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The CTE Leadership Collaborative Mini-Grant Program is an opportunity for ECMC Foundation Fellows to apply for funding to initiate projects related to postsecondary career and technical education.
2025 Mini-Grant Program applications are open now. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. PT on Friday, August 15.
The selection committee will award grants of up to $10,000 each, meaning that applications may request any amount between $1,000 and $10,000 for funding. Please note: that request amounts are not guaranteed, and final grant amounts will be determined based upon proposed activities and projected outcomes.
ECMC Foundation designed the Mini-Grant Program to provide a platform for ECMC Foundation Fellows to apply fellowship learnings, launch innovative projects and grow their networks, all while driving change in postsecondary CTE and inspiring collaboration among Fellows from the six fellowship programs.
See below for summaries of past Mini-Grant Program projects.
Selection Criteria
ECMC Foundation will review each proposed project and make funding decisions based on the following criteria:
- Presents a clear and innovative (defined as a new approach that departs from typical practice) solution or action in response to a postsecondary CTE challenge
- Addresses a specific, key issue within postsecondary CTE
- Engages multiple segments within postsecondary CTE
- Includes plans to share results
Eligibility
Requests must be:
- Led by current or alumni ECMC Foundation Fellows
- Focused exclusively on postsecondary career and technical education; dual enrollment, K-12 or workforce projects are not eligible
- Limited to projects that can be completed in one year or less
- Submitted through ECMC Foundation’s online form
Please note: if you received Mini-Grant Program funding in 2024 and you haven’t yet submitted a report, please reach out to Anna Fontus afontus@ecmc.org .
Award
Fellows may submit Mini-Grant Program applications for up to $10,000. Please note that the CTE LC team will review the project description and proposed budget, and may not be able to fulfill the full amount requested. Grants of up to $10,000 will be provided for each collaborative project and can be used for expenses such as travel, technology, staff time, sharing outcomes, and data acquisition.
Timeline
2025 Mini-Grant Program applications are open now. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. PT on Friday, August 15. ECMC Foundation will announce all funding decisions—whether approved or declined—by September 1. Click here to learn more about the program, including selection criteria, eligibility requirements and funding amounts.
Reporting
All Mini-Grant Program grant recipients will be required to submit a formal report at the conclusion of their funded project.
Contact
Please direct questions to Anna Fontus (afontus@ecmc.org).
FAQs
Can I use this grant to build upon a previous Mini-Grant Program-funded project?
Yes! We love to support projects that build upon previous activities that have supported the postsecondary CTE field, as long as the final report for the previous project has been submitted.
Can I receive funding through the Mini-Grant Program if I received funding last year?
Yes, if your project is complete and you submitted all required reports.
Do I need to partner with another Fellow?
No, you are not required to collaborate with another Fellow, but we encourage collaboration with Fellows across cohort and/or fellowship.
What are the reporting requirements for Mini-Grant Program grantees?
All Mini-Grant Program grant recipients will be required to submit a formal, two-page report listing the programmatic outcomes and outlining the budget expenditures at the conclusion of their grant-funded project.
What if I need to make a substantive change to the funded project after I have started?
We understand mid-course changes may occur, however any major changes should be discussed with Anna Fontus, your main contact at ECMC Foundation.
How long can my project last?
Proposed projects should be completed within one year or less.
Can I apply for funding to support a program which is already underway?
No, all grants made as part of the Mini-Grant Program should be for new, timebound projects.
How will you disburse the funding?
Funding will be granted to the organizations running the CTE LC fellowship programs and then regranted to the Fellows who are selected as Mini-Grant Program recipients.