Innovation & Modernization Fund
Empowering Districts to Innovate
The Innovation & Modernization Fund provides additional grant resources to Michigan public school entities for technology projects that go beyond standard MiCloud services.
Whether your district wants to pilot an emerging technology, modernize a critical legacy system, or implement a creative solution to a persistent challenge — this fund can help make it happen.
Funding is competitive and awarded based on project merit, impact potential, and alignment with MiCloud's mission.
Types of Projects That May Qualify
Amazon Workspaces
Replace outdated computer labs with virtual computer labs. Why spend thousands replacing high-end desktops for AutoCAD and photo/video editing when you can easily run those same applications on their Chromebook?
Cybersecurity Enhancement
Implementing advanced security tools, zero-trust architecture, or security automation.
Data & Analytics
Data warehouse modernization, analytics platforms, or data integration projects.
AI Readiness
Deploy your own Open Enterprise GenAI platform using Vanderbilt University's open source Amplify AI. Deploy AI to your entire district while keeping your data protected and NOT feeding back in to train the LLMs.
Collaborative Innovation
Multi-district projects, shared services, or collaborative solutions that benefit multiple districts.
Application Process
How to apply for Innovation & Modernization Fund resources.
Submit Application
Complete the project proposal including goals, timeline, budget, and expected impact.
Applications due by October 31st, 2026
(opens in new tab)Review & Evaluation
Applications reviewed by MiCloud team and Advisory Committee using prioritization rubric.
Award & Kickoff
Award announcements on December 1, 2026. Approved projects receive funding allocation and MiCloud engineering support begins.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated based on multiple factors.
What We Look For
- Clear alignment with MiCloud's mission and cloud-first approach
- Measurable impact on district operations or student outcomes
- Potential to be replicated by other Michigan districts
- Demonstrated need and readiness to implement
- Support from district leadership
- Equitable impact across student populations
What's Not a Fit
- Projects with no cloud infrastructure component
- Hardware-only purchases with no modernization element
- Projects that duplicate existing MiCloud core services
- Ongoing operational costs without a project deliverable
- Projects without a clear success metric
- Requests that solely benefit a commercial vendor
Have a Project Idea?
We'd love to hear about it. Reach out to discuss your concept and learn whether the Innovation & Modernization Fund might be a fit.
Contact Us to Discuss