For many schools and districts, the most difficult part of adopting a blended learning solution is not simply finding the right program, but figuring out how to fund it. Funding for education is always a juggling act, as schools and districts work to provide both personnel and instructional resources to support their learning environments.
Tight budgets coupled with increasing demands to employ advances in technology require creative solutions. As schools work to innovate their learning models and move from traditional learning to blended or online models, a variety of funds can be used to support the implementation of new programs. There are two kinds of funds available: formula and competitive/discretionary.
Formula funds are distributed by the Department of Education to either the State Education Agency or the Local Education Agency. Many of the funds listed below are distributed through the consolidated application process under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The funding sources listed below may be available to support some or all of your online or blended learning program:
Formula Funds
- Career and Technical Education
- Instructional Materials/Textbook Funds
- Innovative Programs
- School Improvement Grants (SIG)
- Special Education (IDEA)
- Title I, Part A, Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies
- Title II, Improving Teacher Quality
- Title III, Part A, English Language Acquisition
- Title IV, 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Discretionary/Competitive
Additionally, many foundations are funding innovative education programs. If you are implementing a unique model of blended or virtual learning, then you can explore foundations for funding to support your program. Below are two websites for organizations that provide various grants for a variety of programs, including education. Review the qualifications to ensure your program is eligible to receive funds for the programs you are exploring.
Sourced from: www.wherelearningclicks.com