Federal grants can be a powerful way to secure funding for educational improvements that benefit students. Title' grants, are distributed to each state based on a formula, making them non-competitive. Once states receive the funding, they pass it on to local districts and schools.
These grants play a crucial role in supporting instructional solutions and engaging content. They are a valuable resource for educators, providing financial support to enhance education and improve student outcomes. 
•    Title I, Part A 
This legislation stands as a pivotal legislative initiative committed to ensuring educational equity for all students. Federal funding to districts with the express purpose to utilize the funds to aid schools with students who have the highest percentages of socioeconomic disadvantages.  By providing additional funding to address socioeconomic disparities, this program aims to create an inclusive learning environment where every student can meet and exceed state academic standards.
•    Provides funding to support all students meet challenging state academic standards.
•    Provides additional funding to state and local education systems with the intention that every student has an equal chance to receive a high-quality education and meet the academic standards set by the state.
•    Equal Educational Opportunity:
•    Guarantees every student has an equal chance for a high-quality education.
•    Aids schools with the highest percentages of socioeconomic disadvantages.
•    Qualification Criteria:
•    School is deemed Title I if:
•    40% or more of the population is low-income (funds for school-wide initiatives).
•    40% or less of the population is low-income (funds specifically for low-income students).
This program strategically allocates resources to bridge educational gaps, empower disadvantaged students, and foster an environment where every learner can thrive academically. For more details, visit the Title I, Part A website

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Title II, Part A
Title II, Part A plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape by focusing on effective teaching and leadership.  
Through strategic investments and targeted professional development, Title II, Part A strives to empower educators, improve teaching practices, and ultimately contribute to elevated student achievement. For more detailed information, you can visit the Title II, Part A website.

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Title III, Part A
Title III, Part A is dedicated to fostering the academic success of English learners by providing financial support, enhancing educator capabilities, and ensuring proficiency with grade-level content. For more detailed information, you can visit the Title III, Part A website.

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Title IV, Part A
Title IV, Part A is designed to address a holistic approach to education, promoting a well-rounded learning experience, ensuring student safety and health, and supporting the integration of technology for educational enhancement. The specific implementation of these components can vary based on the needs and priorities of individual schools and districts.
Key areas addressed by Title IV, Part A include:
1.    Well-Rounded Education:
•    Funding to support programs in areas such as arts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), physical education, and other subjects that contribute to a well-rounded education.
2.    Safe and Healthy Schools:
•    Initiatives to foster safe and healthy school environments, including violence prevention, mental health services, and drug and substance abuse prevention.
3.    Effective Use of Technology:
•    Supporting the effective use of technology to improve instruction and student learning.
4.    Professional Development:
•    Providing professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
5.    Community Engagement:
•    Encouraging community involvement and family engagement in education

Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) encompasses the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program.  The scope of Title IV, Part A is broad, aiming to provide well-rounded educational opportunities, ensure safe and healthy school environments, and enhance the effective use of technology.

Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER/EANS)
The Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, also known as ESSER/EANS (Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools), are federal funds allocated to provide financial assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools. These funds aim to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on elementary and secondary education. The primary objectives and allowable uses of ESSER funds include:
1.    COVID-19 Response and Mitigation:
2.    Learning Loss and Academic Impact:
•    Addressing learning loss among students due to the disruption caused by the pandemic.
•    Implementing interventions and support services to enhance academic outcomes.
3.    Technology and Connectivity:
4.    Professional Development:
•    Providing professional development opportunities for educators to adapt to new teaching methods and technologies.
5.    Social and Emotional Support:
•    Offering programs and services to support the social and emotional well-being of students.
6.    Equity Initiatives
7.    Other Activities to Support Safe School Operations:
•    Funding activities that support the safe reopening and ongoing operation of schools.
LEAs have flexibility in how they use ESSER funds to meet the unique needs of their students and communities, but they are required to use these funds to respond to the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the ongoing recovery efforts in education. Funds must be spent by March 2024, however, many states have requested extensions. 

Tapping into Competitive Grants 
Examples of competitive grants in education include those offered by the U.S. Department of Education, state education departments, and private foundations. These grants are instrumental in fostering innovation, supporting targeted initiatives, and addressing specific challenges within educational settings. Unlike formula or entitlement grants, which are allocated based on predetermined formulas, competitive grants involve a competitive application process. Here are key characteristics of competitive grants.

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers
A federal grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours, particularly for students attending high-poverty and low-performing schools.
The primary goal is to establish or expand community learning centers that offer academic support and enrichment activities beyond regular school hours, including before and after school and during summers.  Community learning centers funded through this grant are expected to provide a range of services, including academic tutoring, homework help, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, arts and cultural activities, physical fitness programs, and more.  The grant encourages collaboration with community organizations, local businesses, and other stakeholders to enhance the quality and variety of services offered. Community learning centers have flexibility in designing programs that meet the unique needs of their students and communities.  The program emphasizes the importance of setting specific, measurable outcomes to assess the effectiveness of the services provided.  While the Kindness Initiative Curriculum is not designed to be the blue print for an after school program, it fits into the curriculum, community and home connections easily.  There are self assessments and concrete steps that can be taken to meet the recording requirements.  

Non Federal Competitive Grants
   American Association of Educators Classroom Grant  
•    Purpose: The Classroom Grants offered by AAE aim to provide financial support to teachers for creative and innovative projects that directly impact student learning.
•    Eligibility: Classroom Grants are typically open to all AAE members who are practicing teachers. Educators from all grade levels and subject areas may apply.
•    Project Focus: The grants are designed to fund projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation, and a commitment to improving educational outcomes. Projects can cover a wide range of areas, including curriculum development, classroom resources, technology integration, and more.
•    Grant Amount: The grant amount varies and is intended to assist teachers in implementing specific projects or initiatives. It may cover expenses related to project materials, resources, and other relevant costs.
•    Application Process: Teachers interested in applying for Classroom Grants typically need to submit a proposal outlining their project, including its objectives, implementation plan, and expected outcomes. The application process may include specific deadlines and requirements.
•    Selection Process: Grant applications are typically reviewed by a selection committee, and recipients are chosen based on the merit and potential impact of their proposed projects.
•    Use of Funds: Grant funds are expected to be used exclusively for the approved project and related expenses.

 

  American Association of School Librarians Innovative Reading Grant 
•    Purpose: The grant is designed to support school librarians in developing and implementing innovative reading initiatives that foster a love of reading among students.
•    Eligibility: School librarians who are members of AASL are typically eligible to apply for the grant. The grant may be open to librarians at various educational levels.
•    Project Focus: The Innovative Reading Grant is intended to fund projects that creatively promote reading, literacy, and a positive reading culture within the school community.
•    Grant Amount: The grant amount may vary, and it is intended to provide financial support for the implementation of the proposed reading initiative. The funds may be used for materials, resources, and activities related to the project.
•    Application Process: Interested school librarians typically need to submit a grant application that outlines the details of their innovative reading project. The application process may include specific guidelines and deadlines.
•    Selection Process: The grant applications are usually reviewed by a selection committee, and recipients are chosen based on the merit of their proposed projects and their potential impact on promoting reading engagement.
•    Use of Funds: Grant funds are expected to be used exclusively for the approved reading initiative and related expenses.

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   Dollar General Summer Literacy Grant 
•    The 2024 Youth Literacy grant applications will be available in March 2024.

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   DonorsChoose 
DonorsChoose is a crowdfunding platform that connects teachers in need of classroom resources with donors who want to support education. DonorsChoose itself is not a traditional grant provider but rather a platform that facilitates funding for specific teacher-initiated projects. Here's how DonorsChoose generally works:
•    Project Creation: Teachers create projects on the DonorsChoose platform, outlining specific needs or resources they require for their classrooms. Projects can range from books and art supplies to technology and classroom furniture.
•    Project Verification: DonorsChoose staff reviews and verifies the projects to ensure they align with the platform's guidelines. This includes confirming that the requested items directly benefit students and that they comply with the platform's policies.
•    Project Listing: Once a project is approved, it is listed on the DonorsChoose website, and teachers can share the project with potential donors through social media, email, and other channels.
•    Donor Contributions: Individuals, foundations, and companies can browse the projects on DonorsChoose and choose to contribute funds to specific projects that resonate with them. Donors can contribute any amount towards fully or partially funding a project.
•    Project Fulfillment: Once a project is fully funded, DonorsChoose purchases the requested items and ships them directly to the teacher's school. Teachers are then required to share photos and updates on the project's impact with donors.

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    Honda Community Grant 
•    Honda has a philanthropic arm known as the Honda Foundation that supports various community initiatives, including education and environmental projects.

   Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Mini-Grants 
•    An EJK Mini-Grant program is a creative and innovative activity … that takes place in class or out in the community … provides an enriched experience … and is funded solely by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. It is an opportunity for a public-school teacher or librarian to present a special project outside the standard curriculum or an engaging way to help students meet curricular goals.  These are typically grants to fund projects of 500 or less. 
 

   Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation 
•    The Foundation also matches cash, product and volunteer time contributions by Mitsubishi Electric Philanthropy Committees, and donations made by Employee Volunteers through its Matching Grant and Starfish Matches programs.  They have a large philanthropic and educational resources especially for students with disabilities.  
   
    ConocoPhillips 
•    The ConocoPhillips Matching Gift Program encourages eligible employees and board members to become personally involved in the well-being of the communities in which they live and work by contributing to qualifying charitable organizations of their choice. The program advances substantial community investments through a collaboration among employees and the company with dollar-for-dollar cash matches to qualified organizations.  There donations support education, health and safety, natural resources, the arts, civic and social services, and disaster relief.

   Walmart Local Community Grants 
•    Local community grants are awarded through an open application process and provide funding directly from Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities to local organizations in the U.S.  Local Community grants range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,000.
•    Eligible nonprofit organizations must operate on the local level (or be an affiliate/chapter of a larger organization that operates locally) and directly benefit the service area of the facility from which they are requesting funding.
•    Applications may be submitted at any time during each quarter funding cycle. All applications will be reviewed prior to the next funding cycle.

It's important to note that details about grant programs, including eligibility criteria and application processes, may be subject to updates or changes.

Staying Informed about Regional Opportunities
In the dynamic landscape of education, staying updated with regional opportunities is pivotal. As educators and administrators, it's essential to remain in the loop about funding availability, policy changes, and emerging trends within your state. This knowledge empowers you to align with the latest priorities and funding streams.