Federal Grants and Funding
Putting the Money to Work
Each year, billions of dollars are awarded through grants and funding to help schools cover the costs of instructional materials, staff, professional development and innovative technology. The money is out there; the trick is in knowing where to look.
Types of Federal Funding
Two basic categories of funding are available from the federal government:
- Formula Funding: Federal money is typically awarded based on a formula that calculates the funding amount per student times the number of students in poverty (based on census data or the number of students receiving free or reduced lunches). The total dollar amount is the allocated “formula” grant a school or district receives in a given year.
- Competitive Funding: Some federal funding is allocated to schools and districts through competitions. The timing and requirements of these competitions vary, but they typically require that targeted programs are based on scientific research proven to have a positive impact on student achievement.
