Parent-Powered Solutions Fund

Ascend at the Aspen Institute’s Parent-Powered Solutions Fund is the first parent-led fund model of its kind – designed, led, and evaluated by Ascend Parent Advisors to the Ascend at the Aspen Institute’s Postsecondary Success for Parents (PSP) initiative and funded by Imaginable Futures. This public fund supports nonprofit organizations and institutions focused on increasing postsecondary success among parents.

This fund is open to the public. Organizations and institutions that are supporting parents in completing postsecondary programs, including workforce development, career and technical education, and baccalaureate degree programs, are welcome to apply.

Organizations may apply for awards of $12,500; $25,000, and $50,000. Selected partners will also participate in a yearlong peer-learning cohort.

We look forward to supporting and advancing solutions, practices, and innovations that support student parent engagement and postsecondary completion. Read more in our announcement and download the RFP.

read the RFP

Ascend PSP Parent Advisor Jessica Pelton shares background on the Parent-Powered Solutions Fund and explains how it is transformative.

The application window is now open! Interested nonprofit organizations and institutions must review the Request for Proposal (RFP) and submit their proposal (application, narrative, budget attachment, and student parent reference survey) by 11:59 pm ET on Friday, September 8, 2023.

submit a proposal

PROposal RESOURCES & materials

We invite you to review the Parent-Powered Solutions Fund Request for Proposal (RFP). This RFP outlines the full funding opportunity, our goals, priorities, and the proposal guidelines.

Completed proposals must be submitted via the Parent-Powered Solutions Fund Portal. Please prepare the following materials to complete your submission, referencing all details within the full RFP:

1. Application as outlined in the RFP
2. Narrative responding to the “Proposal Guidelines” in the RFP (up to 3 pages maximum)
3. Budget Attachment (up to 1 page maximum)
4. Student Parent Reference Survey (2 submissions minimum)

watch our INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

We highly recommend that nonprofit organizations and institutions interested in applying to the Parent-Powered Solutions Fund watch our Parent Advisor-led informational webinar to learn more about the fund.

Read Q&A from the webinar

Frequently Asked Questions

Which organizations and institutions are eligible to apply?

Pilot and established programs within 501(c)(3) nonprofits, K-12 systems, and institutions of higher education are eligible.*

*Additional eligibility requirements are outlined in “RFP Guidelines” section of the RFP.

What is the purpose of the Parent-Powered Solutions Fund?

The Aspen Parent Powered Solutions Fund was created by Ascend Parent Advisors to the Aspen Postsecondary Success for Parents (PSP) initiative, and funded by Imaginable Futures, to support nonprofit organizations and institutions focused on increasing postsecondary success among parents. The fund will support and advance solutions, practices, and innovations that help increase student parent engagement and postsecondary completion. Among other methods of direct engagement, resources can be used to include students parents in decision-making processes, to hire student parents, to have parents as consultants on work, etc.

Who is considered a student parent?

A ‘student parent’ is any parent enrolled in a postsecondary program such as a community college, four-year university, workforce development or trade programs, and/or certificate programs.

Our definition of a parent is inclusive and encompasses a person who is pregnant, a parent with at least part-time custody, or a guardian (officially or unofficially) of a child under age 18. This definition also encompasses foster parents, adoptive parents, extended family, and other caregivers.

How do you define postsecondary programs?

The Parent-Powered Solutions Fund is open to organizations and institutions that are supporting parents in completing postsecondary programs, including workforce development, career and technical education, and baccalaureate degree programs.

What forms of technical assistance will be provided to Parent-Powered Solutions Fund partners?

Each partner will be paired with two of our Parent Advisors who are current student parents or recent graduates. In addition, Ascend will host quarterly convenings bringing together all selected partners. Partners will also be invited to join the Ascend Network.

Are alumni allowed to fill out the student parent recommendation survey?

Yes, but at least one of the recommendations needs to be completed by a current student parent.

How firm is the deadline?

Firm. Responses are due by 11:59pm ET on Friday, September 8, 2023.

Who should I contact if I have technical difficulties with the submission or further questions?

Please send all questions to ascendpsp@aspeninstitute.org.

Can I apply for any amount?

No. There are three funding options: $12,500; $25,000; and $50,000.

If I was already granted a Parent-Powered Solutions Fund grant, am I eligible to apply again?

No, past awardees are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.

Building a ladder to intergenerational prosperity through education

LEARN ABOUT THE postsecondary success for parents initiative

Parent-Powered Solutions Fund

PROposal RESOURCES & materials

2023 Parent-Powered Solutions Fund Request for Proposal (RFP)

Proposal Budget Template

Student Parent Reference Survey

watch our INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

Frequently Asked Questions

Building a ladder to intergenerational prosperity through education

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2023 Parent-Powered Solutions Fund
Request for Proposal (RFP)