Our Blog
As districts embrace the science of reading to improve literacy outcomes, there’s a real risk of squeezing out something just as vital to early learning: play. Meghan McCormick and Carly Roberts make the case that play doesn’t compete with explicit reading instruction. Instead, it helps build the very skills kids need to become strong readers in the first place.
In Q2 2025, our foundation awarded 52 grants totaling over $32 million. Here, we highlighted just some of the direct impact and ecosystem organizations we’re proud to support.
There’s broad scientific agreement that Pre-K programs can have positive impacts on children’s learning and development, but simply providing access to Pre-K isn’t enough—the quality of the program and the teaching matter. Meghan McCormick examines what we know about the important role high-quality instructional materials and professional learning play in strengthening Pre-K programs.
In Q2 2024, our foundation awarded 34 grants totaling over $14 million. Here, we highlight just some of the direct impact and ecosystem organizations we’re proud to support this quarter.
Play is a critical component of healthy cognitive and social-emotional development. However, young children’s opportunities for play are declining. Carly Roberts and Katelyn Fletcher outline the benefits of incorporating a research-based Playful Learning approach into the school day.
Decades of research have demonstrated the positive impact of Pre-K, yet critics argue that much of this evidence is old and that the impacts of modern-day programs are smaller and unlikely to be sustained—ignoring the research we do have on what works to strengthen Pre-K quality. Meghan McCormick dives into the current body of evidence, urging states and districts to follow the research when investing in early childhood education.
Here, we highlight stories of how our funding helped "Cyberchase," Khan Academy, Science Buddies, and Tools of the Mind unlock innovation—developing and launching new approaches, interventions, or models that address unmet needs.
Join us on Wednesday, January 31 from 1-2:30 p.m. ET for a special panel conversation to celebrate the launch of Overdeck Family Foundation’s 2023 Grantmaking & Impact Report. Leaders from 12 nonprofits across our portfolios will share how their organizations unlocked innovation, evidence-building, and growth this past year.
In Q2 2023, our foundation awarded 21 grants totaling over $9.4 million. Of these, six grants were new, eight were renewals, and seven were disbursements for ongoing pledges. Here, we highlight just some of the direct impact and ecosystem organizations we’re proud to support this quarter.
Join us on Tuesday, June 27 from 1-2:30 p.m. EST to hear from education leaders and practitioners who will share the latest research and on-the-ground lessons for how family engagement can improve kindergarten readiness and early school success in their states, districts, and communities.