If your district or school hasn't applied for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds yet, it's crucial to act quickly. The recently passed H.R. 2811, also known as “Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023,” is focused on the debt ceiling and federal spending. This includes a provision that could cancel COVID-19 funding, specifically ESSER funds, that were allocated but not yet obligated. Although some believe that this bill won't pass in the Senate, there are reports that COVID-19 funding could be a topic of discussion or negotiation between the President and legislative leaders. What does this mean?  

To prevent missing out on this crucial funding source, schools must take a proactive approach and promptly apply for ESSER funds. Many sources report that only 40% to 60% of these allocations have been utilized, and in some states, less than 30% of the funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) have been spent. 

It's important for your school or district to take action now as the current funding policy for this program ends on September 30, 2024, with a real possibility that it could end sooner. 

Boxlight provides a Grants Assistance Program (GAP) that can help you with the application process for federal or state funding, such as ESSER, at no cost. To learn more about GAP, click here – Grants Assistance Program. 

For more about grants, including the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) grant, read Planning for School Safety: The Importance of Safety Measures and Grants Assistance Programs and Education Grants – 23 for ‘23.