Keep Americans Connected Providers In Your State

CARES Act Funding for Schools Through the Department of Education

• On April 23, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education announced that more than $13.2 billion in emergency relief funds, allocated through the CARES Act, are now available. The Department will award grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for the purpose of providing funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to support continued learning for K-12 students whose educations have been disrupted by the coronavirus. Education leaders will have the flexibility to use funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief Fund (ESSER Fund) for immediate needs, including purchasing education technology (hardware, software, and connectivity). Please visit the Department’s ESSER Fund webpage for more information, as well as the Application.
• On April 14, 2020, the Department announced that nearly $3 billion will quickly be made available to governors to ensure education continues for students of all ages impacted by the coronavirus national emergency. Governors may use these funds to support remote learning. Please visit the Department’s Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund webpage more information.

CARES Act Funding for Libraries and Tribal Organizations Through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

• On April 13, 2020, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced that $30 million appropriated to IMLS in the CARES Act will be distributed to state libraries to expand digital network access, purchase internet accessible devices, and provide technical support services to citizens to address digital inclusion efforts and related technical support. IMLS has provided additional details regarding this funding availability directly to State Library Administrative Agencies.
• On May 8, 2020, IMLS announced an additional $15 million in funding opportunities to support museums, libraries, federally recognized tribes, and organizations that primarily serve Native Hawaiians. The funding will help these institutions respond to community needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as connectivity, digital inclusion, and engagement, among other community concerns. Please visit IMLS’ Grant Programs webpage for more information about these funding opportunities.