Funders to approach for Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy

Program Service Accomplishments:Form 990, Part III, Line 4a:Each year, MCAEL awards grants to support adult english language learning programs in Montgomery County, with funds provided by the Montgomery County Government. The grants both sustain and expand existing programs and help establish new programs, with the goal of increasing the availability and quality of english language instruction.Grant funding decisions are made by a volunteer grant review panel, organized by MCAEL and made up of a diverse group of community members.Community learning groups Responding to a need for english classes in communities that lack learning opportunities, MCAEL developed Community Learning Groups (CLGs), nine-week starter classes provided through partnerships with local schools, community centers, religious institutions, and businesses. The CLG model includes training new instructors, many of whom are members of the same community they are serving.Data analysisMCAEL collects, analyzes, and maps data from adult ESOL programs in the County to illustrate coalition work and impact. Our comprehensive, interactive storymap gives an overview of the adult ESOL landscape, helping mcael and coalition partners to identify areas that most need attention. Schools, and local organizations to advocate for the needs of the coalition and the people we serve. Community to ensure that we are addressing the needs, goals, and lived experience of current and potential learners, mcael has intentionally created welcoming, structured spaces for shared ideas and input:The MCAEL Advisory Group (MAG), made up of ESOL administrators and instructors, provides regular input on programming to ensure that we are responding to the current needs of programs, instructors, and learners. Our newly launched Learner Leadership Group (LLG) elevates learner voices so that their ideas, goals, and experiences are reflected in mcaels network programming and advocacy. MCAEL builds strong connections through in-person and online convenings, meetings, and conferences for the programs and the community.In fiscal year 2024, MCAEL served 514 instructors and program staff through professional development workshops and meetings (total meeting attendance, includes duplicates). All told, MCAEL connected with more than 50 separate organizations through its workshops and meetings for program staff and instructors, biennial professional development conference, and through providing e-news, instructional resources, technical assistance, etc. With funding from Montgomery County, MCAEL awarded about $1.47 million and $1.43 million in grant funding in fiscal years 2024 and 2023 respectively. The funding supported 24 organizations for 29 programs and 21 organizations for 27 programs, for the years ending June 30, 2025, and 2024 respectively. The Coalition serves about 16,000 adults…