Working – Funding Page

Securing funding for robust language learning programs and materials can be a challenge. As administrators compete for limited budgets, world language education is often viewed as a “nice-to-have” rather than a “need-to-have”. Identifying and leveraging diverse funding sources, from federal grants to private partnerships, is crucial for schools and districts seeking to build and sustain impactful language learning initiatives.

The Meg team has pulled together several resources to help you bring language learning to your schools and students by bridging the funding gap!

Federal Funding

• Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – ESEA is a 1965 U.S. federal law designed to provide equal educational opportunities and funding for K-12 students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. In 2015, ESSA reauthorized the scope of ESEA and included provisions that help to ensure success for students and schools.
• Office of Educational Technology: Funding Digital Learning – The U.S. Office of Educational Technology encourages school leaders to consider not only the implementation but also the maintenance of technology investments. From broadband infrastructure to access to student devices, there is money available to close these critical funding gaps and bring programming to your school community.
• Well-Rounded Education Grants – These discretionary grant programs are intended to support a number of programs that contribute to the overall education of students. There are several options available.
• Grants for Economically Disadvantaged Students – These discretionary grants are specifically for student populations who are economically disadvantaged.
• International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) – IFLE administers grants for a number of foreign language programs including curriculum development at the K-12 level.

Third-Part Funding

Foundations and Nonprofits

This is not an exhaustive list! There are tons of smaller foundations that exist to support you – nationally and locally. Start here to know what to look for in a nonprofit partner.

• Language Connects Foundation
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Walton Family Foundation
• Carnegie

Corporate Partnerships

The links below are intended to give you some ideas of companies that support schools through corporate partnerships.

• Communities In Schools
• LeanStream
• Built In

Crowdfunding Platforms

In recent years, some educators have sadly been told that crowdfunding is no longer allowed as it shined an unfortunate light on the systemic funding failures seen across U.S. schools. However, these platforms remain a resource for those who are still allowed to seek direct financial support from the general public.

• DonorsChoose
• GoFundMe
• CrowdSpace
• AdoptAClassroom.org

Don’t forget State Funding!

State funding opportunities can vary greatly across the country. By visiting your state’s Department of Education website, you can learn about available opportunities, such as:
State-specific grants and initiatives
Additional partnerships that have been made with your state’s Department of Education

There may even be some parts of your state or district education budget that are not being put to full use. Put on your detective hat and find out how money is being budgeted and spent in your local education institutions (Public School Financial Transparency Act). There could be money left on the table.

Remember, these funding sources can change from year to year—just because something hasn’t been available in the past doesn’t mean it will be the same this year!

Key Strategies and Additional Resources

• Diversify Funding Sources: ‘Never underestimate the power of an educator’ is something I have said more than once in my career these last two decades. I have seen educators from all levels make things happen for their students—they are some of the most resourceful humans I know! That resourcefulness comes in handy when you have funding gaps to close. Using a combination of federal, state, and third-party funding allows you to balance reliability with innovation, ensuring students benefit from a well-supported learning environment.
• Eligibility and Application Process: For all of the aforementioned funding sources, there will be specifications and requirements you will need to meet in order to be considered. Be sure your school or student population fits the demographics and that you are able to fulfill any follow-up requirements they may request.
• Writing the Grant: While this can seem like a daunting task, it is easier than you think! Review the requirements and confirm that any follow-up the grantor wants is something that you and your team can provide. Data storytelling and impact anecdotes can transform your submission from another application into a compelling narrative that resonates with grant reviewers. Remember, it’s about connecting the dots between the funding and the impact—it’s more straightforward than it seems.
  Build Relationships with Funders: Especially when it comes to third-party partners, they want to build relationships with the people they are helping. Whether it is a simple email update or a more formal event for partnership stakeholders, funders want to know that their money is being put to good use. Bring them into your school community so they can see for themselves!

Conclusion

Over the years, we have worked with schools to bring language and intercultural experiences to students across the U.S. and abroad. We have heard first-hand how challenging it can be to find the funding to make such innovative world language programming a part of the curriculum. That’s why we created our self-paced language platform, Journeys, in addition to our Live lesson offerings. We have a range of programs to help you find the right fit for your resources.