An estimated $1.8 million in ARP funds will be granted through our Tutoring Matters initiative, with individual awards of up to $188,000.

Woman holding a novelty oversize check donation to SJPLF during donation event.

Cohort 2024 

  • Alpha Public Schools 
  • Reading Partners Silicon Valley 
  • Study Smart Tutors Inc. in partnership with Campbell Union High School District 
  • Santa Clara County Office of Education in partnership with Bay Area Tutoring Association 

Cohort 2023 

  • Alpha Public Schools 
  • Elevate Tutoring 
  • Santa Clara County Office of Education in partnership with Bay Area Tutoring Association

Tutoring Matters Spring 2025 Grant Opportunity

The San José Public Library Foundation is excited to announce a six–month Tutoring Matters Spring 2025 grant opportunity designed to:

Expand existing 1:1 or small-group tutoring programs providing high-impact, high-dosage academic support to San José students in grades 4-12, especially those from underserved communities such as English learners, homeless or foster youth, or from racial and ethnic communities experiencing achievement gaps.
Offset the impact of learning loss caused by the pandemic and other factors.
Increase academic success for students who are at risk of falling behind.

Awards will range from $30,000 to $55,000. If your organization can benefit from extra funds to enhance existing tutoring between January 2025 and June 2025, we encourage you to apply!

Grant Timeline

October 7, 2024 – October 18, 2024: Application window
November 2024: Awards announced
December 2024: Funds dispersed
January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025: Grant period
March/April 2025: Interim check-in and site visit
July 31, 2025: Final report on objectives and other metrics due

Who Can Apply

We invite applications from Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) who meet the following eligibility criteria.

  • Serve San José students from traditionally underserved communities, including low-income neighborhoods and those facing significant academic challenges.
  • Ensure that low-income families are not charged participation fees.
  • Implement strong data collection practices to assess student growth and academic progress.
  • Have clear methods to collect and report student demographic, academic performance, and parent satisfaction data.

Priority will be given to organizations and programs that:

Are new applicants to SJ Learns/Tutoring Matters or have not received funding in the past two years.

Have staff trained in trauma-informed and culturally competent practices, equipped to serve high-need students.

Provide regular communication with parents and teachers regarding student progress.

Demonstrate alignment with the National Student Support Accelerator’s model elements of high-impact tutoring linked below.

view here

Eligible Funds Usage

All funds must be spent by June 30, 2025, with a final report due by July 31, 2025.

Applicants will submit a grant budget and narrative detailing how the funds will be allocated across the following three key categories and any relevant partners.

  • Programmatic Costs – Service delivery expenses
  • Indirect Costs – Administrative and overhead costs (capped at 15%)
  • Sub-Grants/Sub-Contracts – For collaborating organizations (if applicable)

Bonus points for applicants who can provide a 1:1 matching contribution!

Grant Application Process

Applications will open on Monday, October 7, 2024.

How To Apply:

1. Register or log into your account on our grant portal landing page linked below.

access grant portal

2. Visit the Apply Page and select "Apply" to begin the application.

3. Complete the application. Progress will autosave, allowing you to return as needed.

To access this and other opportunities once they have opened, register for an account at the San Jose Public Library Foundation’s Grant Portal if you do not already have one.

Grant Application Info Session Dates

• Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 2:30-3:30pm
• Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 10-11am
• Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 12-1pm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/5811945182

Questions?

Email sjlearnsgrants@sjplf.org or come to one of our info sessions listed above. We are here to support you!