The promised funding survey results

Bringing Montessori to your community is a beautiful, bold dream — and like so many dreams, it requires funding. The good news is? You’re not alone in this, and yes, funding is out there.

We recently sent out a survey in which I asked you, Montessori educators, founders, and dreamers about your experiences with grant funding. Your responses were honest, powerful, and eye-opening and they inspired me to create something just for you.

Here’s what you said loud and clear:

• “I don’t even know where to find grants.”
• “The whole process just feels overwhelming.”
• “I’ve never applied… it’s all so new to me.”
• “Even if I try, will I get it?”

The survey also showed that many of you are navigating big financial challenges, from buying Montessori materials to paying staff, to simply keeping your doors open. Most said you’d need anywhere from $5,000 to over $50,000 a year to make your vision sustainable!

Here are more key insights from the survey, as I promised: 

Your experience with applying for grant money

• 57% of you have not applied for a grant before.
• 100% of you said you are interested in learning how to find and apply for grants.

Your biggest barriers to applying for grants

• 53% said: “I don’t know where to find grants.”
• 50% said: “The process seems too complicated.”
• 3% said: “It’s a new concept to me.”

Your top financial challenges (based on recurring keywords in responses)

• Materials: 20%
• Salaries: 17%
• Rent: 17%
• Start-up costs: 5.7%
• Sustaining operations: 5.7%
• General operational costs: 2.9%

How much additional funding you need annually that you don’t have now

• 40% of you need $5,000 – $20,000
• 26% of you need more than $50,000
• 23% of you need $20,000 – $50,000
• 11% of you need less than $5,000

What would you use grant money for if you had access to it?

• 58% – Materials & Montessori equipment
• 58% – General equipment
• 39% – Expanding or upgrading facilities
• 3% – Salaries
• 3% – Buying a school

Thanks for your replies! Seriously, I am so thankful to have this information. And I can see that so many of you are struggling with funding.

But here’s the part that lit me up…

Every single one of you said YES – you want to learn how to find and apply for grants.

That’s exactly why I am inviting you to a free, hands-on workshop:

Fund Your Montessori Dream

A Free Workshop for Montessori Changemakers
April 3, 2025 at 5pm CET
Online (join from anywhere!)

Learn how to:

• Look for the right project idea and identify your funding needs
• Find the ideal funder who will want to give you money
• Learn how to ask for grant money so that you get it!
• Ask your biggest questions in a safe, supportive space.

This isn’t just another webinar. It’s a space to get real about money, mission, and making Montessori happen – together.

It does not matter if you’re just starting out or looking to expand or looking to get out of the survival mode, I designed this workshop to meet you where you are. No jargon, no pressure, just support, clarity, and tools you can actually use.

You don’t have to fund your Montessori dream alone. Grant money is there to help you. Let’s do it together. I will help you.

Sign Up Here

With so much love and belief in your work,

Mirka from MIP, Your Workshop Host & Montessori Advocate