Grants

Overview

The C. Charles Jackson Foundation (CCJF), through its leadership initiative, the Charlie Life and Leadership Academy (CLLA), invites proposals from Funding Applicants (exclusively referring to nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and educational centers and schools) for the Ignite Grant. This micro-grant, typically around $2,000, assists funding applicants in considering or initiating the process to mitigate or address critical challenges related to student leadership learning grounded in both personal and professional growth. As the parent organization of CLLA, CCJF is committed to building the leadership capacities in the next generation. The Ignite Grant provides an entry point for funding applicants to collaborate with CLLA and engage in meaningful problem diagnosis and scoping leading to solutions that create sustainability for leadership learning programs and impact for learners.

Objective

The Ignite Grant seeks to support funding applicants in identifying and addressing challenges surrounding student leadership learning. The grant provides the opportunity to engage with CLLA’s team of Solution Architects (1-2 renowned thought leaders, faculty members, or practitioners), who will facilitate a process for the funding applicant to clarify the issues, frame problems, and scope actionable opportunities for high-impact student leadership solutions. This funding is the initial step toward addressing larger, strategic objectives and prepares funding applicants for subsequent phases of leadership learning and implementation. Further funding opportunities are available following the initial phase based on the resulting trajectory identified collectively by the Solution Architects and the funding applicant.

Alignment with the Mission & Vision of CLLA

A critical component of this RFP is ensuring that funding applicant demonstrates how their proposed projects align with the mission and vision of CLLA. The Charlie Life and Leadership Academy is dedicated to equipping students with the leadership skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. It focuses on developing leadership for now, building competencies that empower students to become effective leaders both personally and professionally. Funding applicants are required to articulate how their challenges and proposed solutions support this overarching mission and align with the Academy’s vision of creating impactful, student-centered leadership learning experiences.

Scope of Work

The Ignite Grant offers funding applicants the opportunity to engage in a multi-phase, collaborative process designed to create sustainable, impactful solutions for student leadership learning. This approach begins with Phase I: Problem Diagnosis and Scoping, where institutions work with CLLA’s Solution Architects to gain clarity on the challenges they face and identify the core issues impacting student leadership programs. The findings from this phase not only help clarify the problem but also pave the way for deeper engagement in future phases.

As the funding applicant progresses through this journey, additional consultative services may be required to develop and implement effective solutions. These services include Program Design, Program Implementation, and Measuring Outcomes—all of which are focused on creating a comprehensive framework for student leadership learning. Funding applicants may also benefit from resources such as curriculum design, online course development, assessments, case studies, or activity guides, depending on the needs identified during the diagnostic phase.

By adopting this phased approach, the Ignite Grant ensures that solutions are aligned with both the funding applicant’s strategic priorities and the mission of CLLA, all while fostering long-term sustainability and impact. The phases build on the insights gained from the previous stage, empowering funding applicants to develop leadership programs that deliver lasting benefits for their students and communities.

Collaborative Approach for Sustainability

Phase I: Ignite Micro-Grant

In Phase I, the selected funding applicant will work alongside CLLA Solution Architects to diagnose and scope the leadership learning challenge. The consulting team will help ensure problem clarity and strategic alignment before more extensive engagements are considered. The diagnostic findings from Phase I will provide the foundation for developing comprehensive strategies in Phase II if the opportunity is deemed strategically significant.

Phase II: Solution Development & Impact Matching Grant

If Phase I reveals a substantial opportunity for leadership learning enhancement and impact, institutions can apply for Phase II Impact Grant. Through an Impact Grant, CCJF provides matching funds to support the implementation of the proposed solution, contingent upon the funding applicant’s commitment to co-investing in the project. The institution is expected to match at least 50% of the total cost, ensuring that all parties—CCJF, the funding applicant, and the Solution Architects—share both responsibility and investment in the project’s success. 

Consultant Engagement

Throughout both phases, CLLA’s Solution Architects will work at a reduced rate (approximately 50%) to contribute to the financial feasibility and long-term success of the project. Their passion for leadership learning and their commitment to the project provide motivation ensuring the best possible outcomes for the funding applicant.

Commitment to Collaboration

A core principle of the Ignite Grant is mutual investment. While the grant facilitates the initial discovery and clarification of leadership learning challenges, lasting success depends on the full engagement and financial commitment of the funding applicant, CCJF, and CLLA.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Funding applicants interested in the Ignite Grant must submit the following information: 

     1. Funding Applicant (i.e., name of the submitting nonprofit organization, institution of higher education, or educational center or school):

     2. Funding Applicant Primary Contact Information:

          a. Name

          b. Title

          c. Email

          d. Phone Number

     3. Type of Funding Applicant:

          a. Nonprofit University/College

          b. Nonprofit Organization

          c. School

          d. Other (Please specify)

Each of the following responses are limited to 500 words.

     4. Challenge Description:

          Describe the challenge or opportunity the funding applicant faces related to student leadership learning for personal and professional development.

     5. Alignment with Strategic Priorities:

          How does this challenge align with the funding applicant’s strategic priorities?

     6. Alignment with CLLA Mission & Vision:

          Explain how the proposed project aligns with the mission and vision of CLLA, focusing on building the necessary competencies for student leadership learning and creating impact driven leadership experiences.

     7. Desired Outcomes:

          What outcomes does the funding applicant hope to achieve through the Ignite Grant?

     8. Previous Leadership Programs:

          Has the funding applicant previously implemented any student leadership programs or learning frameworks? Yes/No

If yes, please briefly describe the program(s): Provide details of any existing or past leadership programs the funding applicant has implemented. Include information such as the program’s goals, scope, key activities, duration, and the outcomes achieved. Also, highlight how the proposed project might build upon or differ from these past initiatives, if applicable.

     9. Anticipated Needs:

     What tangible resources or consultative support do you anticipate needing (indicate all that apply):

          a. Leadership Program Development

          b. Curriculum Audit/Review

          c. Measurement of Program or Curricular ERectiveness

          d. Access to Leadership Tools/Resources (e.g., CLLA research, courses, etc.)

          e. Other (Please specify)

     10. Additional Information:

          Please provide any additional information you believe would be helpful in considering your application.

Review Process

All submitted proposals will be carefully reviewed by a selection committee from CCJF and CLLA. The committee will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

     1. Alignment with CLLA’s Mission and Vision: How well does the proposed project support CLLA’s goal of developing the next generation of leaders with the competencies needed for today’s challenges?

     2. Strategic Importance: How clearly does the funding applicant demonstrate alignment between its leadership learning challenges and its broader institutional goals and priorities?

     3. Feasibility of Impact: How likely is the proposed project to have a meaningful, measurable impact on student leadership learning within the context of the funding applicant?

     4. Institutional Commitment: Does the funding applicant demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration and co-investment, both in financial terms and through engagement in the project?

Contact Information

For further information or questions regarding the Ignite Grant, please contact Tony Andenoro, Ph.D., Chief Strategist, at strategist@charlieacademy.org or Corina McBride, Program Director, at programs@charlieacademy.org.

Instructions for Submission

To apply for the Ignite Grant, please submit a completed proposal, addressing all required sections, via the following method: Email Submission: Please send all materials to programs@charlieacademy.org with the subject line: “Ignite Grant Application – [Funding Applicant Name]”.

Conclusion

The Ignite Grant provides an exciting opportunity for funding applicants to collaborate with CLLA to diagnose and address leadership learning challenges, creating pathways for sustained student leadership growth. By fostering strong partnerships and shared commitments, this grant seeks to drive impactful solutions that enhance the leadership capacities of the next generation. We look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to shape the future of leadership learning.