Quick look: OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative launches today, inviting districts to apply for up to $525,000 to bring innovative, student-centered ideas to life. Applications are open through Jan. 30, 2026.
Today marks the official launch of the Orange County Department of Education’s Innovation Funding Initiative, opening a new opportunity for school districts to propose bold, creative approaches that strengthen student engagement and achievement.
As part of OCDE’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan, the Innovation Funding Initiative was created to support new strategies — or novel applications of existing strategies — that address unmet needs in education and can be scaled or replicated across Orange County schools. Districts serving students in grades TK–12 are eligible to submit proposals for awards of up to $525,000 to support three-year projects.
OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative will provide funding for districts to pursue new strategies — or novel approaches to existing practices — with the goal of improving student outcomes.
Applications are being accepted beginning Dec. 3, with submissions due by Jan. 30, 2026. Awardees are expected to be announced in late February, and funded projects will launch in July 2026, continuing through June 2029.
“Innovation happens every day in our schools,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean. “This initiative gives districts the chance to take those promising ideas further — to test them, refine them and share what works so that all students can benefit. We’re excited to partner with educators across the county who are ready to think creatively about how we support our students.”
Innovation is defined as the implementation of a new strategy — or a creative adaptation of an existing one — designed to meet an unmet educational need. Innovative approaches should be thoughtfully designed, rooted in sound theory or evidence, and responsive to the needs of students and communities, with the potential to generate sustainable, scalable models that lead to improved student outcomes.
Districts can access eligibility details, application materials and information about technical assistance opportunities at ocde.us/InnovationFunding. For questions, contact grantsandfunding@ocde.us.