Frequently Asked Questions
How can our organization apply for a grant from The Broad Foundation?
The Broad Foundation requests that every potential grantee thoroughly review the content of this website. Information on grantee guidelines can be found in the “Funding Information for Grantees and Prospective Grantees” section of this website.
Does The Broad Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, The Broad Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Unlike many foundations that have a traditional grant cycle and review process, we proactively seek out investments that align with our mission to dramatically improve urban K-12 public education through better governance, management, labor relations and competition. We are continually on the lookout for urban school districts and organizations that are progressive, led by a strong change agent, and that are focused on improving student achievement. Once we have identified a potential investment opportunity, we initiate contact with a prospective grantee organization or individual and invite them to submit additional information.
Does The Broad Foundation fund initiatives outside the United States?
No, we focus only on school districts in the United States.
Does The Broad Foundation fund individual schools?
No. We focus on urban school districts and high-quality charter management organizations.
Why does the Foundation focus on districts as the agent for sustainable change?
Districts control 95 percent of public education spending. They are the Constitutional governing unit of schools (except where districts are under mayoral control or state takeover) and the organizing unit for business operations and academics. Successful reform at the district level can benefit more students, at scale, than school-level reform. Districts, more than individual schools, can ensure equity across a diverse population of students and schools.
Why don’t you invest in rural school districts?
There are nearly 15,000 school districts in the U.S. We are focused on the 100 largest urban school districts in the country, because they educate 20 percent of all students and 40 percent of all students in poverty. These districts are currently among the most under-performing and represent the greatest opportunity to dramatically improve student achievement.
Does The Broad Foundation fund research?
We fund research in areas that align with our investment strategy, including topics such as better pay for better teachers, mayoral control of school districts and extended learning time.
What initiatives has The Broad Foundation funded so far?
A complete list of grant commitments to date can be found on the “Overview of Current Investments” page of this website.
Who is Eli Broad?
Eli Broad is the founder-chairman of two Fortune 500 companies: Kaufman and Broad Home Corporation (now KB Home) and SunAmerica (which he sold to AIG). He is the son of Lithuanian immigrants, and he attended Detroit Public Schools and Michigan State University. He was the youngest CPA in the state’s history. Now 75, he believes philanthropy is his fourth and most important career. Eli has been married to Edythe Broad for 53 years, and they have two adult sons.
What is the size of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation?
The Broad Foundations, including The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and The Broad Art Foundation, together have $2.1 billion in assets.
Do you have a board?
Yes. The Broad Foundations have a 14-member board of governors that advises Eli and Edythe Broad.
What is The Broad Foundation’s position on No Child Left Behind?
As a 501(c)3 private foundation, The Broad Foundation cannot advocate for or against pending legislation. As a private citizen, Eli Broad is very supportive of the mission and goals of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
How do you evaluate success?
Through the terms of each grant, we request periodic reports from grantees on their progress toward expected milestones— over the life of a grant. These milestones, or "metrics", clearly define what we expect of our grantee organizations. When key performance benchmarks are met or exceeded, we may expand or deepen our relationship with the grantee. When key performance benchmarks are missed, we may offer to provide assistance and/or we may decide to put a grant on “pause.” If there is limited progress made towards meeting these targets, we may terminate an investment early.