How Does My School Pay For SEL?

Funding Sources for Social-Emotional Learning

You’re a school administrator, you’re already stretched thin. You may want to implement social-emotional learning, but you don’t have the money! Here are the links to some creative ways you can fund your SEL program.

1.  Education Innovation and Research (EIR). On July 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education invited schools to send applications for the EIR program’s competition for funding.
2. CARES Act. This act includes funds for educational leaders working for classroom and district improvements, including purchasing resources.
3. ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund). This fund is only applicable to emergency cases, such as budget shortages.
4. IDEA (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Typically budgets carry on average an increased $85+ per student who have disabilities, learning challenges or children with IEP’s.
5. Title 1 Part A & D. Title funds allocated for Neglected and Delinquent Youth, or State Educational Agencies and Local Education Agencies.
6. Title IV Part B. 21st-Century Learning Centers can be implemented by a school district but funds are allocated specifically for after school programs.
7. Title VI - Part B. Rural Education Achievement funds are available for rural districts under 1,000 students.
8. Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention. SEL skills help prevent involvement with the criminal justice system. Search this website for funding options for SEL or other preventive services.
9. Fundsnet Services. Use this database of funding sources to find Education & Literacy grant options.
10. The Federal Grants database. You can narrow down this database by grade band to find available grant opportunities. “Race to the Top” seems to be a popular one with a large pool of funds.
11. Title II Part A. The US Department of Education offers funds for professional development resources to enhance teachers, principals, and other school leaders' ability to achieve academic excellence.
    • Section 2101 Part 1 refers to Professional Development training.
    • Section 2101 Part 2 refers to Holding schools accountable for academic improvements.