LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK (August 1, 2012)  Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors today announced grants from the California Education Policy Fund (“the Fund”) to advance education reform efforts that can boost student achievement and college and career success in California, especially among disadvantaged students. Totaling $3.1 million, the grants will provide general operating support to 8 well-established and newer organizations positioned to effect positive change in California’s education policies.

The Fund was established in 2011 with a leadership gift from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, building on its long-term leadership in education in California. The Fund is intended to support a balanced ecosystem of nonprofit organizations working to influence education policymaking in California, with an emphasis on policies that impact underserved students. The Fund regularly convenes grantees for capacity building activities, education and networking. 

"We have been pleased with the individual and collaborative efforts of the first cohort of grantees. While they bring different approaches and goals to the table, they share an ultimate focus of improving education outcomes through systemic change," said Melissa A. Berman, President and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, which manages all aspects of the Fund. "In this second year, the selected set of grantees complements those that are already part of the Fund, further strengthening the network of strong and engaged stakeholders working to improve opportunities for California's students."

CEPF invests in high-performing, action-oriented advocacy and organizing groups, as well as groups that focus on research, policy analysis and information sharing. This cycle’s grantees include:

The selected grantees work on a range of K-12 and community college policy-related issues, including but not limited to: standards and accountability; data systems; effective teachers; college readiness, especially for low-income students; and finance reform.

Grantees were selected from qualified organizations as part of a comprehensive application process. Proposals were reviewed by RPA and Capitol Impact, LLC., a Sacramento-based education-consulting firm, with the counsel of an independent Grant Award Advisory Committee, comprised of experts in education at both the K-12 and higher education levels. RPA is responsible for all final grant decisions.

For more information please visit http://rockpa.org/cepf

###

About Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) is a nonprofit organization that currently advises on and manages nearly $200 million in annual giving by individuals, families, corporations, and major foundations. Headquartered in New York City with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago, it traces its antecedents to John D. Rockefeller, Sr., who in 1891 began to professionally manage his philanthropy “as if it were a business.” With thoughtful and effective philanthropy as its only mission, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors has grown into one of the world’s largest philanthropic service organizations and as a whole has facilitated more than $3 billion in grantmaking to nearly 70 countries. RPA’s diverse staff of nearly 40 is led by experienced grantmakers with significant depth of knowledge across multiple issue areas.