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Together with representatives from Patio Vivo, Nova Escola, and PROYECTIVIDA, HundrED Community Lead Alejandra Ycaza led a Spanish-language conversation that dove deep into the details and current status of education innovation financing in Latin America. You can find the full video (in Spanish) above, or read on for our English-language takeaways.
"Innovation isn’t improvisation — it’s about planning, piloting, and learning."
1. The funding environment is shifting — but uneven
There is growing interest from both local and global funders, especially around technology (AI, digital platforms). However, most funding goes to mature organisations, leaving smaller or riskier innovations struggling to secure support. These gaps need coordination and collaboration to be overcome.
2. Barriers are persistent and practical
Even when financial support is available, the process can be costly and needs to be planned around. Barriers include:
- Rigid funding structures: Money tied to narrow project lines, little room for experimentation.
- Slow bureaucratic processes: Long delays between applications and disbursement.
- Short-term expectations: Donors often demand quick results, while meaningful transformation takes time.
3. Philanthropy is filling gaps, but not enough
In countries like Chile, philanthropy provides more stable financing than government, but there is little tolerance for failure — despite failure being essential to innovation. Helping donors understand this can make them more willing to fund pilots or absorb the risks of experimentation.
4. Strategies that work
- Diversify funding sources: Don’t rely only on education grants — look to social innovation, environment, or technology funds.
- Start small, prove impact: Pilot projects, theses, and low-cost MVPs build credibility and open doors to larger funding.
- Systematise and document: Evidence and clear storytelling are critical for attracting partners and scaling impact.
- Leverage networks: Visibility in competitions, incubators, and panels creates connections that lead to funding.
- Strong governance matters: A committed board or advisory group can open new pathways and provide long-term guidance.
5. A long-term mindset is essential
Sustainable innovation depends on building long-term alliances, not chasing short projects. Innovators must think ahead when balancing today’s delivery with tomorrow’s financing. Collaboration between schools, NGOs, philanthropy, and governments is key to institutionalising change and creating more durable impacts.
The HundrED Community is actively tackling these issues. Join us for our upcoming Community Conversations by becoming an ambassador or following the conversation on LinkedIn.
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