ESSER Funding Alternatives

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped education in many ways, and to help schools adapt, Congress provided billions in federal relief through the ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) Fund. These funds served as a financial cushion during COVID and even in the years after, but as we approach 2025, that support is coming to an end. School districts, administrators, and parent group leaders now will be transitioning away from this federal funding – but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the programs and services that ESSER made possible!

With ESSER funds set to expire, the focus is shifting to finding new ways to support schools. Whether through profitable fundraising, local sponsors, or even applying to grants, there are ways to bridge the gap. Let’s break down what ESSER funding is, how it has supported schools, and how schools can prepare for its end while exploring creative solutions to keep essential programs running!

What Is ESSER Funding?

ESSER funding, part of several COVID-era relief packages, was created to help K-12 schools manage the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Here’s a quick overview of the three rounds of ESSER funding:

1. ESSER I: Passed as part of the CARES Act in March 2020, it allocated around $13.2 billion for schools to address immediate needs during the pandemic.
2. ESSER II: Provided through the CRRSA Act (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act) in December 2020, this round offered $54.3 billion to support continued adaptation.
3. ESSER III (ARP ESSER): The largest installment, included in the American Rescue Plan of March 2021, delivered $122 billion to help schools address learning loss, reopen safely, and support student well-being.

These funds enabled schools to quickly adjust to new demands, such as upgrading technology for remote learning, improving air quality in buildings, and expanding mental health resources. ESSER funding provided much-needed relief in the short-term and in the long-term. Now, several years later, this financial aid is ending and it’s time for schools to rethink their approach to funding!

How Schools Can Make Up for the End of ESSER Funding

While the expiration of ESSER funds will create challenges, there are several strategies that schools can use to fill the gap without sacrificing essential programs:

1. Tap into State and Local Grants

As ESSER funds end, state and local grants can be a valuable alternative for funding. Many states have grant programs that focus on areas like STEM education, after-school programs, and mental health services. Districts and parent groups can collaborate to apply for these grants, especially those that align with programs previously supported by ESSER funds.

• Community Foundations: Local foundations often have grants available for educational initiatives. These can be a good fit for smaller projects, like creating a reading nook or funding a music program.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Some businesses and community organizations are willing to partner with schools to support initiatives that benefit the local community, such as workforce readiness programs or environmental projects.

2. Ramp Up Fundraising Efforts

With school budgets tightening, fundraising will become more important than ever!

Think about events like Fun Runs, Read-Athons, or a Glow-in-the-Dark Dance-Athon to not only raise money but also create an awesome event for your entire school!!

• Raise More with Online Platforms: A mobile donation platform can help schools reach more donors, making it easy for parents and community members to contribute. By keeping 95-97% of the profits, schools can make the most of every dollar raised when they use FundHub!
• Focus on School-wide Engagement: Events that bring families, teachers, and even community members together, like Color Runs with local business sponsors or an Obstacle Course Fit-Athon with local food trucks, not only raise funds but strengthen the school’s relationship with the community. This creates a base of ongoing support that can be utilized for donations, matching funds, and more promotion.

3. Leverage Your Parent Group Power!

Parent groups like PTOs, PTAs, HSAs, or even Booster Clubs, have always played a key role in supporting students, teams, and teachers. As federal aid ends, your group can feel empowered to help fill the gap.

• Support Grant Applications: PTOs/PTAs can collaborate with school staff to identify individual teacher grant opportunities and support the application process. This can be particularly valuable for projects like classroom resources or technology upgrades.
• Offer Low-Cost Incentives: When fundraising, focus on experience-based incentives like Principal for a Day or extra recess time that motivate students and boost engagement without requiring a big investment.
• Advocate for Funding: Parent groups can be a powerful voice in advocating for more state or local support. Working with school boards and legislators to emphasize the need for continued funding can make a difference.

4. Tip for Parent Group Leaders: Advocate for Smart Spending as ESSER Ends

With ESSER funding winding down, it’s important for parent group leaders to engage with school administrators in budget discussions. Encourage a focus on core programs that directly support student success, such as tutoring, counseling, and technology. These programs are crucial for maintaining student well-being, even as budgets tighten.

You can also suggest trimming operational costs by identifying opportunities to streamline processes or renegotiate vendor contracts. This can free up more funds for programs that directly benefit students. By being active participants in these discussions, parent groups can help guide their schools toward a sustainable future!

Why FundHub Is the Most Sustainable Investment

One of the smartest investments your group can make is in a proven fundraising platform like FundHub. With FundHub, parent groups can typically double their profit through online donations while keeping 95-97% of the funds raised.

The platform’s user-friendly design makes it easy to manage campaigns, engage families, and reach donors, all while maximizing the funds that go directly to the school.

In a time when every dollar counts, FundHub provides the tools you need to run a successful, low-cost fundraising campaign that keeps more money in your school’s pocket!