Your Guide to K-12 EANS Funding
What is EANS?
The Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) relief program has provided billions of dollars in financial support for private and independent schools since its launch in early 2021.
EANS was introduced to help schools recover from hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, a second round of $2.75 billion in funding was announced (which we’re affectionately calling “EANS 2.0”).
This program gives governors across the country access to funds that they can distribute to non-public schools based on financial need. (So you aren’t the direct recipient of federal funding.) Scroll down to review a number of resources and ways we can help. And if you’re ready to take the next step – contact us.
What’s New in EANS 2.0?
Recipients of EANS 2.0 can only use the funds for future expenses, not as a reimbursement for past expenses (which was a feature of the first round of EANS funds). There’s also an added emphasis on sending funds to non-public schools that serve a significant number of low-income families.
How Can I Use the Funds?
The Department of Education has given a large amount of freedom to states and schools to determine how EANS funds are put to use. As long as the expenses are “related to safely reopening schools, continuing instruction, and addressing learning loss”, they’ll likely be fair game. A few ideas:
- Coronavirus testing and contact tracing.
- CDC-recommended materials or supplies needed to reopen.
- Education technology. (We can help with this.)
- Redeveloping instructional plans to address learning loss. (We can help with this.)
- Transportation costs (like leasing a bus/van or hiring an extra driver).
- Cleaning/sanitizing school facilities.
- Obtaining personal protective equipment.
- Improving ventilation systems.
- Training/professional development for teachers and leaders. (We can help with this.)
- Physical barriers (like plexiglass) to facilitate social distancing.
EANS Resources
Webinars: EANS II for Non-Public Schools
Webinar from Dr. Patrick Haggarty discussing details of EANS II.
EANS Funding Available to Schools
Check out our article about the second round of EANS and how it differs from the first round.
EANS Fact Sheet
Want a quick-hit EANS resource? Download our EANS fact sheet, so you can study on your own time.
Webinars: Understanding EANS
In these on-demand webinars, FACTS covers the basics of EANS funding and discuss access and acceptable usage of funds.
How We Can Help
The big question: What can FACTS do to help your school? On top of helping you understand what EANS is, we can also determine your eligibility, help put together your application, and offer consultation on the best way to use your funds. Though not everyone will benefit from using EANS to purchase FACTS, you can use them on things like:
- FACTS Student Information System (SIS)
- FACTS Coaching program
- Counseling services for students and families
- Instructional services for students
- Professional development for teachers and leaders
FAQs
- What is EANS?
The Emergency Assistance to Non-public Schools (EANS) relief program was launched to support private and independent schools who were negatively affected by COVID-19. So far, it’s consisted of two $2.75 billion packages made available to governors across the country.
- How do I know if I’m eligible for EANS funding?
Your school is eligible if you:
- Are a nonprofit organization
- Are accredited, licensed, and operating in accordance with state law
- Were founded before March 13, 2020
- Have not received a Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP2) loan
- How are funds awarded?
Your state education agency (SEA) is in charge of administering funds and will prioritize assistance to schools most impacted by COVID-19. To determine which schools need aid the most, they’ll look at:
- Loss of tuition revenue
- Enrollment decline
- Lack of capacity or technology to provide remote learning
- Loss of learning due to COVID-19
- Does receiving EANS funds make my school a recipient of federal financial assistance?
No. Your state governor is the recipient, not your school. They – and your SEA – have received the funds and are in charge of distributing them to your school.
- How long are services and assistance provided?
To some extent, it depends on your state regulations. Generally, though, the equipment and services may be used until September 30, 2023, or until equipment and supplies are no longer needed. At that point, your SEA may contact you to take the equipment back.