FuelEd Receives $1 Million in Grant Funding From Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

FuelEd is thrilled to announce that we have received a $1 million grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) in order to promote supportive teacher communities and boost teacher well-being, and to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for educators of color. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was established by Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, and his wife, Priscilla Chan, in order to build a more inclusive, just, and healthy future for all. This organization leverages technology, community-driven solutions, and collaboration to help solve some of our society’s biggest challenges.

On May 5, CZI announced a new grant funding initiative in which almost $5 million was awarded to several non-profit organizations to increase the support systems for teachers in addition to improving their self-awareness. Here at FuelEd, we’re honored to finally share the news that we were one of those nonprofits!

The CZI decided to develop this new initiative in order to directly address teacher burnout. According to a recent survey conducted by NPR, more than half of teachers say they are “looking for the exits.” Educators are foundational to the flourishing of our children, and ultimately, our world—and yet, so many teachers feel unsupported and undervalued. The CZI investment is focused on providing teachers with what they so often provide to others: care, compassion, and community. FuelEd’s part in this amazing work is to continue to create a world where educators feel safe and seen in their day-to-day lives.

“When adults (i.e. educators) feel seen, empowered, and supported to grow their own self-awareness and well-being, this will have a cascading impact on students.”

- FuelEd’s Guide to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Blog

Dr. Kelley Munger

FuelEd’s Next Steps

At FuelEd, we have learned through a decade of experience that educators need space and support to grow their wholeness. Some of the ways we plan to use CZI’s generous investment include:

• Retreat-style professional development that walks educators through the science, skills, and self-awareness of relationships
• Building affinity spaces for educators of color to experience being safe and seen
• Developing resonant and accessible resources and spaces to promote educator wholeness

Thank you for all of the ways in which you support our mission here at FuelEd!