Engelmann Foundation
The Engelmann Foundation (Eugene, OR) continues the legacy of Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann by supporting, promoting, and developing Direct Instruction through educator grants, training opportunities, and access to DI curriculum. The site describes grant programs (conference and general grants) and publishes foundation success stories.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations or individual educators implementing Direct Instruction who seek modest, program-specific support (conference scholarships, training, or curriculum access) and can demonstrate direct alignment with the foundation's mission.
Good Fit
- • Request is for Direct Instruction conference scholarships, training, or curriculum access.
- • Asking for a modest grant amount consistent with prior awards (roughly a few thousand to ~20K).
- • Applicant can document direct instructional practice or partnership with recognized DI providers.
- • Applicant is willing to be considered for a preselected award or nominated for support.
- • Applicant is flexible on timing (rolling/rolling-style award process).
Geography
Grants in the latest year went to recipients in 11 different states/regions and the majority of dollars were sent outside the foundation's home state, indicating a broad national and some international footprint.
Recipient Variety
Each observed year shows double-digit distinct recipients (11–17), and prior-year data shows a high share of new recipients, so the foundation funds a wide range of independent organizations and individuals for its size.
New Applicants
Behavior shows meaningful turnover and many new grantees in prior years, but the foundation explicitly states it funds only preselected applicants; combined with a public contact route this creates mixed evidence, so new entrants may be possible but likely need nomination or relationship entry.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
