Each year, SPN invests more than $6 million in targeted investments in our Network. We believe that strategic grantmaking enables us to invest in the right opportunities in the right state at the right time.
FOR MEMBERS: Click here to access your grants portal
SPN offers three main Grant Services:
- RFP Programs: SPN partners with reputable funders to offer Request for Proposal (RFP) opportunities that undergo a rigorous review and reporting process. Generous donors seeking to invest in policy reforms in the states contribute to SPN’s State Solutions Grant Funds. These funds support state think tank issue campaigns that pursue opportunities identified in our policy working groups. Invitations to issue campaign grants is determined by available funds and donor intent.
- Grant Strategy: SPN’s grantmaking team is available to speak with affiliates at any time regarding their current and future initiatives in order to help identify funding opportunities.
- Proposal Coaching: SPN’s grants team advises our affiliates on best practices for delivering high-quality grant reports that measure impact and communicate donor ROI. If you have questions about the best way to convey your organizational accomplishments resulting from a particular grant, they will be happy to consult with you.
State Policy Network endeavors to inspire and raise the level of effectiveness of affiliate members so that they can be forces for the public good. One way SPN accomplishes that goal is through recognizing and celebrating the state think tanks, allied organizations, and Network leaders who are pioneering new solutions and avenues toward lasting social change, personal freedom, and opportunity at the state and local level.
Bob Williams Awards for Outstanding Policy Achievements
The Bob Williams Awards for Outstanding Policy Achievements celebrate affiliates doing exceptional work to develop and disseminate credible policy research and ideas that can help states implement free-market solutions that will have national impact.
Learn more here.
Communications Excellence Awards
The SPN Communications Excellence Awards recognize and encourage outstanding achievements in marketing, communications, and media across the Network affiliates.
Learn more here.
Overton Award
The Overton Award recognizes nonprofit leaders in the state-based, free-market Network who embody the qualities of leadership, loyalty, humility, and support for the cause of liberty. The award also honors these leaders for giving generously of their time, talent, and experience to support their peers and build up state-based leaders across the Network.
Learn more here.
Philanthropy Impact Award
SPN’s Philanthropy Impact Award recognizes a development professional in the state think tank Network who has made an indispensable contribution to their organization’s fundraising success.
Learn more here.
Thomas A. Roe Award
The Thomas A. Roe Award pays tribute to those in the state public policy movement whose achievements have greatly advanced free-market philosophy and policy solutions. It recognizes leadership, innovation, and accomplishment in public policy.
Learn more here.
About Ed-Prize
Ed-Prize recognizes and accelerates innovative, forward-thinking projects that offer creative solutions to current and future K-12 challenges.
The prize is awarded annually to projects that support State Policy Network’s vision of a future where all children have the chance to pursue an education in an environment where they can thrive.
Grant award amounts range from $20,000 to $75,000 and winners meet with SPN staff quarterly to report on progress during the 12-month period of the grant.
Winners are recognized at SPN’s Annual Meeting where, in 2024, more than 1,500 leaders from 500 organizations and 50 states gathered. Any applicant who offers a promising solution may be connected to our nationwide Network where solutions can be expanded to communities across the country.
Visit spnlaunchpad.org for more information and deadlines.
About the Pathways to Prosperity Prize
Supported by grants from the John Templeton Foundation, Rising Tide Foundation, and the Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, the Pathways Prize inspires and accelerates projects that offer market-based solutions to the many challenges poverty presents to our communities.
The Pathways to Prosperity Prize was awarded for the first time in 2024.
The Pathways Prize is highly competitive, and a limited number of awards will be made. Grant award amounts range from $20,000 to $75,000 and winners meet with SPN staff quarterly to report on progress during the twelve-month period of the grant (Q3 2025-Q3 2026).
We expect applications from those working in education, health, housing, food, economic development, social welfare, social connection, and criminal justice. Applicants may be able to draw attention to efforts in areas not mentioned above, so we welcome projects in areas not listed as long as they meet the prize guidelines and requirements.
Visit spnlaunchpad.org for more information and deadlines.
