How to Get Funding for Schools

You can get funding for schools through grants and corporate sponsorships.

Schools are funded by taxes collected by the state and federal governments. Each state must work within a budget and distribute funds among all the schools. Although many states' constitutions guarantee a student's right to an equal education, there is not always enough funding to support equality in education. If the money granted to each school by the state and federal governments isn't enough, then individual schools must look for ways to get funding. Additional funding might be needed to buy new textbooks, introduce new technology to classrooms, buy sports equipment or fund arts programs like music and drama.

Instructions

1. Request additional funding from your county or district school board. Local school boards are responsible for budgeting funds and distributing them among schools in the area.

2. Apply to the state Board of Education to receive funding for your school. The state board may be willing to give your school additional money if you are implementing innovative programs and technologies or if your school performs well in evaluations.

3. Apply for a grant through the U.S. Department of Education or private foundation to fund different programs and endeavors that your school or groups are undertaking. There are thousands of grants awarded annually for everything from math and science programs to physical education and the arts.

4. Increase student performance on standardized tests, because schools with good test scores often get more funding than schools that perform poorly. Of course, it is difficult for a school to improve test scores without enough money to teach its students.

5. Form a partnership with a community business that will sponsor your school or school organization. They might make an annual donation of a lump sum or fund incentive programs to motivate students.

6. Apply for funding through a corporate sponsor. Companies like Sony, Target and Wal-mart have established philanthropic programs to support community schools and programs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need supplies for an activity or event, ask local businesses to donate materials or to give your school a discount. It's not the same as funding, but it will save your school money which can be used for other things.

References

• US Department of Education: Apply for a Grant
• PBS Online NewsHour: School Funding
• SONY: Corporate Philanthropy
• Growing Schools: Funding

Resources

• K12 Grants: Grant Opportunities