The Opportunity Trust
The Opportunity Trust is a St. Louis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 that invests philanthropic and federal funds across grants, fellowships, data tools, and policy advocacy to expand access to quality public schools in the St. Louis region and statewide Missouri.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersSt Louis, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Opportunity Trust does
The Opportunity Trust is a St. Louis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 that invests philanthropic and federal dollars across five interconnected areas to expand access to quality public schools in the St. Louis region and statewide Missouri: parent and student advocacy, school building and capacity expansion, educator talent cultivation, data transparency and research, and education policy. It serves schools, districts, educators, families, and community stakeholders primarily through grants, fellowships, and advocacy rather than through a unified commercial product. Its core technology assets are the Missouri Education Data Explorer (MEDE/MADE), a transparency tool for school performance data, and School App STL, a common enrollment platform serving eleven charter schools. The organization also operates fellowship programs (Instructional Leadership, Innovative Schools, School Board, Gateway Teaching), bootcamps, the STL Pre-K Cooperative, the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge, the Charter School Program (CSP) grant administration, and the Next Prep skilled trades initiative. Its business model is donation- and grant-funded: it raises philanthropic dollars from individuals, corporations, and foundations and administers federal and state pass-through grants (most notably the $35.5M U.S. Department of Education CSP-SE grant, the first awarded in Missouri), passing 90% of CSP funds directly to schools as subgrants. Cumulative funding raised exceeds $40 million in the first five years, with major corporate and institutional partners including Emerson ($1M literacy initiative) and Bloomberg Philanthropies ($8M Next Prep allocation). The organization has stated a public goal to increase the share of St. Louis children attending a quality public school from 12% (at founding) to 25% by 2028.
The Opportunity Trust firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Opportunity Trust
- Legal name
- The Opportunity Trust
- Website
- https://theopportunitytrust.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Opportunity Trust is a St. Louis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 that invests philanthropic and federal funds across grants, fellowships, data tools, and policy advocacy to expand access to quality public schools in the St. Louis region and statewide Missouri.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Opportunity Trust industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Education Nonprofit Services
- NAICS
- Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Grantmaking Agencies & Education Program Grants Administration (EDADAHAD), Public Charities & Grantmaking Intermediaries (BPAGAKAE), K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits (BPAGADAB)
Keywords
Where The Opportunity Trust is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- St Louis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Opportunity Trust business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Philanthropic Donations: The organization raises and invests philanthropic dollars from donors to fund grants, fellowships, and operational activities. They are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with EIN 82-1838644.
- Federal Grants Administration: The Opportunity Trust administers the $35.5 million U.S. Department of Education Charter School Program State Entity (CSP-SE) grant, passing through 90% directly to schools as subgrants.
- Donations: Individual and organizational donations from the public, with transparent 990 filings available for donors.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Opportunity Trust product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Opportunity Trust is a nonprofit grantmaker and program administrator that increases access to quality public schools in St. Louis and across Missouri. It distributes philanthropic and federal dollars through grants, subgrants, fellowships, professional development, parent advocacy support, and policy advocacy, and operates data and enrollment technology platforms (MADE/MEDE and School App STL) that serve schools, educators, families, and policymakers at no cost to recipients.
Product overview
The Opportunity Trust is a nonprofit education organization that does not operate a unified software product or platform. Its offerings consist of distinct programs and initiatives focused on educational improvement in St. Louis. These include data tools (Missouri Education Data Explorer/MEDE), an enrollment platform (School App STL), grant programs (Charter School Program, School Improvement Grant, Reinvention by Community), professional development programs (Instructional Leadership Fellowship, Innovative Schools Fellowship, School Board Fellowship, Gateway Teaching Fellowship, Instructional Leader Bootcamps), and career-connected learning initiatives (Next Prep, STL Pre-K Cooperative, Emerson Early Literacy Challenge). The organization functions as a grantmaker and program administrator rather than a technology product company.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- STL Pre-K Cooperative: Partners with early childhood programs to increase access to free, quality preschool where children achieve Kindergarten readiness.
- Next Prep
- Instructional Leadership Fellowship
- Innovative Schools Fellowship
- School Board Fellowship
- Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
- Missouri Charter School Program (CSP)
Products and services
- Missouri Education Data Explorer (MEDE/MADE) A data transparency tool that provides transparent state and local school performance data for Missouri, enabling school leaders, policymakers, and parents to access and analyze educational outcomes.
- School App STL A streamlined common enrollment application platform that allows St. Louis families to explore and apply to multiple charter schools through a single digital process and unified deadline.
- Charter School Program (CSP) Subgrant Administration A five-year subgrant program distributing $35.5 million in federal funds to new, expanding, and replicating charter public schools across Missouri, with 90% of funds passed directly to schools as subgrants.
- Emerson Early Literacy Challenge A two-year immersive literacy initiative that provides funding (up to $205,000 per LEA) and expert guidance to participating Local Education Agencies to close literacy gaps and achieve reading proficiency by 3rd grade.
- School Improvement Grant Direct grant funding provided to traditional district and charter schools, nonprofits, and government organizations for capacity building, expansion, curriculum development, research, and strategic planning aligned to five dimensions of high-quality schools.
- Reinvention by Community (RBC) Grant A small grant program supporting individuals and teams implementing community-developed innovative ideas addressing student and educator needs, with award decisions made by an Advisory Committee of community members most affected by school conditions.
- Instructional Leadership Fellowship A two-year professional development and coaching cohort for experienced educators demonstrating leadership potential, providing immersive professional learning centered on achieving equitable instructional excellence.
- Innovative Schools Fellowship A two-year fellowship for visionary leaders to design, pilot, and launch world-class schools in response to family and community needs in St. Louis, with access to school startup funding and executive development.
- School Board Fellowship A six-month cohort experience that elevates the role of school boards, educating educators, parents, and civic leaders on effective board governance and strategies for governing effectively.
- Gateway Teaching Fellowship A fellowship program providing recent graduates and career changers with hands-on teaching experience in select schools committed to continuous improvement, supported by personalized coaching and professional development.
- Instructional Leader Bootcamps Short-term professional development sessions providing instructional leaders with high-leverage technical and leadership skills that can be immediately applied to improve student achievement and teacher development outcomes.
- STL Pre-K Cooperative A collaborative initiative partnering with non-profit, for-profit, center-based, and family childcare programs to increase access to free, quality preschool and Kindergarten readiness, drawing down state and local pre-K funding and supporting adoption of high-quality curriculum.
- Next Prep An initiative connecting high school students to career-connected learning, employer partnerships, industry-recognized credentials, and direct pathways into high-demand careers including electrical work, carpentry, construction, HVAC, welding, and advanced manufacturing.
Quantifiable outcome
- 86% teacher retention rate for STLTR alumni teachers remaining in classroom
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use The Opportunity Trust
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Opportunity Trust technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
The Opportunity Trust partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Civil Design Inc.coreEmployer partner in Bloomberg Philanthropies skilled trades initiative through Next Prep, providing hands-on training and apprenticeship pathways in manufacturing and building trades.
- Craftsmen IndustriescoreEmployer partner in Bloomberg skilled trades initiative providing work-based learning experiences and apprenticeship opportunities for high school students.
- Hoffman BrotherscoreBuilding trades employer partner in Next Prep skilled trades initiative offering apprenticeship preparation and career pathways for students.
- Independent Electrical ContractorscoreElectrical trades union partner in Bloomberg initiative providing registered apprenticeship and training opportunities in electrical work for high school students.
- Mid-America Carpenters UnioncoreCarpenters union partner in skilled trades initiative providing apprenticeship preparation and career pathways in carpentry and construction.
- Quest Specialty ProductscoreManufacturing employer partner in Next Prep initiative offering technical training and industry credentials in advanced manufacturing.
- Seyer IndustriescoreManufacturing partner providing apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities in advanced manufacturing through Next Prep.
- Streib ElectriccoreElectrical contractor partner offering apprenticeship preparation and career exploration in electrical trades through Next Prep.
- True ManufacturingcoreManufacturing employer providing technical training, industry credentials, and apprenticeship preparation through Next Prep skilled trades program.
- Gateway Science AcademycoreCharter school partner in Bloomberg skilled trades initiative, offering career-connected learning pathways for high school students in electrical and building trades.
- Kairos AcademiescoreCharter school network partner in Next Prep initiative providing career exploration and apprenticeship pathways for students including healthcare and skilled trades.
- University City High SchoolcoreTraditional district high school partner in Bloomberg skilled trades initiative, participating in career-connected learning and apprenticeship programs.
- St. Louis Community CollegecoreHigher education partner providing dual enrollment, technical curriculum alignment, and pathways from high school apprenticeships to college credentials and careers.
- Missouri Charter Public School AssociationcoreCo-host of Charter Communicators Community of Practice. Partnership on School App STL common enrollment platform serving eleven charter schools.
- Show Me KC SchoolsminorProvided expertise and integrated enrollment platform processes for School App STL, modeled after Show Me KC Schools successful platform in Kansas City.
- Beginning FuturescoreEarly childhood education partner founding the STL Pre-K Cooperative. Operates preschool classrooms and provides expertise in early childhood development.
- SouthSide Early Childhood CentercoreEarly childhood education partner in STL Pre-K Cooperative since 1886. Operating classrooms in partner school buildings, expanding to serve 80 additional students.
- Navigate STL SchoolsminorParent and family organization supported through grants, helping families navigate public education systems.
- Bridge 2 HopecoreParent advocacy organization incubated by The Opportunity Trust. Provides parent educator training and advocacy support for North St. Louis families.
- ActivateSTLminorParent and community engagement organization supported through grants for education advocacy work.
- SchoolApp STLcoreStreamlined common enrollment application platform for eleven charter schools, making it easier for families to explore and apply to schools.
- Go Beyond GradesminorParent engagement and literacy initiative (Missouri Read Lead Exceed) supported through grants and policy advocacy.
- Teach St. LouiscoreTeacher talent pipeline initiative investing in strategies and programs to increase the number and diversity of teachers committed to working in St. Louis community.
- Gateway Teaching FellowshipcoreFellowship program providing recent graduates and career changers with hands-on teaching experience in select schools, supported by coaching and professional development.
- Civic Impact CoalitioncorePartnership on School Board Fellowship, bringing together aspiring school board members and education advocates to improve student outcomes.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Opportunity Trust competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- EdReports: EdReports is a nonprofit that provides free, evidence-based reviews of K-12 instructional materials to support informed school decision-making. It is comparable as a data/transparency-oriented education nonprofit, though narrower in scope than The Opportunity Trust's MEDE tool.
Direct peers
- Teach For America: Teach For America recruits and develops leaders committed to expanding educational opportunity, including in St. Louis. The Opportunity Trust's CEO Eric Scroggins is a former TFA executive, and the organizations collaborate on teacher pipeline initiatives through Teach St. Louis.
- StriveTogether: StriveTogether is a national nonprofit network supporting cradle-to-career education partnerships in communities across the U.S. It is comparable as a community-anchored, multi-pillar education improvement organization focused on measurable outcomes for students.
- City Fund: City Fund is a national philanthropic initiative specifically focused on expanding access to high-quality public schools, particularly charter schools, in select U.S. cities. It is the most direct comparable to The Opportunity Trust given its focus on city-level education system change through charter school expansion.
- Charter School Growth Fund: Charter School Growth Fund is a nonprofit that identifies high-performing charter school networks and provides growth capital to help them expand to more students. It closely mirrors The Opportunity Trust's charter-focused grantmaking and school incubation work.
- NewSchools Venture Fund: NewSchools Venture Fund is a national nonprofit that invests in education entrepreneurs and innovative schools to advance equity in K-12 education. It shares The Opportunity Trust's model of supporting new school development, talent pipelines, and education system reform through philanthropic grantmaking.
- The City Fund: Already listed; included again for completeness as the closest direct peer in the charter-focused education grantmaking space.
Broad incumbents
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: The Gates Foundation's K-12 education program is one of the largest U.S. education funders, investing in teacher effectiveness, school improvement, and data systems. While vastly larger and global in scope, its data transparency work and school improvement grants parallel The Opportunity Trust's MEDE tool and School Improvement Grants.
- Walton Family Foundation: Walton Family Foundation is a major national foundation focused on K-12 education reform, particularly charter schools and school choice. It operates at a much larger scale than The Opportunity Trust but pursues overlapping strategies in charter school expansion, parent choice, and policy advocacy.
- Ballmer Group: Ballmer Group is a philanthropic organization investing in economic mobility for children and families in the U.S., with a significant focus on K-12 education, including support for charter and traditional public schools. It is comparable as a multi-pillar education grantmaker pursuing system-level change.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Opportunity Trust social profiles
Digital presenceThe Opportunity Trust financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Opportunity Trust leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
The Opportunity Trust subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
The Opportunity Trust funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Opportunity Trust M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Opportunity Trust
What does The Opportunity Trust do?
The Opportunity Trust is a nonprofit grantmaker and program administrator that increases access to quality public schools in St. Louis and across Missouri. It distributes philanthropic and federal dollars through grants, subgrants, fellowships, professional development, parent advocacy support, and policy advocacy, and operates data and enrollment technology platforms (MADE/MEDE and School App STL) that serve schools, educators, families, and policymakers at no cost to recipients.
Is The Opportunity Trust a public or private company?
The Opportunity Trust is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Opportunity Trust founded?
The Opportunity Trust was founded in 2018. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Opportunity Trust based?
The Opportunity Trust is headquartered in St Louis, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Opportunity Trust make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Philanthropic Donations are the primary driver. The others are federal Grants Administration and donations.
Who are The Opportunity Trust's main competitors?
EdReports is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Teach For America, StriveTogether, City Fund, Charter School Growth Fund, NewSchools Venture Fund and The City Fund. Broad incumbents are Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Walton Family Foundation and Ballmer Group.
Does The Opportunity Trust have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Opportunity Trust.
What industry is The Opportunity Trust in?
The Opportunity Trust's product category is Education Nonprofit Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAK, Education Grantmaking Foundations, with a secondary code of EDADAHAD, Grantmaking Agencies & Education Program Grants Administration. Its NAICS code is 81321 and its SIC code is 8200.