KLE Foundation

OVERVIEW:  The KLE Foundation’s primary mission is to provide quality educational opportunities to underserved communities

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Its maintains a minimal website that appears to be updated infrequently, and while it provides information on its grant programs, the foundation is fairly tightlipped about the timeline for its application process.

PROFILE: Founded in 1997, the KLE Foundation was established by Dell and Apple veteran Eric Harslem and his wife Rani Clasquin, a longtime lawyer. Harslem and Rani are both the grandchildren of immigrants, and grew up in modest homes. Harslem has said the foundation focuses its giving on “evidence-based programs that get results.” The foundation primarily seeks to provide quality educational opportunities to underserved communities. It prioritizes STEM and English education, literacy and job skills.

Grants for STEM Education and K-12 Education

KLE’s Innovation Grants “support education innovation in central Texas [and] provide up to $1 million for new schools and up to $200,000 for pilots at existing schools that pursue innovations in blended and personalized learning.” Its K12 Pathway Grants “support computer science in central Texas [and] provide up to $250,000 for vertical teams (elementary, middle, high schools) to build out CS pathways that are accessible to all students during the school day and lead to successful completion of the College Board AP Computer Science Principles course and exam.”

In 2016, Harslem and Rani, through KLE Foundation, gave a $16 million gift to IDEA Public Schools to expand its charter network in Austin. Other past grantees include the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, RE(Public) Schools, Austin Achieve Public Schools, University of Texas Foundation, and Texas State University, towards the Mathworks Endowment at Texas State University - San Marcos. The family has also supported places like Austin Community Foundation and Boys and Girls Clubs of Austin.

Important Grant Details

The KLE Foundation accepts applications via its online form, which is opened sporadically without a clear schedule or annual deadline. In a recent tax year, the foundation gave away around $805,000. Grants range from $1,000 to $1 million, but the most common amount is $25,000.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

The KLE Foundation accepts one-page LOIs via email at kle@elks.ws or mailed to: 

KLE Foundation
P.O. Box 163991
Austin, TX 78716