Lumina is funding work through three RFPs.

Note: The proposal deadlines have now passed.

We are inviting ideas that advance racial equity and justice in pursuit of Lumina’s mission of ensuring 60 percent of working-age adults have college degrees, certificates, industry certifications, and other credentials of value by 2025.

Earlier this year, Lumina announced changes in how we ensure an equity-first approach by looking beyond invitations for proposals.

We believe open solicitations for ideas and proposals can help address the barriers that hamper grant-seeking organizations led by people of color and nonprofits that serve communities of color.

Learn more here: Shifting some strategies can help us put racial equity first


New Grant Programs

Racial Justice and Equity Grants

Eligibility: Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3)s and organizations such as community-based nonprofits, public policy and advocacy organizations, tribal organizations, social movement organizations, and centers within colleges and universities. (Government agencies and for-profit businesses are not eligible.)

Grant amounts: Up to $400,000

Initial Application Deadline: Sept. 2, 2021

State Policy Partnerships

Eligibility: State-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations advancing education policy at a state level are eligible to respond to this Request for Qualifications. Lumina funds cannot be used to support lobbying or related activities.

Grant awards: Up to $200,000

Deadline:  Sept. 9, 2021

Prioritizing Adult Community College Enrollment

Eligibility: Public community colleges in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. All Tribal Colleges also are eligible.

Grant awards: Up to $75,000

Application Deadline: Sept. 17, 2021


Other initiatives

Lumina’s HBCU Adult Learner Initiative closed to new inquiries on July 11, 2021.