Federal funding for afterschool

These federal funding sources can be broken into three main categories:

• Entitlement programs: These programs serve every individual that meets their eligibility criteria, meaning there is no competition for funds. For example, every child that meets the requirements of the National School Lunch Program can receive funding for an afternoon snack regardless of how many other programs access those funds. Entitlement programs can be administered directly by federal agencies or the federal funds can be administered through state agencies.
• Discretionary programs: These programs offer federal funds for a targeted type of program on a competitive basis and, depending on the program, can be administered by various state agencies. For example, community-based organizations can apply to their state service commission for an AmeriCorps grant which would provide funds to run an afterschool program. Other discretionary programs can be administered directly through federal agencies.
• Block or formula programs: These programs provide a fixed amount of federal funds to states based on a formula that may be based on population, poverty rates, or other demographic information. For example, states receive allotments of federal Title I funding based on the state's number of schools with children from low-income families. The states then distribute Title I funds to eligible school districts. Unlike entitlements though, not every individual that meets the eligibility criteria is guaranteed funds under block or formula grants.

For more detailed information on the more than 100 sources of federal funding that can be used for afterschool, check out the Finance Project's website.

Federal Funding Sources To Apply for From Federal Agencies [Top]

Most of the federal funding sources administered directly by federal agencies are discretionary programs, or programs that offer funds for a targeted type of program on a competitive basis. For example, partnerships comprised of local agencies, such as schools and mental health agencies, can apply directly to the federal Departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services which jointly administer the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative for a grant to promote healthy development and prevent violent behavior through afterschool activities. Keep in mind that afterschool programs can compete for many discretionary grants by framing program goals in terms of the particular grant's focus, from reducing violence (Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative grants) to increasing job skills (Youthbuild) to providing college readiness activities (GEAR UP).

Federal Funding Sources To Apply for From Your State Agencies [Top]

There are also a number of federal funding sources that are administered by state agencies. Typically, federal agencies make grants or allocations to states when the amount of funds to be distributed is considerably large and it seems more effective to have states administer the funds using their existing mechanisms and infrastructures. These large federal funds administered by state agencies are typically entitlement and block grant programs, which often also require a state match. States usually have more discretion over these types of programs.

The most common entitlement program administered at the state level that supports afterschool is the National School Lunch Program, which is typically administered by state education agencies. There are also many block or formula grants that provide valuable funding streams for afterschool. We will focus in detail on four that provide significant support for afterschool.

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)

• Funds for afterschool programs that serve primarily Title I students and offer programming that advances student academic achievement.
• Typically administered by your state education agency, such as your department of education.
• Funds awarded as direct support grants for three to five years.
• Eligible applicants (although dependent also on state-specific criteria) include schools, community-based organizations, public or private organizations.

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), formerly Child Care and Development Block Grant

• Funds to help low-income families with child care for children up to age 12.
• Typically administered by your state's social services agency.
• Funds can be accessed through subsidies or direct program support, depending on your state.
• Eligible applicants (although dependent also on state-specific criteria) include schools, community-based organizations, public or private organizations.
• Some states have child-care licensing requirements.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

• Funds to help needy families with children, promotes job preparation and work, reduces out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encourages formation of two-parent families.
• Typically administered by your state's social services agency.
• Up to 30% of TANF funds can be transferred to CCDF, increasing state's ability to fund afterschool.
• States have a lot flexibility in using TANF funds and many, such as Illinois, have successfully used them for afterschool.
• Eligible applicants vary by state-specific plans for using the funds.

Title I (of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965)

• Funds to provide support services for disadvantaged students.
• Typically administered by your state education agency, such as your department of education.
• These funds are used for a variety of programming, but can be used for afterschool—a decision made at the individual school or district level.
• Eligible applicants include school districts and other local education agencies.