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Helios Education Foundation

Helios Education Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Information not publicly available
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Arizona and Florida

Contact Details

Overview

Helios Education Foundation is a major education-focused foundation with over $832 million in assets as of 2024. Since its founding, the foundation has invested more than $350 million in education initiatives. The foundation operates exclusively in Arizona and Florida, focusing on postsecondary attainment for all students, with particular emphasis on low-income and historically underrepresented communities. Their strategic approach targets three critical educational milestones: third-grade reading proficiency, college enrollment, and college degree attainment. The foundation works toward state-specific goals: Arizona's "Achieve60AZ" and Florida's "SAIL to 60," both aiming for 60% of working adults to hold postsecondary credentials by 2030.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates an invitation-only grant program. Specific grant amounts and program details are not publicly disclosed.

Priority Areas

  • Third-grade reading proficiency improvements
  • College enrollment initiatives
  • College degree attainment programs
  • Support for low-income students
  • Programs serving American Indian/Alaska Native students
  • Initiatives for Black and Hispanic students
  • Postsecondary education access and success

What They Don't Fund

  • Capital projects
  • General operating funds
  • Teacher recruitment programs
  • Professional development initiatives
  • Classroom materials (unless part of specific initiative)
  • Individual scholarship applications

Governance and Leadership

  • Paul Luna - President & CEO
  • Barbara Ryan Thompson - Executive VP & COO
  • Michael Chesin - Senior VP & CFO
  • Vincent Roig - Chairman
  • Vince Yanez - SVP Arizona Community Engagement

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. All grants are made by invitation only. Organizations that believe they align with Helios Education Foundation's mission and meet the eligibility requirements may contact the foundation at communications@helios.org to inquire about potential opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for funding, organizations must:

  • Hold 501(c)(3) status or be a public entity
  • Have operated for at least two fiscal years
  • Provide instruction or services in Arizona or Florida
  • Fall into one of these categories:
    • Community/cultural organizations
    • Education support organizations
    • Educational institutions

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only process

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed

Application Success Factors

Since Helios operates by invitation only, organizations should focus on:

  • Demonstrating strong alignment with the foundation's three focus areas
  • Showing measurable impact on educational outcomes for underrepresented populations
  • Operating programs that directly contribute to state attainment goals
  • Building visibility for successful programs in Arizona or Florida
  • Establishing partnerships with organizations already in the Helios network, such as Education Forward Arizona or Florida College Access Network

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Helios Education Foundation is invitation-only; there is no open application process
  • Focus exclusively on education initiatives in Arizona and Florida
  • Strong emphasis on equity and closing opportunity gaps for underrepresented students
  • Partnership approach is central to their strategy - collaborate with other organizations in their network
  • Must demonstrate clear alignment with state postsecondary attainment goals
  • Capital projects and general operating support are explicitly excluded
  • Contact communications@helios.org to explore potential alignment before any formal approach

References

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