Maine Department of Education
Funding Formula: Essential Programs and Services (EPS)
A Comprehensive Guide to K-12 Grants
K-12 Funding Resource Center
Supporting Student Safety & Wellbeing
K-12 Funding Resource Center: Key Benefits
Comprehensive List of K-12 Funding
Get easy access to a wide range of federal, state, and local funding options tailored specifically for K-12 schools.
Focus on Relevant Funds
Focuses on grants that address top priorities such as student safety, student wellbeing & mental health, community engagement, & digital learning.
Learn About Grant Use Cases
Gain a better understanding of how various K-12 grants can be used in school settings, with specific examples and use cases.
Funding to Support Student Safety & Wellbeing
Navigating federal, state, and local funding can be overwhelming — especially when budgets and resources are tight.
Use this Resource Center to explore grants specific to your state and local needs.
The federal government, through various laws and appropriations, allocates funding for K-12 education.
Federal funding is targeted support for specific programs and needs, with an emphasis on equity.
State governments are the primary source of funding for K-12 schools and most states use a funding formula to distribute state funds to local school districts.
State Education Agency (SEA) are also responsible for allocating federal funds to Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
Government agencies play important roles in funding and supporting K-12 schools.
These agencies provide targeted funding for areas like school safety, health services, technology infrastructure, and disaster preparedness, which complement funding provided by the Department of Education.
Funding to Support Student Safety & Wellbeing
This resource guide supports K-12 schools in locating Federal, state, and local funding to enhance safety and security.
In K-12 education, funding generally comes from three main sources: federal, state, and local.
Each level has a distinct role in providing resources to public schools. Government agencies support federal, state, and local funding programs.
Federal Funding Resources
The federal government, through various laws and appropriations, allocates funding for K-12 education.
Federal funding is targeted support for specific programs and needs, with an emphasis on equity.
State Funding Resources
State governments are the primary source of funding for K-12 schools and most states use a funding formula to distribute state funds to local school districts.
State Education Agency (SEA) are also responsible for allocating federal funds to Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
Government Agencies
Government agencies play important roles in funding and supporting K-12 schools.
These agencies provide targeted funding for areas like school safety, health services, technology infrastructure, and disaster preparedness, which complement funding provided by the Department of Education.
How to Use Your K-12 Funding Resource Page
Explore federal, state, and local K-12 grants geared towards enhancing student safety, security, and wellbeing.
Select Your State
Select your state to view information about State Education Agencies, funding formulas, and state-specific grant resources.
View Federal Grants
Explore federal grants administered by the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies
FCC to Give $200 Million to K-12 Schools With New Cybersecurity Pilot Program
As K-12 schools continue to be one of the most highly targeted industries for ransomware attacks, costing billions of dollars, a new $200 million initiative intends to help districts better protect themselves against cyber threats.
7 school grants available in the Safer Communities Act
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Offers billions in additional funding to address the dire state of student mental health in schools across the country. The majority of funds are allocated towards existing grant programs that help:
Overview:
K-12 Federal Funding
Federal funding is a lifeline for many K-12 schools struggling with resources.
In this guide, we're focusing on federal legislation that offers provisions for:
Student safety Student mental health & wellbeing Parental & community engagement Technology infrastructure Digital literacy
Federal funding from the Department of Education gives schools the means to address challenging issues and support students who need it most.
Vital legislation from the DoE include:
ESSA/ESEAESSER FundsSchool-Based Mental Health Services Program Mental Health Professional Demonstration Grant
The FCC funds helps K-12 schools stay connected with the right internet access and digital tools. This helps schools build a strong tech foundation with resources tailored to a modern education environment.
FCC funds include:
E-Rate FundingEmergency Connectivity FundPilot Program
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services funds K-12 schools to support student health and wellbeing.
From mental health services to programs that promote healthy habits, this funding helps schools create safe, supportive environments.
Key funding programs include:
Project AWARESubstance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
The Department of Justice provides funding to help K-12 schools improve safety and security.
This support covers programs that address violence prevention, bullying, and community outreach.
Key funding programs include:
STOP School Violence ActCommunity Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Department of Education: ESSA/ESEA
ESSA / ESEA
Purpose
Improve school conditions for learning, and ensure students have access to effective technology.
Districts can use SSAE funds to support:
Student Safety initiatives:
- Violence prevention
- Anti-bullying programs
- Emergency preparedness
Technology:
- Digital learning tools and resources
- Digital literacy programs & solutions
- Educational technology
- Professional development to support teachers' tech use
21st CCLC
Purpose
Create an engaging learning experience by supporting after-school and summer programs.
Districts can use 21st CCLC funds to support:
- Literacy programs
- Parental involvement (such as workshops & resources)
- Access to counseling services
Improving Basic Programs Operated by (LEAs)
Purpose
Supports school climate improvement initiatives and allow interventions that may include mental health services and student safety measures.
Districts can use Title I funds to support:
Instructional Staff and Resources:
- Hire additional teachers, instructional aides, and specialists
- Educational technology
- Software
- Professional development to better support at-risk students
Mental Health Support:
- Counseling services
- Mental health services
Title II – Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High-Quality Teachers, Principals, or Other School Leaders
Purpose
Provides professional development funds, which can be used to train educators on mental health awareness, student safety, and the use of technology in the classroom.
Districts can use Title II Professional Development funds to support:
- Professional development for instructional strategies
- Hiring additional teachers to reduce class sizes
- Training on technology integration and blended learning strategies
- Workshops on online safety, digital citizenship, and responsible tech use
- Tools to track and support student wellbeing
Federal Funding
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA/ESEA)
Title I: Support for At-Risk Students
Purpose: To support mental health services for students.
Funds can be used to:
- Spearhead parental involvement initiatives
- Support school reforms focused on climate and interventions
- Counseling, mentoring, and social-emotional services for at-risk students
- Train teachers and staff on effective support strategies
21st Century Community Learning Centers
Purpose: 21st CCLC funds help support the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment during non-school hours.
Funds can be used to:
- Offer tutoring
- Provide additional homework help
- Offer enrichment activities to students (particularly those from low-income families)
Title IV: Part A
Purpose: To improve the use of educational technology in schools and support mental health initiatives.
Use cases: Digital literacy programs, hardware purchases, hiring school counselors, psychologists, support students experiencing mental health issues, and more.
Title II Funding
Purpose: Aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders.
Use cases: Funds are often used for professional development, recruitment, and retention of effective educators.
Federal Funding: Government Agencies
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Administered by: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Purpose: COPS provides funding to support local law enforcement efforts to build trust and collaboration with K-12 schools.
Funds can be used to:
- Hire and train SROs
- Support crime prevention efforts
- Reduce bullying via program and tech
- Enhance emergency response plans
STOP School Violence School Act
Administered by: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Purpose: The STOP School Violence Act aims to enable school personnel and students to identify, assess, and report potential threats before they escalate into violence.
Funds can be used to:
- Establish Threat Assessment Teams
- Install surveillance systems
- Deploy emergency notification systems
- Establish anonymous reporting systems
E-Rate Program
Administered by: FCC
Purpose: Provides discounts to assist schools in obtaining affordable telecommunications and internet access.
Use case: Schools can use E-rate funding to improve connectivity, making it easier for students and staff to access digital resources and tools.
Project AWARE
Administered by: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Purpose: Provides grants to promote mental health awareness in schools and train staff to respond to mental health issues.
Use case: Funds can be used to for mental health awareness training, hiring mental health professionals, and enhancing parental and community engagement.
Select your state region.
Funding Formulas
Most states have a foundational education funding formula that allocates state funds to school districts based on factors like student enrollment, poverty levels, local property taxes, and additional student needs
Lottery Funds
Many states allocate a portion of lottery revenue to support K-12 education. These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including classroom supplies, scholarships, and capital projects.
Legislation
States frequently pass legislation to fund school safety initiatives, including physical security enhancements, mental health resources, and violence prevention programs.
Connecticut State Department of Education
Funding Formula: Education Cost Sharing (ECS) Formula
Connecticut School Grants
Massachusetts Department of Education
Funding Formula: Chapter 70 Program
Massachusetts K-12 School Grants
- Strengthening Family-School Partnership Grant
- Stronger Connections Grant - Massachusetts
- STOP School Violence Program - Massachusetts
- Supporting Students' Social Emotional Learning, Behavioral & Mental Health, and Wellness — (SEL & Mental Health) Competitive Grant
- Emergency Management Planning Grant
- ESSER Funding in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts E-Rate Program
- ESEA Massachusetts Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - Massachusetts
New Hampshire Department of Education
Funding Formula: State Adequacy Aid
New Hampshire K-12 School Grants
- Project AWARE - New Hampshire
- Stronger Connections Grant - New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Security Action for Education (SAFE) Grant
- CARES/ESSER Funding in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire E-Rate Program
- ESEA New Hampshire Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - New Hampshire - Promising Futures for NH Grant (substance abuse prevention & intervention)
New Jersey Department of Education
Funding Formula: School Funding Reform Act (SFRA)
New Jersey K-12 School Grants
- NJSIG's Safety Grant - New Jersey (safety improvements & risk management)
- NJ Teacher Climate and Culture Grant
- Youth Suicide Prevention and Awareness Funds
- School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) Grant Program
- Mental Health Screening in Schools (MHSS) Grant Program
- ESSER Funding in New Jersey
- New Jersey E-Rate Program
- ESEA New Jersey Funding
- ESEA New Jersey Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - New Jersey
New York State Department of Education
Funding Formula: Foundation Aid (CPP)
New York K-12 School Grants
- 2025-2027 Learning Technology Grant
- Stronger Connections Grant - New York
- The Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (SAVE)
- Nonpublic School Safety Equipment (NPSE) Grant
- Title I School Improvement Grant
- ARP/ESSER Funding in New York
- New York E-Rate Program
- ESSA New York Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - New York
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Funding Formula: Fair Funding Formula
Pennsylvania K-12 School Grants
- Collaborative Community Violence Intervention (CCVI) Strategies Funding
- Building Opportunity through Out of School Time (BOOST) Funding
- State School Safety and Security Grant Fund
- Stronger Connections Grant - Pennsylvania
- ARP/ESSER Funding in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania E-Rate Program
- ESSA Pennsylvania Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - Pennsylvania
Rhode Island Department of Education
Funding Formula: State Education Aid (Distributes state aid based on student needs and district capacity)
Rhode Island K-12 School Grants
Midwest States
Illinois State Board of Education
Funding Formula: Evidence Based Funding for Student Success Act (EBF)
Illinois School Grants
Indiana Department of Education
Funding Formula: State Tuition Support Formula
Indiana K-12 School Grants
Iowa Department of Education
Funding Formula: School Foundation Aid Formula (State Cost Per Pupil)
Iowa K-12 School Grants
Kansas Department of Education
Funding Formula: Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act (KSEEA)
Kansas K-12 School Grants
Kentucky Department of Education
Funding Formula: Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK)
Kentucky K-12 School Grants
Michigan Department of Education
Funding Formula: Foundation Allowance (Per-pupil funding)
Michigan K-12 School Grants:
- House Bill 5503: $125 million in school safety and mental health grants
- Stronger Connections Grant - Michigan
- Michigan Major Grant (infrastructure projects)
- Michigan E-Rate Program
- ARP/ESSER Funds in Michigan
- ESSA Michigan Funding
- School Resource Officer Grant Program
- Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program
- Implementing Effective Use of Technology Grant
Minnesota Department of Education
Funding Formula: General Education Revenue Program
Minnesota K-12 School Grants:
- Reimagine Education Grants
- Minnesota New and Emerging School-Based Health Center Grant
- K-12 Computer Science Education Advancement Grants
- Project AWARE - Minnesota
- Stronger Connections Grant - Minnesota
- ESSER Funding in Minnesota
- Minnesota E-Rate Program
- Telecommunications/Internet Access Equity Program
- ESEA Minnesota Funding
- ESSA Minnesota Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - Minnesota
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Funding Formula: Successful Schools Model
Missouri K-12 School Grants:
Nebraska Department of Education
Funding Formula: Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA)
Nebraska K-12 School Grants:
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
Funding Formula: Foundation Aid Program (per pupil-based)
North Dakota K-12 School Grants:
Ohio Department of Education
Funding Formula: Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP)
Ohio K-12 School Grants:
- Student Wellness and Success Funds
- Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant Program
- K-12 Prevention Education Initiative
- Ohio K-12 Network Grant (network connectivity subsidies, equipment upgrades)
- Stronger Connections Grant - Ohio
- Ohio E-Rate Program
- ESSA Ohio Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - Ohio
South Dakota Department of Education
Funding Formula: General Education Funding Formula
South Dakota K-12 School Grants:
Alabama State Department of Education
Funding Formula: Foundation Program (resource-based funding formula)
Alabama School Grants:
Delaware Department of Education
Funding Formula: The current system, known as the "unit count" formula, primarily allocates funding based on student enrollment.
The Public Education Funding Commission, is currently exploring options to update or replace the existing formula by 2025.
Delaware School Grants:
Florida State Department of Education
Funding Formula: Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP)
Florida School Grants:
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Funding Formula: Primarily based on Weighted Average Daily Membership (WADM)
Oklahoma K-12 School Grants:
Georgia State Department of Education
Funding Formula: Quality Basic Education
Georgia School Grants
Louisiana Department of Education
Funding Formula: Minimum Foundation Program (MFP)
Louisiana K-12 School Grants:
Maryland Department of Education
Funding Formula: Blueprint for Maryland's Future
Maryland K-12 School Grants:
- Project AWARE - Maryland
- (NEW) Schools Emergency Response Grant Program
- The School Safety Grant Program
- Safe Schools Fund Grant (SSFG)
- Stronger Connections Grant - Maryland
- Maryland E-Rate Program
- ESSA Maryland Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - Maryland - School Resource Officer Grant (SRO Grant)
Mississippi Department of Education
Funding Formula: Mississippi Student Funding Formula (MSFF)
Mississippi K-12 School Grants:
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Funding Formula: Resource-based allocation model (Resource)
North Carolina K-12 School Grants:
South Carolina Department of Education
Funding Formula: State Aid to Classrooms
South Carolina K-12 School Grants:
Tennessee Department of Education
Funding Formula: Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA)
Tennessee K-12 School Grants:
Texas Education Agency
Funding Formula: Foundation School Program (FSP)
Texas K-12 School Grants:
- School Safety Standards Formula Grant
- Project AWARE - Texas
- Digital Teaching Micro Credentials Educator Preparation
- Expanded and Blended Learning Initiative Administration Grant
- Innovation and Improvement Center
(EPIIC) - Stronger Connections Grant - Texas
- Texas E-Rate Program
- ESSA Texas Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - Texas - Community Mental Health Grant Program
Virginia Department of Education
Funding Formula: Standards of Quality (SOQ)
Virginia K-12 School Grants:
West Virginia Department of Education
Funding Formula: Public School Support Program (PSSP)
West Virginia K-12 School Grants:
West States
California State Department of Education
Funding Formula: Local Control Funding Formula
California School Grants:
Colorado Department of Education
Funding Formula: School Finance Act
Colorado K-12 School Grants:
- Project AWARE - Colorado
- School Access for Emergency Response Grant Program
- School Security Disbursement Program
- School Counselor Corps Grant Program (SCCGP)
- Stronger Connections Grant - Colorado
- Colorado E-Rate Program
- ESSA Colorado Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - Colorado
Hawaii State Department of Education
Funding Formula: Weighted Student Formula
Hawaii School Grants
- ESSER Funding in Hawaii
- ESEA Hawaii Funding
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
(CCLC) Grant - Hawaii
Idaho Department of Education
Funding Formula: Idaho's funding model has been based on Average Daily Attendance (ADA), however, efforts are underway to transition towards a weighted, per-student funding model. Learn more.
Idaho School Grants:
Montana Office of Public Instruction
Funding Formula: The funding is primarily based on student enrollment through a metric called Average Number Belonging (ANB).
Montana K-12 School Grants:
Nevada Department of Education
Funding Formula: Pupil-Centered Funding Plan (PCFP)
Nevada K-12 School Grants:
New Mexico Public Education Department
Funding Formula: State Equalization Guarantee (SEG)
New Mexico K-12 School Grants:
Utah State Board of Education
Funding Formula: Minimum School Program (MSP), which is primarily funded through the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) system
Utah K-12 School Grants:
Washington State Board of Education
Funding Formula: Prototypical School Funding Model
Washington K-12 School Grants:
Wyoming Department of Education
Funding Formula: School Foundation Program (SFP)
Wyoming K-12 School Grants:
Safer Communities Act
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act aims to increase school safety by funding mental health programs, crisis intervention, and violence prevention efforts. Now in its second year, it provides additional funding to various federal initiatives, including:
Aimed at enhancing on-site mental health support in K-12 schools by funding qualified staff and resources.
Funding use cases:
- Hiring school counselors
- Professional development
- Programs and resources (such as social-emotional learning or anti-bullying initiatives)
- Facility enhancements (i.e.,) dedicated spaces for counseling and wellness activities
Designed to help K-12 schools improve student safety and create more supportive learning environments. Initiatives should promote mental and physical safety.
Funding use cases:
- Anti-bullying programs
- School safety improvements (physical security)
- Mental health support services
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Designed to increase the number of school-based mental health professionals (such as counselors and social workers) by funding partnerships between K-12 schools and higher education programs.
Funding use case:
- Training and internships for aspiring mental health professionals within school settings.
- Staff placement of trained professionals who can provide direct mental health support to students.
Designed to help schools develop a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health programs and services.
Staff Training (i.e., helping staff recognize early signs of mental health issues and provide timely interventions)
Student support programs: (i.e., peer mentoring, counseling)
Community partnerships (i.e, partnerships with local mental health organizations)
The School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP), a grant offered by COPS, is a part of the STOP School Violence Act of 2018.
Provides federal funding to help K-12 schools prevent and respond to violence through evidence-based programs and resources.
Funding use cases:
- Threat assessment & training (i.e, training staff and students on how to identify and report potential threats)
- Security enhancements
- Violence prevention programs (i.e, programs to reduce bullying)
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Funding & Grant blog posts
FCC to Give $200 Million to K-12 Schools With New Cybersecurity Pilot Program
Funding | September 2024
As K-12 schools continue to be one of the most highly targeted industries for ransomware attacks, costing billions of dollars, a new $200 million initiative intends to help districts better protect themselves against cyber threats.
How to recruit and retain school counselors in your district
Mental Health | September 2024
The following article is co-written with EdTech expert and author Carl Hooker. Carl has 20+ years in education and K12 consulting. He speaks on a multitude of topics from digital wellness to technology integration and district leadership.