Google.org Commits $50 Million for Education Nonprofits

Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google that supports education technology initiatives, has committed $50 million over the next two years to support nonprofits that are using technology to help tackle problems impacting education globally.

Google.org has, over the last five years, spent $110 million supporting various efforts to use technology to close gaps in education access and bring technology to education. This latest effort represents the largest commitment in Google.org's history. Grants are focused on three areas:

  • Access to "quality learning materials" for more students;
  • Teacher professional development; and
  • "Reaching students in conflict zones."

According to Google, nine grantees have been selected so far, and more will be chosen by the end of this year. Grantees include:

  • Foundation for Learning Equality, which offers an open source platform that allows offline access to online materials for those who lack consistent internet access;
  • Million Sparks Foundation, which offer a platform called ChalkLit that provides standards-aligned content designed to help teachers; and
  • War Child Holland, which provides a year's worth of curriculum aligned to national standards for students in war/conflict zones. (A complete list of grant recipients can be found on Google.org.)

Google.org Education Lead Brigitte Hoyer Gosselink wrote in a blog post today: "Through Google.org, we've given more than $110 million over the past five years to help close gaps in education — whether globally through early and ongoing support for innovators like Khan Academy or focused specifically on how we can support future technologists through our support for CS education organizations. Today, we're expanding on those commitments with our largest dedicated portfolio of $50 million over the next two years to support nonprofits who are building tech-based learning solutions that tackle these challenges. To start, we're funding nine organizations around the world that we will also support with Googler volunteers in areas like user experience design, translation, offline functionality and data analytics. By the end of 2017, our goal is to give grants to education nonprofits in 20 countries. And later this year, we'll be looking for the next round of innovators to join them."

Additional details about the program and the grant recipients can be found on Google's blog.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • split-screen digital illustration of two AI-influenced classrooms

    What AI Gets Right and How It Will Be Used in the Year Ahead

    AI has tremendous potential to do good in education while honoring and upholding the essential role of teachers. However, its success will depend on how we choose to use it.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • A geometric pattern of open Chromebook computers with bold outlines, subtle shading, and soft gradients, spaced evenly with vibrant green and blue accents on a neutral background.

    Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for the 'Great Chromebook Refresh'

    During the pandemic, the education community scrambled to provide students with laptops to promote online learning equity and mitigate learning loss. Today, those devices are approaching the end of their useful lives — and a "great Chromebook refresh" has been predicted as schools seek to replace them with newer models.