How to Choose the Right K-12 Grant

As school budgets shrink and academic needs grow, grant funds are more critical now than ever. As you explore countless grants available for K-12 educational needs, the following tips will guide you in selecting the right grant opportunity for your district:

Types of K-12 grants

The most common types of K-12 grants are Competitive, Formula, and Private. 

Competitive grants

Competitive grants are awarded based on how well a school’s proposal aligns with the grant goals. Because competitive grants are limited — and highly selective — districts will need to get creative to make their application stand out.

As an example, here’s what the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) typically requires in a competitive grant proposal:

• A detailed plan on how funds will improve school safety
• Evidence that the proposal was developed with input from mental health professionals, educators, law enforcement, or other experts
• Compliance documentation showing adherence to federal and local safety standards
• A sustainability framework outlining the project’s long-term success plan

Formula grants

Formula grants provide funding to schools based on specific criteria, such as student enrollment, poverty levels, and district financial need. These funds are allocated to eligible schools according to state formulas.

Title I grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) are prime examples of federal formula grants geared towards districts with low-income populations. 

Private grants

Private grants may come from foundations, nonprofits, corporations, or individual donors. These usually have more spending flexibility and fewer requirements than other types of K-12 grants, though they may not be as lucrative. Examples of private grants include: 

• Verizon Innovative Learning, with a mission to support digital learning
• Target Field Trip Grants, with a mission to support experiential learning
• Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, with a mission to prepare students for college & career success 
• Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools Grant, with a mission to support mental health initiatives in schools

The right grant for your school district depends on numerous factors; for most schools, a balanced approach is best. Formula grants give schools stability with ongoing funds, federal grants cover large-scale initiatives, and competitive grants are ideal for niche projects. 

5 steps to selecting a K-12 grant for your school

1. Identify your baseline needs

Identify your school’s challenges, the resources required to solve them, and how you’ll target grants that match your goals. 

Your school's needs might include:

• Technology infrastructure
• Media & digital literacy education
• Parent & community engagement programs
• Mental health & counseling services
• Teacher training & professional development 
• Student safety & security technology or hardware

Focus on both immediate and future goals. For instance, if your school struggles with outdated technology but plans to launch more extracurricular or STEM programs in a few years, highlight both.

2. Get stakeholders involved

Early involvement from stakeholders helps pave the path for a smooth project approval when the official application process begins. Engaged stakeholders are also more likely to stay invested and become valuable advocates. 

Use these 3 steps as a foundation for stakeholder cooperation:

• Deliver a formal presentation to introduce your grant proposal and generate initial interest.

• Gather input from district leaders and keep them informed on how their feedback has been incorporated.

• Maintain rapport by giving regular updates and transparency on project developments and progress. 

3. Review grant requirements

Every grant has its own set of requirements, eligible expenses, and expected outcomes. Review them carefully to avoid investing time in grants your school may not qualify for. 

“Reviewers will evaluate your proposal with a form that lists the agency’s criteria and leaves space for us to comment on how well your project fits each measure,” says Jude Mikal, a grant writer and consultant at the University of Minnesota. 

“You can make it easier for reviewers to complete the form and advocate for your proposal by organizing your project description around the agency criteria, spotlighting each one in a bold heading.”

As you evaluate the criteria, start outlining the main points of your proposal. Utilize any application assistance on grant sites. Keep an eye out for:  

• Informational sessions & webinars

• Contact info pages for outreach

• State Education Agency resources

4. Align your mission statement & needs 

Now it’s time to shortlist grants that match your focus areas. Grant reviewers want to understand how your needs match grant objectives. 

Be specific about the impact this funding will have. Instead of saying a computer lab will simply “improve learning,” explain how it will equip students with digital literacy skills, career-readiness, and equitable learning. 

Examples of grant alignment 

Example A: Infrastructure

• School Goal: Expand technology infrastructure 
• Applicable Grant: FCC’s E-Rate or Cybersecurity Pilot Program
• Needs: Web filter solutions, routers, networking equipment, and other internet-related services
• Alignment Messaging: Outline how improved or enhanced EdTech tools will reinforce online safety objectives and better cater to hybrid learning environments

Example B: Safety & Security

• School Goal: Facility upgrade to improve safety
• Applicable Grant: Michigan Major Infrastructure Grant
• Needs: Secure entry and enhanced security systems
• Alignment Messaging: Highlight how upgrades can make students and staff feel safer, reduce violence, and put parents at ease

Example C: Mental Health

• School Goal: Support student mental health needs
• Applicable Grant: Project AWARE
• Needs: Mental health staff, professional development  
• Alignment Messaging: Detail how additional counseling staff or wellness programs will address students’ mental health needs

5. Explore different K-12 grant resources

Whether you’re looking for federal grants, local community support, or crowdfunding options, use these resources to help find the best K-12 grants for your needs. 

• Grants.gov: Leading federal grants database 
• Linewize Funding Resource Center: Browse grants by state
• Community Foundation Locator: Find community foundations
• Foundation Directory Online/Candid: Database of private foundation and corporate grants, searchable by education and other specific fields.
• DonorsChoose: Crowdfunding platform for teachers to connect with donors for their classroom projects
• GrantWatch: Subscription listing services for education grants from local, state, federal, and private sources.
• NEA Foundation: Grant resource tailored to academic success and professional development.

Lastly, visit your state and local education websites for resources relevant to your region.