Michelson 20MM Foundation

03/16/2026

⏳ Last chance to apply. Today is the final day to submit proposals for the 2026 OER Spark Grants.

If you’re advancing Open Educational Resources (OER) or Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) degree pathways—through implementation, research, public awareness, or policy—this is your opportunity to secure funding to help expand student access, affordability, and success.

Applications close tonight, March 16th, at 11:59 pm PT.

👉 Submit your proposal now: https://20mm.org/spark-grants/

03/16/2026

⏳ Last chance to apply. Today is the final day to submit proposals for the 2026 OER Spark Grants.

If you’re advancing Open Educational Resources (OER) or Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) degree pathways—through implementation, research, public awareness, or policy—this is your opportunity to secure funding to help expand student access, affordability, and success.

Applications close tonight, March 16th, at 11:59 pm PT.

👉 Submit your proposal now: https://20mm.org/spark-grants/

We look forward to reviewing bold ideas that move the field forward.

03/09/2026

⏰ Only one week left to apply for the 2026 Open Educational Resources Spark Grants!
If you’re working on a project that expands access to or Zero Textbook Cost degree pathways, now’s the time to submit your proposal. We look forward to seeing your work to advance access, equity, and success in education.
Apply today: https://20mm.org/spark-grants/

03/02/2026

📣 The 2026 Open Educational Resources Michelson funding cycle is now open!
We’re excited to invite proposals that strengthen and scale and Zero Textbook Cost degree pathways. Whether your work focuses on implementation, research, public awareness, or policy, this cycle is designed to support projects that improve student access, success, and affordability in California and beyond. We will be accepting grant proposals through March 16th.

Learn more and apply: https://20mm.org/spark-grants/

02/17/2026

Tomorrow, join us for the Open Educational Resources ( ) Spark Grants Informational Webinar to learn about this year’s funding opportunity. Members of the grant committee will be available to answer questions, provide an overview of the application process, and highlight past awardees.

🗓️ February 18th
⏰ 11:00 AM–12:00 PM PT

Register: https://20mm.org/event/2026-oer-spark-grants-informational-webinar/

02/13/2026

💡 Have an idea to expand OER or Zero Textbook Cost degrees?

Join us for the OER Spark Grants Informational Webinar on February 18th from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM PT to learn about this year’s funding opportunity.

We’ll cover:

✔️ Funding priorities and focus areas
✔️ How to align your project with our goals
✔️ Live Q&A with the grant committee

📣 Applications open March 2nd–16th. Don’t miss this chance to learn more!

👉 Register here: https://20mm.org/event/2026-oer-spark-grants-informational-webinar/

02/12/2026

Michelson Philanthropies is proud to announce the appointment of Phillip J. Kim as Executive Director.

A leader within the Michelson ecosystem since 2009, Phillip brings deep institutional knowledge and a track record of turning bold ideas into measurable impact. Alongside an executive team with more than 50 years of combined service, he will guide our work across education, public policy, medical research, and animal welfare.

We look forward to this next chapter grounded in experience, driven by mission, and focused on lasting systemic change.

Pictured left to right: Phillip J. Kim (Executive Director); Miguel León (Managing Director, Michelson 20MM Foundation); Mayra Lombera (Chief Policy Officer); Jennifer Naitaki (Managing Director, Michelson Found Animals Foundation); Darice Bailey (Chief Financial & Operations Officer).

Read more: https://www.michelsonphilanthropies.org/michelson-philanthropies/executive-director-announcement/

02/06/2026

🎉 We’re excited to announce the 2025 Student Basic Needs Spark Grantees!

Congratulations to California Competes (California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy), NextGen Policy (NextGen Policy), and Raise The Barr (Raise The Barr, Founded by Anthony Barr)—three organizations tackling housing instability, food insecurity, and access to paid career pathways through innovative, systems-level solutions.

Their work shows what’s possible when we invest in student stability, dignity, and opportunity. We’re proud to support these efforts and look forward to sharing more as their work unfolds.

👉 Learn more about the grantees: https://20mm.org/news/announcing-the-2025-student-basic-needs-spark-grantees/

02/05/2026

The Michelson Open Educational Resources (OER) Spark Grants funding cycle opens March 2nd–March 16th, and we’re hosting an informational webinar to help applicants learn more.

📚 OER Spark Grants Informational Webinar
🕚 February 18 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM PT

Join us to:
-Learn about this year’s focus areas and funding priorities
-Understand how your project can align with our goals
-Ask questions directly to the grant committee

Whether you’re working on OER implementation, research, public awareness, or policy efforts, this session is a great place to start.
👉 Register here: https://20mm.org/event/2026-oer-spark-grants-informational-webinar/

01/06/2026

👏CSU Channel Islands' Open CI program saved students almost $1.8 million in textbook costs in just one semester. This is a major win for college affordability and for students who deserve access to high-quality learning materials without financial barriers.

We’re proud to support CSUCI’s ongoing commitment to open education and the launch of Open CI’s CAopenEd through a Spark Grant.

Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth CSUCI Open CI program saves students almost $1.8 million in textbook costs over one semester by Community Contributor • January 20, 2022 • Comments Off on CSUCI Open CI program saves students almost $1.8 million in textbook costs ...

12/30/2025

As we close out 2025, we’re reflecting on a year defined by collaboration, resilience, and progress.

From expanding digital equity and advancing justice reform to strengthening zero-textbook-cost pathways, student basic needs, and intellectual property education, this year showed what’s possible when students, communities, and partners lead the way.

This work is powered by lived experience, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped turn ideas into action. We’re excited to carry this momentum into 2026.

Explore our 2025 Year in Review:

Michelson 20MM advanced digital equity, OER, justice reform, student basic needs, and IP access in 2025 to make higher education more equitable.

12/23/2025

As California shifts toward rehabilitative models and alternatives to incarceration, Designing Justice + Designing Spaces is leading the way with an innovative approach to reentry housing.

With a Michelson , DJDS is developing trauma-informed, community-rooted housing near college campuses that supports justice-impacted students pursuing higher education. Their “bridge ownership” model connects public funding, real estate, higher education, and reentry programs to unlock unspent resources and turn stable housing into a foundation for long-term success.

This work goes beyond housing—it centers healing, dignity, and opportunity, while creating a scalable model that could benefit students across California. Learn more: https://20mm.org/news/designing-justices-bridge-ownership-model-redefines-reentry-housing/