The Oakland Public Education Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1.4M+ in A to Z Fund grants since 2017 (over 1,000 projects)
• Success Rate: 40% (Fall 2024: 66 grants awarded from 164 applications)
• Decision Time: 4 weeks (applications reviewed and decisions announced within one month)
• Grant Range: $250 - $5,000
• Geographic Focus: Oakland, California public schools only

Contact Details

Website: https://www.oaklandedfund.org/

Phone: 510-221-6968

Email:

• General inquiries: info@oaklandedfund.org
• Grant questions: grants@oaklandedfund.org
• Grant opportunities: giving@oaklandedfund.org

Physical Address: 520 3rd Street, Suite 109, Oakland, CA 94607

Mailing Address: PO Box 71005, Oakland, CA 94612

Overview

Founded to support Oakland's public schools, the Oakland Public Education Fund (The Ed Fund) has raised over $275 million for Oakland students and placed 17,000 volunteers in local classrooms. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with EIN 43-2014630, the organization serves as fiscal sponsor for more than 120 education-focused projects and operates several direct grant programs, most notably the A to Z Fund. With total revenues of $25.5 million in FY2023, the Ed Fund's mission is to "lead the development of community resources in Oakland public schools so that all students can learn, grow, and thrive." The organization has earned a perfect 4/4 star rating from Charity Navigator. Under the leadership of CEO Alexandria Medina since April 2020, the Ed Fund has evolved from what Medina calls "the best kept secret in Oakland" to a more visible champion of educational equity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

A to Z Fund Mini-Grants (Rolling - Fall and Spring cycles) The flagship grant program providing immediate funding for classroom projects and professional development:

• General Classroom Grants: $250 - $1,500 for STEM, art, music projects, supplies, books, equipment, guest speakers, and transportation
• Professional Development - Individual: Up to $1,500 for conference fees, materials, meals, transportation, and consultants
• Professional Development - Group (2+ people): Up to $5,000 for collaborative professional learning

Since 2017, the A to Z Fund has distributed over $1.4 million across 1,000+ projects. Applications accepted at the start of fall and spring semesters, with decisions made within approximately one month. The fund operates with an equity-focused distribution model, allocating more resources to schools serving high concentrations of low-income students, English language learners, and foster youth.

Fiscal Sponsorship Program The Ed Fund serves as fiscal sponsor for 120+ Oakland public schools, OUSD departments, and education-focused projects, offering two models:

• Model A: Projects operate as part of the Ed Fund (10% fee on transactions under $1 million)
• Model C: Projects operate as separate legal entities

Fiscally sponsored projects gain access to financial management, HR support, grant expertise, and enhanced credibility with funders.

Grant Opportunities Database The Ed Fund maintains a curated list of external grant opportunities for Oakland educators, categorized by focus area (College & Career Pathways, Education & Youth Development, Literacy & School Libraries, Music & Art, STEM, Student & Family Support Services) with three support webinars on getting grant-ready, finding opportunities, and writing applications.

Priority Areas

The Ed Fund addresses educational inequity in Oakland, where 15 schools in wealthy neighborhoods raise over $5 million annually while 75% of Oakland students attend schools that raise less than $10,000 per year. Priority areas include:

• Equity-focused support for schools with high percentages of low-income students, English language learners, and foster youth
• Enrichment opportunities: Field trips, music, sports, and arts programs
• STEM and literacy initiatives
• Professional development for educators
• Culturally responsive teaching and student expression
• Technology access and support through TechLink program
• Volunteer placement in classrooms
• Emergency response funding for schools in crisis

What They Don't Fund

• Projects requiring additional fundraising beyond the grant (must be fully funded)
• Projects extending beyond the fiscal year deadline (Spring grants must be completed by June 30)
• More than one grant per applicant per grant cycle
• More than five grants per school per cycle
• Programs outside Oakland public schools (OUSD or charter-managed)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Alexandria Medina, Chief Executive Officer (since April 2020) Brings over 18 years of experience designing alternative education experiences for youth across the Bay Area. Medina has emphasized transparency and visibility: "We used to be the best kept secret in Oakland, and that was a failure of our lack of communications." On the Ed Fund's renewed partnership with OUSD in 2025, she stated: "Public education is facing immense challenges, and our commitment to supporting OUSD remains stronger than ever... We are grateful for the OUSD Board's recognition of our work and their trust in our ability to continue serving our public school students, families, and educators."

Kelly Yun, Chief Development Officer

David Ling, Chief People Officer

Reynold Samoranos, Fractional Chief Financial Officer

Nathan Bellet, Director of Information Technology

Alicia Parise, Director of Programs

Board of Directors

Landon Baines, Board Chair - Senior Vice President at Heritage Bank of Commerce, Oakland native with extensive banking experience

Michael Johnson, Vice Chair - Director of Medical Services Contracting at The Permanente Medical Group

Wilbur Hobbs, Jr., Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair - SVP & Chief Lending Officer at Community Bank of the Bay

Loraine Binion-Hardy, Secretary - Executive Director of Finance at UC Berkeley

Additional board members include John Bliss (SCI Consulting Group), Calvin Guinn (semiconductor engineering and construction management), Travis Kauzer (real estate investment), Sofia Navarro (Executive Director, Oakland Workforce Development Board), John Palmer (Public Finance Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP), Gunther Stein (Head and Chief Investment Officer, Sound Point Capital), and Tiffany Wood (Senior Program Officer, Pacific Foundation Services, Development Committee Chair).

The Community Advisory Board reviews A to Z Fund applications each cycle.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

A to Z Fund Applications are submitted online through the Ed Fund's website. The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible to all Oakland public school educators.

Eligibility: Anyone working at an Oakland public school or program (OUSD or charter-managed) including teachers, principals, Community School Managers, afterschool providers, and librarians.

Application Requirements:

• Projects must be fully funded (no additional fundraising required)
• Principal approval required
• Spring cycle projects must be completed by June 30
• One grant per applicant per cycle
• Maximum five grants per school per cycle

Key Resources Provided:

• Tips on submitting a strong proposal (PDF guide)
• Scoring rubric for applicants to review
• Examples of previously funded projects
• Grant writing webinar series (getting grant-ready, finding opportunities, writing applications)

Decision Timeline

Application Cycles: Fall and Spring

Recent Example - Spring 2026:

• Application Deadline: January 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM
• Decision Notifications: Week of February 16, 2026
• Funds Available: Immediately upon approval

Typical Timeline: Approximately 4 weeks from application deadline to decision notification

Review Process: Applications reviewed by Community Advisory Board

Success Rates

Fall 2024 Statistics:

• 164 applications submitted
• 66 grants awarded
• 40% success rate

Distribution by Level (Fall 2024):

• 40% Pre-K - 5th grade
• 15% Middle school (6-8th grade)
• 45% High school
• 20% Professional development

Reapplication Policy

Applicants can reapply in subsequent grant cycles. The one-grant-per-cycle limitation means unsuccessful applicants are welcome to submit new applications in the next funding round (fall or spring).

Application Success Factors

The Ed Fund provides applicants with specific tools to strengthen their proposals:

Use the Scoring Rubric: The organization publishes its scoring rubric so applicants understand exactly how proposals are evaluated. Review this document before submitting.

Study Strong Proposal Tips: The Ed Fund offers a downloadable PDF with specific guidance on writing compelling applications. This resource reflects their priorities and preferred approach.

Learn from Funded Projects: Recent successful projects demonstrate the range of fundable activities:

• Sustainable Agriculture (East Bay Innovation Academy): Students transformed the school garden to learn about sustainable agriculture. Educator Noor Fakih noted students evolved "from hesitant participants to confident problem-solvers."

• Museum of Digital Entertainment Trip (Elmhurst United Middle School): Computer science students explored video game history from the 1970s-2000s, learning about game design using the "five senses" framework (music, gameplay, etc.).

• Zine Club (La Escuelita Elementary School): Student-led club with local artist-led workshop on creating 8-fold Zines. Educator Jethro Rice highlighted students gaining "confidence and found their voices."

• Math Conference Professional Development (Global Family School): Educators attended California Mathematics Council conference themed "Framing Meaningful Mathematics," developing a year-long culturally responsive math instruction plan.

Equity Alignment: While all Oakland public schools can apply, the Ed Fund explicitly directs more funding to schools serving higher concentrations of low-income students, English language learners, and foster youth. Applications from these schools or serving these populations align with organizational priorities.

Full Funding Requirement: Projects must be fully funded by the grant request. Applications requiring additional fundraising are not eligible. Budget carefully and request an amount that covers the complete project.

Cultural Responsiveness: Recent funded projects emphasize student voice, cultural relevance, and equity-focused pedagogy. Applications incorporating these elements align with the Ed Fund's values.

Concrete Outcomes: Successful applications articulate clear student benefits and learning outcomes, not just activities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Know the success rate: With a 40% award rate, applications are competitive but achievable - focus on quality and alignment with equity priorities
• Use their resources: The Ed Fund provides scoring rubrics, strong proposal tips, and examples of funded projects - these are roadmaps to success
• Budget for full funding: Projects must be completely funded by the grant; requesting $1,450 when you need $1,500 could sink your application
• Emphasize equity impact: Projects serving schools with high concentrations of low-income students, English learners, or foster youth receive priority in funding distribution
• Meet the principal approval requirement: Secure principal sign-off before the deadline - this is non-negotiable
• Highlight student voice and cultural responsiveness: Recent funded projects demonstrate these values; align your proposal accordingly
• Plan for quick turnaround: With only 4 weeks from deadline to decision and immediate fund availability, be ready to implement quickly
• Consider the five-grant school cap: Coordinate with colleagues to ensure your school doesn't exceed the five-grant maximum per cycle

References

1. Oakland Public Education Fund Official Website - https://www.oaklandedfund.org/ (accessed January 2026)
2. A to Z Fund Mini-Grant Application Page - https://www.oaklandedfund.org/programs/atoz/atoz-minigrants/ (accessed January 2026)
3. The A to Z Fund Overview - https://www.oaklandedfund.org/programs/atoz/ (accessed January 2026)
4. A to Z Fund Grantees - https://www.oaklandedfund.org/programs/atoz/a-to-z-fund-grantees/ (accessed January 2026)
5. Board of Directors - https://www.oaklandedfund.org/board/ (accessed January 2026)
6. Ed Fund Team - https://www.oaklandedfund.org/about-us/team/ (accessed January 2026)
7. Charity Navigator Rating - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/432014630 (accessed January 2026)
8. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/432014630 (accessed January 2026)
9. "OUSD Board of Education Renews Long-standing Partnership with The Ed Fund" - Oakland Public Education Fund, March 2025
10. "EdTech: Ali Medina and Nathan Bellet of The Oakland Public Education Fund On How Their Technology Will Make An Important Positive Impact On Education" - Authority Magazine via Medium (accessed January 2026)
11. Fiscal Sponsorship Program - https://www.oaklandedfund.org/projects/fiscal/ (accessed January 2026)
12. Upcoming Grant Opportunities - https://www.oaklandedfund.org/grantopportunities/ (accessed January 2026)
13. FY 2023 Audited Financial Statements - Oakland Public Education Fund (February 2024)