Funding FAQs

Q: I'm familiar with some of Lumina Foundation's early portfolio. Why are you no longer funding certain areas or types of work?

A: As the Foundation refines its strategic approach, we are not as focused on developing or replicating specific programs as we have been in the past. Instead our current focus is on creating an environment in which effective practices are explicitly connected to building public will and policies that support systemic change

Q: I am working on a project that will impact thousands of students in my city, state or university system. What is considered broad-based?

A: Driving progress on Goal 2025 will require work at all levels. However, given limited Foundation resources, we generally do not fund unsolicited proposals that are not designed, ultimately, to yield systemic, large-scale or nationwide impact.

Q: Does Lumina make institution-specific grants?

A: Lumina makes a very limited number of unsolicited institution-specific grants to help stimulate change in the field. For a single college to be eligible for a grant, we expect the institution to demonstrate how the grant will contribute not only to systemic transformation centered on a student success agenda on its own campus, but also at other campuses. Additionally, an applicant must demonstrate:

• How the institution is modeling data-based decision making.
• How the proposed work represents an institution-wide commitment to a student success agenda.
• How the work represents a significant contribution to building knowledge, policy or practice, as evidenced by a commitment to rigorous research or evaluation so as to prove results.

Q: Is it recommended that prospective grantees contact a Lumina Program Officer to discuss an idea prior to preparing a letter of inquiry?

A: We ask that all unsolicited inquiries be submitted as formal letters of inquiry (LOI) so that our staff may thoughtfully review each request in the context of our current strategic plan. Directly contacting a Program Officer prior to preparing an LOI does not expedite or provide a competitive advantage during the review process.