Ainsworth announces opening of public school grant program

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September 6, 2023

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth has launched the application process for a $179 million grant initiative targeting public schools across Alabama.

The Alabama K-12 Capital Grant Program, authorized by the Alabama Legislature this year, will offer funding across various projects from tech upgrades to security enhancements.

“This grant program offers a unique and historic opportunity to address longstanding needs within our local schools across the state,” Ainsworth said. “Our goal is to ensure that the funding is used to improve the educational experience for students, teachers, and parents alike.”

Applications for funding must be submitted by the superintendents of requesting systems. Supporting documents, such as budgets, plans of action, photos, contracts, financial records, and others, will be required.

According to Ainsworth’s office, in most cases, systems will be required to provide matching funds, the amount of which is calculated based on a sliding scale formula specific to the school potentially receiving a grant.

That formula considers variables that include the population of the school, the local funds available, and the number of students receiving free or reduced lunches.

All applications will be submitted through an online portal, the web address of which was provided to superintendents via email.

Grant requests may be submitted at any point during the next 45 days; the deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Oct. 20.

Approved projects will be announced by the end of the calendar year.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

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