The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation seeks to invest up to $6 million in web-based courseware to support students in mastering the Common Core State Standards for literacy at the 4th–8th grade levels.
Our approach aims to entice publishers, developers, and entrepreneurs to propose the most innovative digital solutions for engaging, personalized software that helps students with reading and writing. Through an RFP process, we will make 20 to 30 awards in amounts of $25,000-$500,000.
Recipients of awards in the amount of $100,000-$500,000 will have the opportunity to pilot their products in order to participate in an independent evaluation of their product’s impact on student learning and receive feedback they can use to refine their solutions.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation invite you to explore the Challenge through the background information and submission requirements detailed in the Literacy Courseware Challenge Request for Proposal (RFP).
Application & Selection Timeline
| February 4 | Literacy Courseware Challenge RFP released |
| March 29 | Completed proposals due by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) |
| April | Proposals reviewed by external review panel and foundation review team |
| April 30 | Finalists notified |
| May | Work with finalists to complete due diligence and organizational review, and finalize grant agreements |
| June | Grants awarded and announced when grant agreements are signed |
How to Apply
Your proposal must include:
- An Application Narrative (10 pages maximum), including a link to a 3-minute video
- Documentation of your organization’s tax status and financials
- Simple budget template
- Outcomes and milestones chart (Appendix A)
More Information
- Detailed information about the objectives, scope, eligibility criteria, and application process is provided in the Literacy Courseware Challenge RFP (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional resources (academic research, tools for developers, and literacy specific resources)
- Learn more about the Challenge in a one-hour webinar on February 14, 12-1 Pacific Time