First Opportunity Partners Grant Program

​Since the inception of the program, $809,970 has been distributed to fund 19 grant programs. Reported matching funds total $916,150, which brings the total economic impact of these grant programs to $1,726,120. Additionally, ongoing local support for projects seeded by this program far exceeds the total reported match.

As part of the FOP Venture Fund, beginning in 2008, the Walmart First Opportunity Partner Access and Success program funded nine innovative programs to enhance educational opportunities for at-risk, high-need students. (Read More) 

​Only CIC State Fund Members are eligible to apply for First Opportunity Partners funding. If you work for a private college or university, please contact the State Fund Member in your state.

Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) – Dreams to Degrees Initiative ($15,000)
ACI has identified key barriers to success in its existing programs that could be addressed by partnering with institutions such as charter schools, which present with a motivated group of college-bound students representing the First Opportunity Fund target population. ACI’s Dreams to Degrees builds on the lessons of ACI’s well respected College Readiness Program and College Success Network to develop a new college readiness/access/success model in collaboration with Noble Street Charter Schools, Chicago’s premier charter network.

Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) – Bridges Program ($50,000)
The OFIC proposes to create a “Deep Learning Model” within this new and expanded Bridges Program. Instead of two “touch points” a year at a school, “touch points” may increase to 8 to 12 times a semester. OFIC has learned that continual contact and reinforcement of concepts is vital to the effectiveness of programming.

South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) – Increasing FOP Participation in Undergraduate Research ($10,000)
This project will provide quality research opportunities and experiences in the STEM areas for SCICU students from underserved populations, such as first generation, low income, minority, and new American. The average student research project has a budget of $4,000; therefore, it is estimated that a minimum of five STEM-related research projects can be funded for the targeted student population through this initiative.

Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) – Enhancing Academic Experiences in the Sciences for Underrepresented Students ($25,000)
This grant will help underwrite a total of thirty-five undergraduate science research fellowships with the goal to enhance the academic experiences and career potential in the sciences for under-represented students at VFIC member colleges. In addition, students will be selected to present their research at regional and national presentation forums.

​Access the RFP and related material for the First Opportunity Partners grant program on the FIHE Community Site.