Funding

=Funding Your School's Technology Initiative=

Funding a technology initiative can be a very difficult proposition in this climate of economic difficulties. In addition to having items in your school's budget specifically designated for technology, grants and foundations should be considered along with special funds such as ARRA.

Grants and Foundations
Many organizations, both private and public, have funds specifically earmarked to be used for educational technology. Finding these opportunities can be challenging, however, the payoff is well worth the time and effort. Keep in mind that grants require follow up paperwork usually on a regular basis, and that equipment can sometimes be collected by the funder at the end of the grant period. Here are some places to begin your grant search:





Special Funds

 * ARRA - (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009)**

ARRA funds were distributed starting in 2009 as a way to strengthen education, drive reform, and improve results for students. Although the distribution of these funds ended in September of 2011, funds of this type are regularly being introduced. The government released a guidance document which can be downloaded below that provides some information for how these funds are traditionally used. In preparation for your own school's technology initiative, reviewing this document may be helpful to give you an idea of the expectations of these types of initiatives. .

Corporate and Private Technology Equipment Donations
Many organizations participate in technology donation programs. Locating these organizations and participating in their initiatives is a great way to locate free, donated, or low-cost technology for your school.

**Digital Wish** is an organization where teachers can submit a "wish" request for specific technology. This is a good option, but a process must be in place to ensure that the equipment they request can be supported by your network.




 * Good 360** is a site where overstock materials (not limited to technology) are distributed to educational organizations. They have a section entirely dedicated to technology, generally software.

If your school is registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, or if you have a PTO that falls into this category, you can request donations from TechSoup which warehouses hardware, software, and other equipment that might be useful for schools.