The National Fair Learning Initiative (NFLI) built IEPNotes, a free, secure tool that helps parents of children with disabilities, and the educators, advocates, attorneys, and support professionals who work alongside them, manage Individualized Education Program (IEP) and advocacy records. Our beta is complete, and Version 1 launches in December 2026 / January 2027.
The need is large. 7.5 million U.S. students received special education services under IDEA in the 2022-23 school year, an all-time high (NCES), and their families often navigate the IEP process with little support. During beta testing, 200 users relied on IEPNotes to organize their records.
Our challenge is sustainability. To keep IEPNotes free for every family, we need reliable grant funding, but we don't yet have a funder pipeline, reusable grant materials, or in-house grant writing expertise. As a small organization led by our founder, we haven't had the capacity to research funders and develop proposals while building the product. We have not yet applied for grants, and we want to build our pipeline now so proposals are ready as Version 1 launches.
NFLI is a registered 501(c)(3) (EIN 33-5030435). Grant funding would support marketing, IT, hosting, security, development, outreach, and training. We'll provide our mission, budget, product demo, and founder's story, and we'd especially welcome a consultant with experience in education, disability, or technology funders..
By the end of this project, NFLI will be ready to pursue grant funding with confidence. The pro bono consultant will create:
1. A prospect list of 10-15 foundations and corporate funders aligned with disability rights, education, or education technology, including deadlines, typical award ranges, and notes on fit.
2. Reusable grant content: organizational background, statement of need, program description, and an outcomes and evaluation plan.
3. One complete proposal drafted for a priority funder, ready for submission.
4. A grant calendar for tracking upcoming deadlines.
Success means NFLI has a clear list of funders to pursue, polished materials we can adapt for future applications, and at least one proposal ready to submit.