Michelson 20MM Foundation

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Michelson 20MM Foundation

We accelerate progress towards a more just world by investing in tech entrepreneurs, changemakers, and policy. Founded by Dr. Gary K.

Michelson in 2010, Michelson 20MM is positioned at the leading edge of innovation in education. The foundation has been catalytic in increasing access, affordability, and efficacy in higher education through the use of innovative technologies and new educational models.

08/21/2026

📹 Missed yesterday's Digital Equity Spark Grants webinar? The full recording is available now!

During the webinar, Cristal Mojica and Ryan Erickson-Kulas provided a detailed overview of the Spark Grants program, shared insights into our focus areas, and highlighted past grantees.

Watch the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6iWg91PyPY&list=PLDE5rhcpiAt-E8JuvUGTbpU6n0v1Of8Y4&index=7

08/20/2026

ICYMI: The recording of "Funding Strong Coalitions: Cross-Sector Coalitions That Deliver" is available now!

Thank you to our panel of experts—Ria Sengupta Bhatt, Mike Dennis, Ray Green, Monica Martinez, Maya Paley, and Laurel Tamariz— for sharing their insights and what they've learned from leading and supporting cross-sector coalitions.

We hope you'll join us for the next webinar in the series. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

🎥 Watch the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvymfxXMmgY&list=PLaQBn0sXHb_Q

08/18/2026

Interested in funding for digital equity work in California?

This Thursday, August 20th, join members of the grant committee to explore the upcoming Digital Equity Spark Grants funding cycle, opening August 31st.

For this funding cycle, we will focus on organizations that are doing work in California. We're interested in supporting initiatives that address:

-Digital Discrimination – Internet Access as a Civil Right
-Broadband as a Utility – Policy Advocacy and Civic Engagement
-Digital Equity and Economic Mobility

Register for the webinar: https://20mm.org/event/2026-digital-equity-spark-grants-informational-webinar/

08/17/2026

No single organization can solve today's biggest challenges alone.

Cross-sector coalitions bring together organizations with different expertise, perspectives, and resources to advance lasting systems change, but building these partnerships requires intentional strategy.

Tomorrow, join us for “Funding Strong Coalitions: Cross-Sector Coalitions That Deliver” to explore how funders can support cross-sector collaborations that deliver meaningful impact.

There's still time to register! https://20mm.org/event/cross-sector-coalitions-that-deliver/

08/11/2026

Are you working on big solutions for big problems in digital equity? The 2026 Michelson funding cycle opens August 31st, and we’re looking to support systems-level strategies that drive lasting change in California.

Join our informational webinar on August 20th to learn how your organization can receive funding for supporting initiatives that address our focus areas:

-Digital Discrimination – Internet Access as a Civil Right
-Broadband as a Utility – Policy Advocacy and Civic Engagement
-Digital Equity and Economic Mobility

Register for the webinar: https://20mm.org/event/2026-digital-equity-spark-grants-informational-webinar/

07/21/2026

Cross-sector coalitions have the power to tackle complex challenges, but what does it take to make these partnerships successful?
Join us on August 18 for “Funding Strong Coalitions: Cross-Sector Coalitions That Deliver,” where funders and coalition leaders will share practical strategies for building and sustaining effective collaborations.

You'll learn about:
• Effective governance structures
• Meaningful member engagement
• Planning for sustainability and purposeful exits
• Real-world examples of cross-sector collaboration

Whether you attended Part 1 or are joining us for the first time, you'll leave with actionable insights to strengthen coalition-driven systems change.

Register: https://20mm.org/event/cross-sector-coalitions-that-deliver/

07/17/2026

Always inspiring to spend time with the amazing Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) team! This morning we toured the future site of their Immigrant Welcome & Empowerment Center in Pico-Union. Supported in part by past Michelson Spark Grants, this space will provide vital resources to residents, including community internet.

06/26/2026

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Open Educational Resources Spark Grant!

This year's cohort is pushing the open education field forward through research and data that can help advocates, institutions, and policymakers make more informed decisions.

The Open Education Association and Bay View Analytics will build new data infrastructure to measure course material costs and OER savings across more than 1,000 institutions.

The UND Alumni Association & Foundation will examine automatic textbook billing models to better understand whether they truly save students money.

Together, these projects address some of the most pressing challenges in higher education and help strengthen the future of affordable learning.

Learn more: https://20mm.org/news/introducing-the-2026-oer-spark-grant-recipients/

06/25/2026

How can philanthropy move beyond individual grants to support lasting, collaborative change?

Next week's webinar on June 30th, “Supporting Effective Single-Sector Coalitions,” will explore practical strategies for funding advocacy coalitions, building shared leadership structures, and strengthening collective impact.

Register: https://20mm.org/event/supporting-effective-single-sector-coalitions

06/24/2026

We're thrilled to welcome Sergio Rodriguez Camarena to Michelson 20MM as Smart Justice Senior Program Manager.

Throughout his career, Sergio has worked at the intersection of immigration advocacy, criminal justice policy, and philanthropy, driven by a deep commitment to creating communities where people feel they belong and have access to opportunity.

As he joins the team, Sergio will help guide the future of our Smart Justice work, exploring evidence-based approaches that support public safety, economic mobility, and community well-being.

“What drew me toward justice work is my own lived experience. I grew up in a heavily policed community, where undocumented families were taught to live in fear rather than in safety. That left a mark. I’ve since then have worked to better understand what actually delivers safety—and in doing so, it’s led me to philanthropy, where I get to fund innovative and data-driven projects that aim to do just that."

Read more about Sergio and what inspires his work: https://20mm.org/news/welcoming-sergio-rodriguez-camarena/

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Los Angeles, CA

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+12132695777

Website

http://www.20mm.org/

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