Nonprofit awarded $1.5M to support teachers

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – The Indianapolis-based Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has awarded a $1.5 million grant to The Mind Trust to support schools within the city. The nonprofit says the funds come at a critical time following the shift to e-learning as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The organization says the funds will support a math instruction pilot program administered at eight Indianapolis public schools from three local school networks: Christel House Schools, Tindley Accelerated Schools, and Victory College Prep.

The organization was also awarded $25,000 from The Glick Fund in Indianapolis. The Mind Trust says the grant will be used to support professional development for educators focused on e-learning, social-emotional learning, and self-care.

“We are grateful to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and Glick Philanthropies for investing in our city’s schools and educators during this critical time,” said Brandon Brown, chief executive officer of The Mind Trust. “This funding will help develop Indianapolis educators and support needed progress to ensure educational equity for all students in Indianapolis.”

The nonprofit says the pilot will create scalable models for building teacher math instruction skill and efficacy that have been proven to lead to dramatically improved student learning. The pilot will also develop and codify leadership monitoring systems and teacher supports.

The Mind Trust and partner nonprofit Tennessee-based Instruction Partners hope to translate the work and lessons of the pilot to other networks, schools, and districts in Indianapolis and cities across the nation.