable improvements in academic achievement, especially connected to advancement in STEM-related fields We invest in programs that connect education, training, and service to meaningful careers, specifically those that: Create pathways into high-growth industries through internships, skills training, national service, or higher education Connect more people to careers in Israel’s innovation economy Demonstrate measurable improvements in employment, earnings, or career advancement We invest in financial solutions that expand economic opportunity and mobility for all Israelis, specifically those that: Increase access to credit, homeownership, or other financial tools that support long-term stability Help individuals, families, and small businesses build financial security and economic resilience Demonstrate measurable improvements in financial wellbeing and economic opportunity We invest in programs and innovations that strengthen resilience and support long-term recovery for children, families, and communities, specifically those that: Expand access to effective supports through schools, community organizations, and trusted local institutions Strengthen the capacity of communities to support children and families through periods of disruption and recovery Use evidence, innovation, or technology to improve outcomes and extend the reach of support services We invest in programs that turn training into employment for people, specifically those that: Provide credentials and career readiness tied to employer demand Reduce the friction between a qualified candidate and a job offer — including through platforms and intermediaries that connect people to work at the local level Track placement and retention, not just program completion Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship We invest in organizations that open up real pathways to income for families, specifically those that: Deliver goods, services, or business opportunities that translate directly into higher earnings for families Support young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to build businesses that last Connect people to income-generating opportunities through local networks, platforms, and markets Point-in-Time Interventions We invest in large, established health organizations providing treatments and care that enable individuals to participate in school and work, specifically those that: Deliver a single medication, surgery, or procedure that leads to measurable health improvement, prioritizing vision and hearing, women’s health, and surgical repairs Unlock earning potential for individuals and their families by enabling them to participate in school or work Focus on older teens and adults, who are closest to entering the workforce Partner with organizations that can report on results at scale and have a significant, growing in-country presence We invest in programs that turn training into employment for people, specifically those that: Provide credentials and career readiness tied to employer demand Reduce the friction between a qualified candidate and a job offer — including through platforms and intermediaries that connect people to work at the local level Track placement and retention, not just program completion Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship We invest in organizations that open up real pathways to income for families, specifically those that: Deliver goods, services, or business opportunities that translate directly into higher earnings for families Support young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to build businesses that last Connect people to income-generating opportunities through local networks, platforms, and markets We invest in programs that turn training into employment for people, specifically those that: Provide credentials and career readiness tied to employer demand Reduce the friction between a qualified candidate and a job offer — including through platforms and intermediaries that connect people to work at the local level Track placement and retention, not just program completion Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship We invest in organizations that open up real pathways to income for families, specifically those that: Deliver goods, services, or business opportunities that translate directly into higher earnings for families Support young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to build businesses that last Connect people to income-generating opportunities through local networks, platforms, and markets Point-in-Time Interventions We invest in large, established health organizations providing treatments and care that enable individuals to participate in school and work, specifically those that: Deliver a single medication, surgery, or procedure that leads to measurable health improvement, prioritizing vision and hearing, women’s health, and surgical repairs Unlock earning potential for individuals and their families by enabling them to participate in school or work Focus on older teens and adults, who are closest to entering the workforce Partner with organizations that can report on results at scale and have a significant, growing in-country presence We invest in programs that turn training into employment for people, specifically those that: Provide credentials and career readiness tied to employer demand Reduce the friction between a qualified candidate and a job offer — including through platforms and intermediaries that connect people to work at the local level Track placement and retention, not just program completion Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship We invest in organizations that open up real pathways to income for families, specifically those that: Deliver goods, services, or business opportunities that translate directly into higher earnings for families Support young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to build businesses that last Connect people to income-generating opportunities through local networks, platforms, and markets Point-in-Time Interventions We invest in large, established health organizations providing treatments and care that enable individuals to participate in school and work, specifically those that: Deliver a single medication, surgery, or procedure that leads to measurable health improvement, prioritizing vision and hearing, women’s health, and surgical repairs Unlock earning potential for individuals and their families by enabling them to participate in school or work Focus on older teens and adults, who are closest to entering the workforce Partner with organizations that can report on results at scale and have a significant, growing in-country presence We invest in high-performing schools that strengthen student learning and are ready to scale, specifically those that: Have the results to prove it: strong academic outcomes, with a model that holds up as it grows Have a clear plan and the leadership to execute it Are ready to take on more students and do it without losing what makes them work Classroom Tools and Interventions We invest in tools and programs that help students succeed in reading and math and prepare for college and careers, specifically those that: Show evidence of meaningful student impact and have a credible path beyond a pilot to sustained implementation at scale.

Give educators timely, actionable information to tailor instruction and support Work across varied learning contexts and help students build mastery, self-direction, and agency College and Career Pathways We invest in programs that help students build on the foundation of a high school diploma, specifically those that: Connect students to credentials, college completion, or quality jobs Support students through the transition from high school to careers Have evidence that participants achieve stronger educational and career outcomes We invest in colleges and programs that support students through graduation and into good jobs, specifically those that: Have proof that their model moves graduation rates Provide advising, emergency aid, and other supports that help students stay on track to complete their degrees and graduate career-ready Demonstrate a commitment to improving curriculum, credentials, and employer relationships to meet student and workforce needs We invest in the systems that connect K-12 education to real jobs, specifically those that: Align dual credit, career advising, and workforce pathway mapping so students can see a clear, affordable route from high school to a living-wage job Have the partnerships and infrastructure needed to scale across communities Measure success through employment outcomes, not just enrollment or completion numbers We invest in organizations that help job seekers move successfully from training into careers, specifically those that: Build strong partnerships among employers, schools, and students to support successful transitions into high-demand careers Maintain deep employer relationships that inform program design and hiring pathways Connect employers with qualified candidates and help students access career opportunities We invest in structured programs that get students into real work before they graduate, specifically those that: Offer apprenticeships, work-based learning, or credential programs with employment outcome data beyond completion rates Can show cost-effectiveness — what it actually costs to place one person in a quality job Serve high school and postsecondary students in sectors where demand is real and wages are livable Care Access & Coordination We invest in organizations that make quality care reachable for children and families, specifically those that: Coordinate across services to create a more seamless experience Build or strengthen the clinics, providers, and health systems that expand access to care Have evidence that their model measurably improves health outcomes We invest in new payment models that reorient what the health system rewards, specifically those that: Pay for outcomes at the individual or population level, not just procedures performed Are actively testing and measuring whether the model changes what gets prioritized and can show early results Have a credible path to adoption at scale Fostering Stability for Jewish Families We invest in organizations that help Jewish families build financial stability and economic opportunity, specifically those that: Provide practical support such as financial services, employment opportunities, and benefits navigation Measure success through improvements in families’ financial stability and wellbeing Forging Strong Jewish Identity We partner with evidence-backed programs that help children, teens, and young adults build a strong Jewish identity, specifically those that: Develop Jewish pride, knowledge, and friendships Strengthen Israel connection, engagement, and education Create safe and welcoming learning environments from K-12 through college We invest in organizations that support individuals and families in Greater Austin to stay grounded, safe, and able to move forward, specifically those that: Strengthen family stability, housing security, and access to essential services Provide prevention, early intervention, and timely support that helps people navigate challenges and focus on their future goals Are trusted partners in the community and demonstrate measurable improvements in well-being and stability We invest in organizations that help people in Greater Austin build successful pathways from education to employment, specifically those that: Support success in school, postsecondary education, and workforce training Connect learners to credentials, employer relationships, and career opportunities with strong outcomes Demonstrate measurable improvements in educational attainment, employment, or earnings We invest in organizations that strengthen the data systems and shared infrastructure supporting Greater Austin’s nonprofit sector, specifically those that: Help organizations track results, share information, and improve service delivery Build tools, training, and infrastructure that strengthen coordination across the community Use data and shared learning to expand what works and reach more people Civic Engagement and Service We invest in organizations that expand access to civic participation in Greater Austin, specifically those that: Create meaningful opportunities for people to contribute to and shape their communities Increase participation in service opportunities and initiatives that help people contribute to a shared future Work through trusted local partners to make participation practical, accessible, and meaningful Civic Engagement and Service We invest in programs that give people ages 10–25 a real stake in their communities, specifically those that: Create meaningful opportunities to participate in and shape the communities they live in Produce tangible results in the community Engage young people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences We invest in programs that turn training into employment for people, specifically those that: Provide credentials and career readiness tied to employer demand Reduce the friction between a qualified candidate and a job offer — including through platforms and intermediaries that connect people to work at the local level Track placement and retention, not just program completion Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship We invest in organizations that open up real pathways to income for families, specifically those that: Deliver goods, services, or business opportunities that translate directly into higher earnings for families Support young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to build businesses that last Connect people to income-generating opportunities through local networks, platforms, and markets We invest in programs that turn training into employment for people, specifically those that: Provide credentials and career readiness tied to employer demand Reduce the friction between a qualified candidate and a job offer — including through platforms and intermediaries that connect people to work at the local level Track placement and retention, not just program completion Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship We invest in organizations that open up real pathways to income for families, specifically those that: Deliver goods, services, or business opportunities that translate directly into higher earnings for families Support young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to build businesses that last Connect people to income-generating opportunities through local networks, platforms, and markets Tell us about your organization.

This helps us understand who you are and the scope of your work. This helps us understand who you are and the scope of your work. Briefly describe your organization's work and the specific change you are trying to drive.

Who benefits, and what would be observably different if this effort succeeds? * This helps us understand who you are and the scope of your work. How are you currently measuring the impact of your work?

What evidence do you have that your approach is working? * This helps us understand who you are and the scope of your work. What is your current reach, and what is your path to scaling this work?

What would need to be true for this model to grow significantly? * This helps us understand who you are and the scope of your work. Are you currently, or have you in the past, worked with a Dell Foundation grantee or on a Dell Foundation-funded project?

If yes, please provide details. (optional) Selected states and territories Thank you for your submission. We genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share your work with us.

We review all submissions and will reach out directly if there's a strong fit. Because we receive a high volume of submissions and build partnerships primarily through direct outreach, we aren't able to respond to every inquiry or provide individual feedback. We're grateful for the work you're doing and wish you continued success.

If there is strong alignment with our work, our team will be in touch.