Lessons in Targeting Philanthropic Dollars in Systems of Policy and Practice

• In Event: Homeless Students in New York City and Collaboration in Schooling Policy Reform

Abstract

Objective
While the research demonstrating the debilitating effects of homelessness on student’s education has been consistent, philanthropic dollars targeting students experiencing homelessness have been scant. Few foundations invest in homeless students through either formal or informal strategic priorities. An emerging philanthropic community is now turning its attention to homeless students and is turning “good law into action” (Wong, 2009). This research looks at the recent efforts of a foundation in NYC to provide financial support to school, community and shelter based initiatives focused on homeless students’ education.

Framework
Over the past three years as the numbers of homeless students in NYC soared, the foundation decided to fund applied research, pilot programs, scaling programs and nonprofit capacity building. Recognizing the impact of housing instability on educational engagement, opportunity and attainment, the foundation particularly sought to support homeless students’ well-being through a coordinated continuum of resources and supports. The foundation’s larger programs of loans, investments and grants focus on community development, education and social enterprise and prioritize the intersections of housing, schooling, and community engagement.

Scholarship on promising interventions was limited but the foundation made use of two developing strands of research in NYC concerning homeless students: one from an independent city agency, and another from a nonprofit organization. Additionally, the foundation conducted a literature review and listening tour to gain the input of over fifty scholars, policymakers, practitioners, advocates, technical assistance providers and other key stakeholders. Subsequently, the Foundation released a RFP inviting proposals to foster educational stability and academic achievement for students in temporary housing. Funds were made available for: direct services to students; the coordination of educational resources, programs and practices between nonprofit organizations, schools and shelters; efforts to address the impact of trauma on student learning; and opportunities for school staff, shelter workers and nonprofit youth works to deepen their knowledge and skills on the unique and central needs of homeless students. A preference was expressed for work in schools with a concentration of homeless students, parent engagement priorities, support to high achieving students; and connectivity to staff expertise within the NYC Department of Education.

Results
At the end of the first round of applications, the foundation selected seven grantees across NYC schools, shelters and community-based organizations. Grants focused on promising strategies for improving attendance, addressing trauma, increasing the awareness of teachers and other school staff, and coordinating efforts of service. In just one year of funded activity, grantees have created proof points of the positive impacts achieved by a high-quality standard of educational continuity for students while in shelter; tested and evidenced best practices in the coordination of school and shelter based communication and service delivery; and achieved success in braiding public and private funding streams and resources to ensure sustainability. Substantive challenges remain: public agencies do not always prioritize or foster authentic and deep coordination, which often leaves providers unsupported in their ability to iterate and innovate. Additionally, efforts between and even within a single public agency can be disjointed and siloed from one another.

Author

• Nicole R. Leach, Deutsche Bank