Michelson 20MM Foundation

⭐ Investing in students means investing in the future.

Our 10-month paid fellowship gives California undergraduate students the opportunity to build advocacy skills, design real-world projects, and create meaningful change in their communities.

Former fellow Katie Wagman turned the experience and skills she gained through the program into her current role as a Policy Communications Manager, and continues to make an impact today.

“Fellows will learn how to identify community needs, produce a campaign plan that meets those needs, interact with different external partners, work with community members, and further their professional skills. Fellows will take the tools they learn with them on the rest of their professional journeys,” Katie shared.

If you’re passionate about building student power and creating change, apply today 👉 https://20mm.org/about/student-fellows/

We’re getting ready to launch the Student Basic Needs Spark Grants funding cycle!

We invite you to join us on May 19th for an informational webinar to explore this year’s focus areas, which include:

🔸Addressing student housing insecurity and affordability
🔸Strengthening equitable economic mobility and long-term student stability
🔸Actionable research, data, and strategies that inform policy and advocacy efforts

Connect directly with members of the grant committee, learn more about the application process, and hear about the work of past grantees.

Save your spot: https://20mm.org/event/2026-student-basic-needs-spark-grants-informational-webinar/

🎉We’re proud to announce the 2026 Open Educational Resources (OER) Spark Community Advisors!

These leaders bring critical perspectives from across research, student advocacy, and higher education to help shape this year’s Spark Grant funding cycle and ensure our work stays grounded in real-world experience. We’re excited to work alongside them to strengthen the OER ecosystem and support student success across California and beyond.

Get to know the advisors: https://20mm.org/news/2026-open-educational-resources-spark-community-advisors/

📣 Calling all student changemakers in California!

Applications are now open for our 2026 Undergraduate Student Fellowship Program. This 10-month program will fine-tune your foundational advocacy skills, support your leadership growth, and connect you with industry professionals for professional development. This is a paid opportunity at $20/hr.

📚 What you’ll gain:

- Project management, policy advocacy, and issue-area research experience
- Mentorship and networking with philanthropy, higher education, and practitioner leaders and advocates
- Tools to make lasting change on your campus and beyond

Deadline to apply: June 15th, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://20mm.org/about/student-fellows/

⏳ Last chance to apply. Today is the final day to submit proposals for the 2026 OER Spark Grants.

If you’re advancing Open Educational Resources (OER) or Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) degree pathways—through implementation, research, public awareness, or policy—this is your opportunity to secure funding to help expand student access, affordability, and success.

Applications close tonight, March 16th, at 11:59 pm PT.

👉 Submit your proposal now: https://20mm.org/spark-grants/

⏳ Last chance to apply. Today is the final day to submit proposals for the 2026 OER Spark Grants.

If you’re advancing Open Educational Resources (OER) or Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) degree pathways—through implementation, research, public awareness, or policy—this is your opportunity to secure funding to help expand student access, affordability, and success.

Applications close tonight, March 16th, at 11:59 pm PT.

👉 Submit your proposal now: https://20mm.org/spark-grants/

We look forward to reviewing bold ideas that move the field forward.

⏰ Only one week left to apply for the 2026 Open Educational Resources Spark Grants!
If you’re working on a project that expands access to or Zero Textbook Cost degree pathways, now’s the time to submit your proposal. We look forward to seeing your work to advance access, equity, and success in education.
Apply today: https://20mm.org/spark-grants/

📣 The 2026 Open Educational Resources Michelson funding cycle is now open!
We’re excited to invite proposals that strengthen and scale and Zero Textbook Cost degree pathways. Whether your work focuses on implementation, research, public awareness, or policy, this cycle is designed to support projects that improve student access, success, and affordability in California and beyond. We will be accepting grant proposals through March 16th.

Learn more and apply: https://20mm.org/spark-grants/

Tomorrow, join us for the Open Educational Resources ( ) Spark Grants Informational Webinar to learn about this year’s funding opportunity. Members of the grant committee will be available to answer questions, provide an overview of the application process, and highlight past awardees.

🗓️ February 18th
⏰ 11:00 AM–12:00 PM PT

Register: https://20mm.org/event/2026-oer-spark-grants-informational-webinar/

💡 Have an idea to expand OER or Zero Textbook Cost degrees?

Join us for the OER Spark Grants Informational Webinar on February 18th from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM PT to learn about this year’s funding opportunity.

We’ll cover:

✔️ Funding priorities and focus areas
✔️ How to align your project with our goals
✔️ Live Q&A with the grant committee

📣 Applications open March 2nd–16th. Don’t miss this chance to learn more!

👉 Register here: https://20mm.org/event/2026-oer-spark-grants-informational-webinar/

Michelson Philanthropies is proud to announce the appointment of Phillip J. Kim as Executive Director.

A leader within the Michelson ecosystem since 2009, Phillip brings deep institutional knowledge and a track record of turning bold ideas into measurable impact. Alongside an executive team with more than 50 years of combined service, he will guide our work across education, public policy, medical research, and animal welfare.

We look forward to this next chapter grounded in experience, driven by mission, and focused on lasting systemic change.

Pictured left to right: Phillip J. Kim (Executive Director); Miguel León (Managing Director, Michelson 20MM Foundation); Mayra Lombera (Chief Policy Officer); Jennifer Naitaki (Managing Director, Michelson Found Animals Foundation); Darice Bailey (Chief Financial & Operations Officer).

Read more: https://www.michelsonphilanthropies.org/michelson-philanthropies/executive-director-announcement/