How to Fund Whole-Child Support for Schools and Districts: A Playbook for Federal Grant Success

No one knows better than school and district leaders how difficult it can be to secure funding for student services—even those most critical to child well-being. 

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With COVID-era relief funds expiring and education budgets tightening, the pressure to do more with less is mounting. Now more than ever, tapping into federal grants is a critical strategy to sustain and expand whole-child support systems. 

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The good news? With the right research and clear guidance, identifying and winning these grants is well within reach.

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To make this process easier, we’ve developed a comprehensive Federal Funding Guide that not only outlines key grants, but also explains how Sown To Grow’s approach aligns with each program’s objectives.

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Understanding Federal Grants

In our guide, you’ll find an overview of the three primary types of federal grants available to schools and districts:

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1. Formula Grants

Formula grants are non-competitive funds distributed to states, districts, or schools based on specific criteria—such as population, poverty levels, or student demographics. Recipients are typically entitled to funding if they meet the basic requirements and submit the necessary plans.

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• Example: Title I funding ensures that every eligible school that completes a satisfactory application receives support to enhance academic achievement.

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2. Competitive (Discretionary) Grants 

These grants require applicants to demonstrate clear need, alignment with program objectives, and a strong implementation plan. Awards are made based on merit through a competitive review process.

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• Example: Project AWARE offers funding to a limited number of states or Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to support mental health initiatives, with only about eight awards granted nationally.

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3. Subgrants

Subgrants are awarded by a state or intermediary agency using funds it has received through a formula or competitive grant. Schools and districts often apply for subgrants through their state education agency, regional service center, or local partnerships.

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• Example: 21st Century Community Learning Centers - State Education Agencies apply for the federal grants. Districts can then apply to the State for funding on a competitive basis.

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Staying Current with Federal Funding Opportunities

The federal funding environment is always evolving, and our guide will be updated regularly to reflect changes in grant availability and priorities.

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In the meantime, these tools can also help you stay informed about projected federal opportunities:

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• Greenlights Grant Initiative:  Provides an up-to-date list of grants focused on promoting school safety, wellness, and whole-child support

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• Grants.gov: Provides a search tool to view past and forecasted grant opportunities by federal agency

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In addition to federal grants, we encourage districts to explore state and local grants, as well as community-based partnerships that may offer additional funding. Please contact our team if you have questions specific to your region, state, or local area—we’d be happy to collaborate!

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The Right Support for Grant Success

Sown To Grow offers expert technical assistance to help districts identify the right funding opportunities, craft strong applications, and secure resources aligned to their student support goals.

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Most recently, we helped 49 districts secure over $360 million in funding through the California Community Schools Partnership Program. We continuously monitor funding opportunities nationwide and partner with districts to pursue resources that advance this critical work.

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In addition to supporting grant preparation, Sown To Grow’s platform includes student voice surveys and robust reporting dashboards that make it easy to understand student needs and track progress over time. These tools are essential for conducting needs assessments, guiding continuous improvement, and meeting reporting requirements tied to grant objectives.

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To learn more about how we can support your grant strategy and student support initiatives, contact us at grants@sowntogrow.com.