← Back to US Funders Directory

The Mind Trust Inc

Annual Giving
$8.6M
Grant Range
$0K - $1.0M
Decision Time
3mo

The Mind Trust Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $8,641,363 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 2-4 months (varies by program)
  • Grant Range: $150 - $1,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Indianapolis (Center Township), Indiana, and Connecticut
  • Number of Awards (2023): 52

Contact Details

Address: The Mind Trust 1630 N. Meridian Street, Suite 450 Indianapolis, IN 46202

Phone: (317) 822-8102

Email: info@themindtrust.org

Website: www.themindtrust.org

Overview

The Mind Trust is an education innovation nonprofit founded in 2006 by Bart Peterson (former Indianapolis mayor) and David Harris (former charter schools director). The organization invests in public education to transform lives in Indianapolis, across Indiana, and beyond, with a mission to "dramatically improve public education for underserved students by empowering education entrepreneurs to develop or expand transformative education initiatives." Since its founding, The Mind Trust has supported the launch of over 50 high-quality public charter and innovation network schools, 15 education nonprofit organizations, and has received over 4,000 applications from entrepreneurs across 48 states and 36 countries. In July 2021, the organization launched "Advancing Educational Equity," a six-year strategic plan aimed at tripling the number of students in Indianapolis' Center Township who are academically proficient by 2027. The organization contributed $8,641,363 in grants across 52 awards in 2023.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Fellowship Programs (Multiple Streams)

  • Education Entrepreneur Fellowship: Two years of support including $90,000/year salary, full benefits, $20,000 start-up stipend, and professional development support. Application involves Statement of Intent followed by Full Application for select candidates.
  • Emerging Leaders Fellowship: Three-year program with $30,000 stipend (split over three years) for Indianapolis educators to grow leadership skills. Application deadline: February 28, 2025 (for third cohort). Requires online application with two professional letters of recommendation, resume, data worksheet, and video.
  • Innovation School Fellowship: For leaders launching innovation schools in Indianapolis. Interviews held mid-February to early March, decisions by early March.
  • Charter School Fellowship: For launching charter schools in Indiana. Application deadline: January 16, 2026.
  • North Star Fellowship: For leaders seeking to launch charter schools in Connecticut. Application deadline: January 4, 2026.

2. Charter School Incubator

  • Grant Amount: $1,000,000 start-up grants
  • Purpose: To support leadership teams launching networks of charter schools in Indianapolis
  • History: First recipients included George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academies and Christel House International. Has supported major national charter networks including KIPP and Rocketship.

3. School-Community Partnership Investments (SCPI)

  • Recent Awards: $350,000 to 29 organizations (2024); total of over $1,015,000 since inception in 2019
  • Purpose: Empower community organizations to partner with schools in creating programs that expand educational opportunities
  • Geographic Focus: Indianapolis nonprofit or community-based organizations serving public charter and innovation schools
  • Application: Check website for current cycle information

4. Talent Innovation Fund

  • Purpose: Awards funding for projects that help attract and retain talented teachers and school leaders in Indianapolis
  • Eligibility: Individual schools or organizations serving K-12 students in Center Township, including Indianapolis Public Schools, IPS Innovation Network Schools, or public charter schools
  • Application Status: Applications open periodically; check themindtrust.org/TIF for current cycle

5. Go Farther Literacy Fund

  • Grant Range: $150 - $5,000
  • Total Annual Funding: $50,000 per round (annual rounds)
  • Eligibility: Individual families or nonprofit organizations serving students in Center Township public schools
  • Application: Rolling or annual cycles at themindtrust.org/gofarther (available in English and Spanish)
  • Cumulative Impact: $180,000 awarded since 2020 to families and nonprofits

Priority Areas

  • Launching and supporting high-quality public charter schools and innovation network schools
  • Attracting and retaining talented teachers and school leaders
  • Building literacy skills for students, especially high-needs populations
  • Serving underserved students, particularly students of color and students from low-income backgrounds
  • Empowering education entrepreneurs with innovative school models
  • Community partnerships that expand educational opportunities
  • Programs serving students experiencing poverty, housing instability, English Language Learners, students with IEPs, or students academically below grade level

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on their program focus, The Mind Trust does not fund:

  • Projects outside their geographic focus areas (primarily Indianapolis/Center Township, Indiana, and Connecticut)
  • Private school initiatives (focus is on public education)
  • General operating support for established organizations without clear innovation or partnership components

Governance and Leadership

CEO: Brandon Brown (since 2018)

Key Leadership:

  • Shannon Williams – Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President
  • Kristin Grimme – Chief Strategy Officer
  • Patrick H. Jones II – Sr. Vice President of Leadership and Equity
  • Kelli Marshall – Senior VP of Schools
  • Lauren I Peterson – Vice President of Community Engagement
  • Porsche Chisley – Vice President of Expanded Impact

Board Chair: Jim Schumacher

Founders: Bart Peterson (former Indianapolis mayor) and David Harris (former charter schools director)

Leadership Philosophy:

Brandon Brown has stated: "Our public education system was not set up to effectively serve students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. This reality is unacceptable. We must work to ensure all students, no exceptions, have the opportunity to attend schools that serve them with excellence and equity."

On community engagement, Brown emphasizes: "It's not productive or equitable to create ideas in an ivory tower and expect the community to go along with them. We have to make sure that we are in the community, that our team reflects the community, and that we're constantly asking the community what it wants to be true for itself."

Brown's stated goal is "to at least triple the number of students within center township who are academically proficient by 2027," viewing education as addressing root causes rather than symptoms of inequality.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Fellowship Programs:

  1. Statement of Intent: First step includes personal background and 2,000-word essay
  2. Full Application: The Mind Trust reviews Statements of Intent and invites select candidates to submit Full Applications
  3. Interview Process: Candidates may be interviewed by The Mind Trust staff, expert reviewers, fellowship selection committees, and community partners
  4. Final Decision: Board of directors makes final decisions on awarding Fellowships

Application Support:

  • Virtual happy hours for candidates to get advice and meet other innovators
  • Meetings with education leaders to refine models and answer questions
  • Regular one-on-one check-ins with staff to gauge progress
  • Office hours with the application team
  • Assistance with data, presentations, and Statements of Intent

Go Farther Literacy Fund:

  • Online application at themindtrust.org/gofarther
  • Available in English and Spanish
  • Requires project description, budget, and goals for improving literacy outcomes

Other Grant Programs:

  • School-Community Partnership Investments: Check website for current application cycles
  • Talent Innovation Fund: Check themindtrust.org/TIF for application windows

Decision Timeline

Fellowship Programs:

  • Innovation School Fellowship: Interviews mid-February to early March; final selections and notifications week of March 7
  • Emerging Leaders Fellowship: Applications due late February; applicants notified in April if invited to continue; Fellows selected by May
  • Overall Process: Typically 2-4 months from application deadline to final decision

Other Programs:

  • Timelines vary by program; some use rolling application processes allowing year-round applications and awards

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, The Mind Trust has received over 4,000 applications from entrepreneurs across 48 states and 36 countries since inception, successfully supporting the launch of 15 education nonprofit organizations, over 50 public charter and innovation schools, and making 52 awards in 2023 alone.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not explicitly stated on the website. Prospective applicants should contact The Mind Trust directly at info@themindtrust.org or (317) 822-8102 for specific guidance.

Application Success Factors

What The Mind Trust Values Most:

  1. Compelling School Models: For Innovation School and Charter School Fellows, the organization prioritizes "a compelling or innovative school model that will ensure all students receive an excellent education."

  2. Entrepreneurial Leadership: Demonstrated ability to launch successful initiatives is critical. The Mind Trust seeks "an entrepreneurial leader who has the demonstrated ability to launch a successful initiative."

  3. Problem-Solving Mindset: The organization looks for applicants who are "dissatisfied with the current educational status quo, impatient for change, and are relentless problem-solvers who are able to influence and inspire others."

  4. Fresh Approaches: The Mind Trust is "seeking applicants ready to approach stubborn challenges in fresh, promising ways and who are equipped with the skills needed to put their ideas into practice."

  5. Leadership Qualities: Key qualities include team-based management experience, demonstrated success in raising student achievement outcomes, a focus on serving all learners well, resilience, fortitude, and vision.

  6. Community Focus: Brandon Brown emphasizes the importance of community engagement and ensuring the team and ideas reflect the community being served.

  7. Equity Commitment: Strong alignment with serving underserved students, particularly students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

Recent Successful Projects:

The Mind Trust's Fellows have successfully launched:

  • 15 IPS Innovation Network Schools
  • 7 public charter schools
  • 10 nonprofit organizations
  • Branches of top national charter networks including KIPP, Rocketship, and Phalen Leadership Academies

Application Tips:

  • Take advantage of support resources: virtual happy hours, meetings with education leaders, one-on-one check-ins with staff, and office hours
  • Demonstrate clear impact on student achievement through data
  • Show evidence of team-based management experience
  • Articulate how your model specifically serves underserved populations
  • Be prepared to show resilience and entrepreneurial approach to challenges
  • For Go Farther Literacy Fund: clearly describe budget and measurable goals for improving literacy outcomes for high-needs students

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Innovation and Impact Matter Most: The Mind Trust prioritizes innovative school models and entrepreneurial leaders with proven track records of improving student outcomes. Emphasize concrete data showing your impact on student achievement.

  2. Equity is Central: Align your application strongly with serving underserved students, particularly students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. Brandon Brown has made clear this is the organization's core commitment.

  3. Community Engagement is Critical: Demonstrate that your approach reflects and responds to community needs, not top-down solutions. Show how your team reflects the community you serve.

  4. Use Available Support Resources: The Mind Trust provides extensive application support including virtual happy hours, meetings with education leaders, one-on-one check-ins, and office hours. Take advantage of these to strengthen your application.

  5. Be Prepared for Multiple Application Stages: Fellowship applications involve Statement of Intent, Full Application (for selected candidates), and multiple interview rounds. Plan for a 2-4 month process from application to decision.

  6. Geographic Focus: Ensure your project serves students in Indianapolis (particularly Center Township), Indiana, or Connecticut. The organization has clear geographic priorities.

  7. Show Entrepreneurial Problem-Solving: The Mind Trust values leaders who are "impatient for change" and approach "stubborn challenges in fresh, promising ways." Demonstrate your ability to influence and inspire others while executing innovative solutions.

References

← Back to US Funders Directory