Investing in Innovation (i3) Grant Program

Posted by Beth DuBose on Nov 04, 2009

For districts looking for a way to help fund Response to Intervention there is a possible $650 milllion in new funding available.  The U.S. Department of Education has instituted the Investing in Innovation, or i3, Fund, and plans on accepting applications in early 2010, with all applications due in spring of 2010. The fund is being setup to accelerate the creation of programs and processes that support the development and adoption of effective solutions.

All i3 funding will be handed out by September 30, 2010.

This fund will provide competitive grants that expand the implementation of, and investment in, innovative and evidence-based practices, programs, and strategies that significantly:

• Improve K-12 achievement and close achievement gaps


• Decrease dropout rates


• Increase high school graduation rates


• Improve teacher and school leader effectiveness

The U.S. Department of Education released a fact sheet in October and hosted a webinar to discuss the notice of proposed priorities for the i3 Fund. For more information on the purpose of the Investing in Innovation Fund and the proposed program requirements, visit the U.S. DOE i3 website.