You might be thinking that if your organization is not a live venue or you didn’t have a significant decrease in gross receipts in 2020 vs. 2019, then the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) doesn’t have a lot to offer your organization. If you’re a private school, think again.

As part of the CAA, $2.75 billion was set aside to provide Emergency Assistance to Non-public Schools (EANS). The U.S. Department of Education (the Department) will allocate EANS awards to each state based on their share of low-income, school-age children who are enrolled in non-public schools. States are to prioritize assistance to schools that enroll low-income students, as well as schools that are most impacted by COVID-19.

EANS is intended to provide support for private schools to initiate and maintain education and support services for in-person and remote learning during the pandemic. Qualifying COVID-19 expenses include items such as:

• sanitation supplies
• personal protective equipment
• ventilation system improvements
• protective barriers
• staff training on minimizing the spread of infectious disease
• COVID-19 testing
• technology to assist with remote or hybrid learning
• costs to redevelop instructional plans
• leasing space to ensure safe social distancing
• transportation costs

Keep a few things in mind as you evaluate pursing this grant opportunity. First, the list above is not all-inclusive; there are many additional COVID-19 related costs that can be reimbursed. Second, you may have to evaluate which funding opportunity to pursue under the CAA. You can’t get a second round Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through the 2021 CAA and also get an EANS award; however, you can have already received a first round PPP loan.

Non-public schools can apply for funds through their respective state’s appointed educational agency.

Please reach out to your RubinBrown representative for further details or assistance.

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