The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has announced the launch of a new fund that will support innovative organizations working to reform education policy in California, with an emphasis on underserved students.

Established with a $3.5 million grant from Hewlett, the California Education Policy Fund (CEPF) will replace direct grants from Hewlett's education program, which announced a new strategic grantmaking plan in 2010. Building on Hewlett's long history of advancing education in the state and supporting key organizations that strengthen state education policy, CEPF will award grants to nonprofits with strong track records and well-developed plans to boost student achievement and college success, especially for disadvantaged students.

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors will oversee the new fund, which will begin accepting letters of inquiry in late April, while Capitol Impact, a Sacramento-based consulting firm, will advise the fund on its grantmaking strategy.

"We're thrilled that Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors will lead this effort," said Barbara Chow, director of the Hewlett Foundation's education program. "We hope to strengthen the fund over time, and we urge other donors across the state to join them in the work."