Funding

Congress recently finalized the federal education budget for the 2012-13 school year. On December 23, 2011, the President signed H.R. 2055 into law, which includes education and health funding for fiscal year 2012 through September 30, 2012.

Programs that received increases include:

1. Title Funding – more than $60 million increase


2. IDEA – more than $100 million increase


3. Head Start – more than $424 million increase 

Programs that received the same funding level as last year include:

1. Investing in Innovation


2. High School Graduation Initiative


3. 21^st Century Community Learning Centers

The Committee for Education Funding has outlined all federal education funding categories and created a chart with more specific information. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/zWuHXT

This same budget also included funding for most key health programs that aim to prevent teen and unplanned pregnancy. 

According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, the health budget includes:

• Funding for the Office of Adolescent Health Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPPP) at just under $105 million, including at least $75 million for Tier 1 grants and at least $25 million for Tier 2 grants


• Increased evaluation funding for TPPP from $4.5 million to $8.5million


• An additional $5 million for competitive grants for abstinence education

Realityworks products may qualify, in some cases, to be purchased using the above funding sources.  For more information visit the Realityworks Funding Center at http://www.realityworks.com/funding/titlefunding.asp

Stay tuned for more information on federal funding for education and health as things unfold in 2012.

School funding these days is not ‘same old same old’.  It is in a tremendous state of change.  The Department of Education is proposing to consolidate 38 separate elementary and secondary education programs into 11 funding streams.  As schools and districts wait to see how things shake out with funding, what can you do in a world of shrinking budgets and fewer dollars? 

• The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease:   As we talk to customers about how they are funding needed purchases, a surprising number of times we hear, “I just asked.”  Sometimes there are funds available that you simply may not know about.  Don’t underestimate the power of asking for things on your wish list!  The worst that can happen is the word, “no.”  There was $40 billion in the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund specifically to help states maintain their education budgets. This money will expire on September 30th of 2011 and while most states have used up the vast majority of their funds, there are a few places that have not.  Just ask!  You might be surprised at what you find.


• Two Heads are Better Than One or The More the Merrier:  Consider forming a partnership with another group or organization to help carry out common goals.  We have had many customers work successfully with local non-profit or service organizations to purchase and implement programs in local schools.  Contact your local Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis, United Way, Lions Club, Elks Club, Girl Scouts, faith-based organizations and many more.  City and county health departments are also good groups to collaborate with regarding adolescent health issues. 


• Think Outside the Box:  When resources are scarce, it helps to think creatively. For example, if you need more accessories for your RealCare Program, consider throwing a school-wide Baby shower.   Invite students, teachers and community members to donate gently used baby clothing, blankets, diaper bags and car seats.  You can gather enough resources to supplement your program for a very long time at no cost!  Or you can offer a Babysitting service as a fundraiser during the holiday shopping season.  Have students volunteer to babysit local families so the parents can do their holiday shopping.  Funds raised from this effort could be used to purchase low-cost accessories at local thrift stores. 

Operating on a shoestring budget?  Don’t have two nickels to rub together?   Need to make ends meet?  Watch for more ideas and hidden gems in future blogs on how to find ways to fund and supplement your RealCare Program. 
 
Post submitted by Denise Bodart, Product Manager of Realityworks, Inc.