Bezos Family Foundation

We recently invited partners and colleagues to reflect on the future by answering a simple question: What’s one inspiring or encouraging trend in the learning ecosystem you’re keeping an eye on?

One theme that emerged was growing momentum to strengthen the systems that support families with young children. From bipartisan progress on paid family and medical leave to new investments in early childhood and stronger recognition of early educators as essential community leaders, these efforts signal a broader shift toward valuing early care and education as foundational to thriving families and communities.

Hear more about the 2026 ideas that have the Bezos Family Foundation’s attention—and our optimism on our website: https://ow.ly/LGue50Y1TlN

Congratulations to Rural Schools Collaborative’s 2026 Grants in Place Fellows.

Each year, the Grants in Place program awards rural educators from across the country with funding to foster Place-Based Education projects that connect classrooms to their local area.

Learn more about the new cohort and how the projects they create will engage their students and communities:

RSC Announces 2026 Grants in Place Awardees Welcoming the 2026 Grants in Place Cohort: Connecting rural classrooms to communities through Place-Based Education projects

At the start of 2026, we asked partners and colleagues a simple question: What’s one inspiring or encouraging trend you’re watching for the future?

One theme we heard again and again was the recognition that progress depends on widening who is seen, heard, and trusted as a source of knowledge and leadership—across generations, backgrounds, and first-hand experience.

Hear more about the 2026 ideas that have the Bezos Family Foundation’s attention—and our optimism on our website: https://ow.ly/LGue50Y1TlN

“I want that possibility for every child in Louisiana — where everyone is glad they’re here, welcome, and have everything they need to get a good start.”

Louisiana parents, providers, and policy leaders aren’t just talking about early childhood systems change — they’re building it. Geaux Far Louisiana is centering the people closest to the work to reimagine a more equitable system that meets real family needs.

Read how community-led leadership between Geaux Far Louisiana and the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is transforming the landscape:

Geaux Far: Where Families Lead — and Systems Change | Bezos Family Foundation Geaux Far: Where Families Lead — and Systems Change. How Geaux Far Louisiana is centering families and providers to reimagine an equitable early childhood system rooted in community leadership.

A decade of progress. A decade of lessons.

What will define the next ten years of early childhood education?

Join the Early Educator Investment Collaborative’s new webinar series, A Decade of Change, and be part of shaping what comes next.

Register now: https://ow.ly/ufvL50XgAw1

“In just one year, [the Center for Rising Generations] has gone from an idea to a force,” said Executive Director Kaya Henderson. “We’ve proven what happens when you bet on young people: they deliver big, they lead boldly, and they remind us that the future is here.”

From vision to impact, the Center for Rising Generations is reshaping what community engagement can look like—youth-led, innovative, and bold.

Read the full story: https://www.bezosfamilyfoundation.org/story/building-youth-led-systems-for-community-engagement

We are proud to introduce the inaugural cohort of the Jackie Bezos Researcher in Residence program.

Meghan Orman and Andrew Nalani have joined the Foundation for a yearlong fellowship to advance our research agenda, advise on the Foundation’s research investment strategy, expand grant and partnership opportunities, and elevate community-engaged research.

This prestigious role, named for our co-founder Jackie Bezos, reflects her enduring belief that science has the power to transform lives when it reaches educators, families, policymakers, and young people. We’re honored to continue her legacy through this program and excited to share the impact of Meghan and Andrew’s work in the year ahead.

👉 Meet the Researchers in Residence: https://ow.ly/4g1p50WUGTU

We are deeply saddened to share the loss of Jacklyn Gise Bezos.

To the countless people she touched throughout a remarkable life, Jackie was a fierce advocate and supporter, filled with heart for others, and never accepting the status quo.

We invite you to read the full announcement at BezosFamilyFoundation.org

What fuels today’s youth-focused leaders? For many of our partners, it’s their own powerful experiences as young people navigating civic life.

In our latest story, leaders from the Kentucky Student Voice Team, Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (ZYEP), Rhizome and Generation Citizen share inspiration from their own lives and offer wisdom to the next generation of changemakers.

📖 Read more: https://ow.ly/IE9850WEIyW

Adolescent Portfolio Partners Drive Change Inspired by Their Journeys | Bezos Family Foundation Leaders from our adolescent grantmaking portfolio share how their adolescent experiences motivated them to lead organizations serving young people today.

In collaboration with the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent, this TED-Ed site showcases the latest research on the science of adolescence. It features a collection of short, curated videos based on developmental science, all aimed at enhancing our understanding of this crucial stage of life.

The Science of Adolescence TBA.

Do you have a bold idea to help students and caregivers access clear, meaningful, and actionable information about K-12 education and development?

Cambiar Education is accepting applications until August 31st for the Thrive Grant, supporting innovations that strengthen student agency and caregiver empowerment.

Apply today! https://ow.ly/vyrg50WwSgi

The Bezos Family Foundation, in partnership with the William T. Grant Foundation, Spencer Foundation, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, is proud to announce the 2025 Institutional Challenge Grant awardees.

This year, research-practice partnership grants have been awarded to Boston University, Penn State, Tulane University, and The University of New Mexico - UNM.

Jody Rosentswieg, Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Bezos Family Foundation reflects on our investment: “We’re proud to support these efforts to deepen partnerships between universities and state or community agencies to identify research questions and understand how data will strengthen outcomes for young people.”

Learn more about the impactful projects: ⬇️

Announcing the 2025 Institutional Challenge Grantees: Foundations Award $2.6 Million for Research-Practice Partnerships - William T. Grant Foundation The Trustees of the William T. Grant Foundation, Spencer Foundation, Doris Duke Foundation, and Bezos Family Foundation have approved $2.6 million in funding for the winners of the 2025 Institutional Challenge Grant competition. The four research-practice partnerships selected as this year’s Insti...