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Our Approach

We identify knowledge gaps and try to fill them. The gaps are important questions that if answered could move a field forward.
african-american teacher with students

The Opportunity

The amount of money we have is minuscule compared with the size of the sectors in which we work—the arts, school leadership, and youth development. We stretch our philanthropic dollar by developing ideas to make progress in these fields. Our funding has two purposes:

  • To support the efforts of our grant recipients
  • To develop and broadly share what's been learned from their endeavors. 
4 black students standing in a zoo on field trip

Insights to Expand Impact

Wallace works with partners in many communities nationwide. We're constantly learning from them and disseminating the lessons.  

5 black students sitting in a class at MacFarlane middle school, one student is raising his hand

Considerations for Public Policy

Wallace shares evidence-based insights from our work relevant to public policy.       

Equity

We believe equity means that fairness is embedded in the systems, structures, and practices of our society so that all people have the opportunity and supports they need to reach their full potential as human beings. What it takes to achieve equity varies from place to place, depending on local context and history. For that reason, we leave it to our grantees to define what equity would look in their communities and apply that definition to their work with Wallace.

4 children sitting on the floor in a classroom

               Our Work Cycle

Understand

We ask, “What is it that the field doesn’t know, that if it did know, could lead to a breakthrough?” Literature reviews, surveys, and conversations with field experts are among our sources for answering this.   

Generate

We design and carry out a strategy for an initiative that has two goals. One is to support the efforts of the participating grantees. The other is to develop useful ideas and information for the sector. 

Catalyze

We share publicly what’s been learned from the effort to advance policy and practice nationwide. The cycle begins again as the lessons spur a new round of inquiry into how we could help sectors progress further.   

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