Philanthropy has always been a powerful force for social change, and in education, its potential to drive equity has never been more critical. By investing in direct-to-family funding programs, philanthropists can provide the resources and flexibility families need while laying the groundwork for large-scale public policy adoption. But how exactly does philanthropy pave the way for equitable education? Let’s explore.

Philanthropy as a Proof-of-Concept Driver

Many of today’s most successful education funding programs began as small-scale pilots supported by philanthropic investments. For example:

• My Spark Denver was created after seeing evidence of the impact of RESCHOOL’s philanthropically funded learning dollars funds that have invested over $1 million in direct cash programs to expand access to out-of-school learning for Colorado youth. The $5 million My Spark fund was created via a cross-sector partnership with $1.5 million in private funding from Gary Community Ventures and a $3.5 million investment from the City of Denver, which enabled the program to serve 4,000 middle-school-age students with $1,000 microgrants per student. 
• The Virginia Learning Acceleration Grant (VLAG) program received federal ESSER funding but relied on private philanthropy, including $230,000 for family navigation support, to ensure that 12,500 families could access and utilize the funds​​.

These initiatives demonstrate how philanthropy bridges critical gaps, validates innovative models, and inspires public sector investment to scale impactful solutions.

Case Studies of Impact

Philanthropy-backed programs like those led by RESCHOOL and Outschool.org have not only transformed individual lives but also reshaped how policymakers think about education funding. By showing what’s possible, these programs have inspired systemic change and public adoption.

How Philanthropists Can Get Involved

• Invest Early: Support pilot programs to test innovative funding models and gather valuable data.
• Advocate for Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between philanthropy, government, employers, and community organizations.
• Focus on Equity: Prioritize programs that remove systemic barriers and target families furthest from opportunity by centering their needs into how they design and implement the programs.

Philanthropy has the power to drive transformative change in education. By working together, we can create scalable solutions that empower families and reshape the future of education. Download the philanthropy briefs today to learn more.

Over the past two weeks, RESCHOOL has been overwhelmed by the incredible generosity we’ve seen during both Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day. Thanks to the support of our community, we’ve made important strides in closing the enrichment gap and creating opportunities for every learner to thrive.

As we look back on these moments of collective action, we’re reminded why our mission—to make learning opportunities accessible to all—matters so deeply. At RESCHOOL, we see learning opportunities everywhere: in museum visits, neighborhood workshops, and hands-on exploration that sparks curiosity and growth. Our work is about making these moments accessible to all families and partnering with them to shape their own educational paths and create lifelong memories.

Why Learning Happens Everywhere

Traditional education systems often focus on a “one-size-fits-all” approach, emphasizing standardized curricula and classroom instruction. While this model serves many students, it doesn’t reflect the variety of ways young people learn and grow. Learning can—and does—happen everywhere.

For families, meaningful learning often takes place beyond the classroom walls—whether it’s a trip to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, a walk through the Denver Zoo, or an art workshop at the Denver Art Museum. These experiences help young people explore their passions, develop life skills, and connect with the world around them in new and meaningful ways.

RESCHOOL is committed to ensuring every family can access these enriching experiences. By expanding access to out-of-school learning opportunities, we’re creating an inclusive learning ecosystem that reflects each child’s unique path.

Families and Communities at the Heart of Learning

RESCHOOL believes that families should have the freedom to shape their children’s learning journeys. No one knows their children’s needs better than they do. That’s why our work focuses on supporting families with resources like Learning Dollars and Pick-a-Pass, which offers families options to choose the experiences that best align with their goals and interests.

Through partnerships with local organizations and cultural institutions, we’re not only supporting individual learners but also strengthening the fabric of the community. These collaborations help families connect, learn together, and create memories that shape their lives.

By placing families and communities at the center of our work, we’re fostering a more inclusive and flexible approach to learning—one that reflects the full spectrum of experiences that happen in everyday life.

Why This Work Matters

Educational equity means ensuring every child has access to the opportunities they need to thrive, no matter their background or financial situation. But when learning is limited to classroom-based models, many young people are unintentionally left behind.

At RESCHOOL, we’re broadening the definition of learning, and building pathways to resources that allow families to participate in life-enriching experiences like cultural programs, museum visits, and outdoor exploration. These learning ecosystems—networks of community resources and hands-on experiences—should be accessible to everyone.

With the support of our donors during Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day, we’re bridging the gap to ensure all families have access to these transformative opportunities.

Keep the Momentum Going

Although Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day have passed, the need for equitable access to learning opportunities remains urgent. Your continued support is critical to sustaining this momentum and partnering with families year-round.

• Become a Monthly Donor: Did you know that new monthly donations are still eligible for matching through the Colorado Gives Foundation? When you set up a recurring gift, your first month’s donation will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $100), doubling your impact while matching funds last.
• Make a One-Time Gift: Every contribution helps create opportunities for families to explore, learn, and grow. From cultural memberships to local partnerships, your support builds the pathways that families rely on.

Together, we can ensure that learning happens everywhere—for every child, in every community.

Donate Today

In the conversation about educational equity, a critical piece is often overlooked: the enrichment gap. This term describes the disparity in access to out-of-school learning opportunities between families with greater resources and those with fewer. These experiences — such as art programs, science camps, museum visits, and sports — play a vital role in a child’s development, yet they remain out of reach for many. This Giving Tuesday, we’re focusing on bridging this enrichment gap, ensuring every child has access to opportunities that enrich, inspire, and educate beyond the classroom.

What is the Enrichment Gap, and Why Does It Matter?

For many families, the high cost of extracurricular programs is a significant barrier to participation. Research shows that by sixth grade, children from economically advantaged backgrounds have accumulated 6,000 more hours of learning outside school than their peers from low-income families. These gaps in enrichment opportunities contribute not only to academic differences but also to disparities in social, emotional, and cognitive development. Out-of-school learning fosters curiosity, confidence, and a sense of exploration—all essential for lifelong success.

RESCHOOL’s approach to closing the enrichment gap emphasizes flexible funding and family choice. Our Learning Dollars and Pick-a-Pass programs offer families resources to participate in extracurricular activities, cultural events, and other out-of-school learning experiences. This flexibility ensures families can select experiences that fit their interests and schedules, helping children access learning that resonates with them personally.

Bringing Equity Beyond the Classroom

Traditional education systems often overlook the critical role that out-of-school experiences play in shaping a child’s worldview. RESCHOOL aims to redefine what learning looks like by expanding educational access beyond the classroom. Through community partnerships, we’re working to create an ecosystem where cultural and recreational resources are accessible to all, regardless of income. Programs like the Pick-a-Pass membership give families access to enriching institutions such as the Denver Zoo and Denver Botanic Gardens, where children can learn through hands-on experiences and exploration.

On Giving Tuesday, your support fuels these connections, creating a future where learning is inclusive, diverse, and empowering.

The Role of Community in Enriching Lives

RESCHOOL’s partnerships in Adams County highlight the value of community-driven enrichment. By collaborating with local organizations like Cultivando and the Colorado Soccer Foundation, we help fund programs that families specifically request—initiatives that reflect the community’s culture, values, and needs. For example, children in Adams County have taken part in the Colorado Youth Mariachi Program, which celebrates cultural heritage through music, and the soccer foundation’s programs, which build teamwork and leadership skills.

Supporting the Next Generation of Learners

When we address the enrichment gap, we’re investing in a future where every child has the chance to develop a rich, multi-dimensional educational experience. This Giving Tuesday, your support enables RESCHOOL to provide families with funding for these impactful out-of-school experiences. Let’s work together to make sure every young person has access to opportunities that spark creativity, cultivate skills, and expand their horizons beyond the school day.

Join us in closing the enrichment gap this Giving Tuesday, so every child has the resources to learn, grow, and thrive.

Are you ready to support Equity for Every Learner? Visit our donation page to contribute and help families access the learning opportunities they deserve. Every gift brings us closer to a community where all young people can explore, grow, and thrive.

Every young person deserves access to learning opportunities that ignite their passions, foster growth, and provide equitable access to resources. Through our Learning Dollars program, we’ve designed flexible funding models that help families overcome financial barriers to learning — allowing them to explore meaningful, out-of-school experiences on their own terms.

What Are Learning Dollars?

Learning Dollars provide families with the financial support to access resources and experiences that keep children engaged in fun, enriching, and educational activities. Whether it’s after-school programs, extracurricular camps, or specialized classes, Learning Dollars offers families the autonomy to invest in their children’s learning based on their unique interests and needs.

In a recent community-based initiative, RESCHOOL provided $12,500 in Learning Dollars to 25 children, with each child receiving $500. Families have used these funds to pay for educational tools, materials, and experiences that support their children’s academic and personal growth. By doing so, we supported families to bridge the gap between opportunity and access across communities in Denver, Aurora, and Adams County, where financial barriers can limit access to learning experiences.

These funds are more than just financial aid; they offer parents and youth more freedom and opportunity to participate in programs that suit their specific interests while expanding opportunities to discover new interests by engaging in activities from sports camps to art workshops. 

Why This Matters: Empowering Families and Expanding Access

The impact of Learning Dollars goes beyond the immediate educational opportunities. It broadens families’ networks, builds their confidence to access more spaces, and demystifies cultural and institutional barriers. By offering financial flexibility and providing support to navigate systems, we ensure that low-income and BIPOC families can engage with learning environments that may have previously felt inaccessible.

Moreover, this program helps to shift representation within cultural and educational institutions, fostering inclusivity and encouraging institutions to reflect the communities they serve.

How You Can Fit In

Whether you’re an organization, community partner, or donor, there are countless ways to get involved and help expand the reach of these essential programs. By supporting the Learning Dollars, you are directly impacting families’ ability to access transformative learning opportunities. Together, we can make sure that learning isn’t just limited to those who can afford it, it’s for everyone.

RESCHOOL’s Learning Dollars initiatives are an invitation for partners to join us in reshaping access to learning. To learn more about how your organization can support or partner with us, contact us today.

In a world where education systems have traditionally been one-size-fits-all, families experiencing systemic marginalization — often limited by lack of access and choice — are and have been demanding that learning environments be co-created in ways that reflect their values, needs, and aspirations. At RESCHOOL, we believe in investing in and supporting the efforts that families are actively making to shape their children’s education. Co-designing educational experiences is about rethinking decision-making in traditional systems and ensuring that learning opportunities reflect each family’s unique goals and experiences more equitably. 

For too long, systems have created barriers in ways where many families have had limited say in their children’s learning. The pandemic revealed much of what we all intrinsically know — that learning happens everywhere — in homes, communities, and everyday experiences. Families play a crucial role in fostering their children’s growth, whether by supporting schoolwork or exploring unique opportunities in their local communities. By co-designing learning ecosystems, we place families at the forefront, ensuring their voices are heard, respected, and valued in shaping the systems that impact their children.

Co-designing education isn’t just about choosing schools or extracurricular activities; it’s about partnering with families to create personalized learning paths that align with a child’s strengths, interests, and future goals. This means understanding families’ needs—whether it’s incorporating cultural experiences, hands-on projects, or offering flexibility in how, when, and where learning happens. At RESCHOOL, we have developed initiatives that support families in realizing their goals for shaping learning experiences tailored to their child’s unique journey.

Co-designing education has the potential to reshape not only individual learning experiences but also the educational system as a whole. By placing families and students at the center of decision-making alongside the wisdom of teachers and the broader educational community, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable approach to education. Co-design encourages students to take ownership of their learning, building their confidence and skills. It also enables families to continue advocating for their children’s unique needs, ensuring that education reflects their values and aspirations. Through this collaborative approach, we are witnessing a shift toward more flexible, personalized learning environments that serve diverse learners and communities.

As we look to the future, RESCHOOL remains committed to working alongside the most marginalized families to co-create education ecosystems that work for everyone and ensure that learning is learner-centered and inclusive of each family’s values. Whether through tailored learning experiences or community-driven initiatives, we are dedicated to supporting families and students to succeed on their own terms.