Schools are places capable of maintaining the gap between different classes of people. Providing quality education empowers society and leads them to development. To support the schools and education system, the Central and state governments run a grant aid scheme for private, NGO-operated, special needs schools, etc. Underprivileged students can use the grant to improve school infrastructure, purchase sports equipment, and equip the school with science laboratories, computer labs, etc.  Wondering how your school can avail of these grants from the government and make the school system more empowered?  

In this blog, let’s understand how to get a government for school in detail. But before that, let’s learn what a grant for school is. 

What is a Grant for School?

A grant for school is financial assistance for a school,  which does not need to be repaid but is used for the welfare of the school, education system, and students. Majorly, government grant schemes, companies through CSR activities, foreign contribution regulation, and foundations offer grants to the school for any specific cause or development. Here, we talked about how a school can access government grants. 

How to Get a Government Grant for School? 

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a government grant. 

1. Research Available Grants

The first step is to research different government grants from the state and center. There also can be some government grants on a local level. You can research online through websites and educational department portals or visit nearby government offices to learn about different grants available for the school. , 

2. Understand Eligibility Criteria

Different government grants are suitable for various types of schools. Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the grant. To learn about the guidelines, read the documents related to the grant. 

3. Find the Suitable Grant for Your School

The government provides multiple grants in India for different purposes. The school grant can be for:

• Infrastructure development
• Teacher training 
• Minority education 
• For students with disabilities
• Technological advancements
• & more 

You can find the grant that suits your one or more needs.

4. Collect Required Documentation

When you have the information on which government grant is more suitable for your school, gather the necessary documents, such as school registration certificates, financial statements, and other required compliance documents.

5. Prepare Your Application

Prepare the application by filling out the form from the relevant department or website for the scheme. Also, write a detailed project proposal that outlines the purpose of the grant and Includes a detailed budget plan that specifies how the grant money will be spent.

6. Submit the Application

If the grant application process is online, submit the form and upload all required documents through the designated portal. However, if the application process is offline, submit the completed form and all necessary documents to the specified office.

7. Cooperate with the Process 

After applying, there can be some investigation. The inspection team can visit the school. You’ll need to cooperate with the process and help the officials. 

Popular Government Grants for Schools 

1. SHRESTHA for Providing Education to SC Students

Scheme For Residential Education For Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas, SHRESTA is a central scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. It’s a scheme aiming to provide high-quality education and growth opportunities to Scheduled Caste students. SHRESTHA provides support in two modes:

• SHRESTA conducts the National Entrance Test to select meritorious SC students in States/UTs and provides them admission in the best private residential schools affiliated by CBSE/State Boards (having more than 75% pass percentage) in classes 9th (1500 students) and 11th (1500 students) for completion of education till 12th standard. The scheme covers the school fees (including tuition fees) and hostel fees (including mess charges) for the students. 
• SHRESTA provides grants to NGO-operated schools/ hostels with 12th standard for SC students studying in the school. The grants cover school fees and residential charges.

NGO Eligibility Criteria for SHRESTHA Government Grant 

• The VO (Vocational Technical School)/NGO should register on the NGO DARPAN portal of NITI Aayog. 
• The organisation should be a reputed school chain, CSR foundation, or other organisation that runs good-quality schools recognised by the Government and affiliated with State/central boards. 
• The organisation has been registered and should be working on quality school education.
• The organisation has a properly constituted Managing Committee with its powers, duties and responsibilities clearly defined and laid down in a written Constitution; it shall have an appropriate administrative structure and a duly constituted managing/Executive Committee.
• The organisation is initiated and governed by its own members of democratic principles.
• The organisation is a non-profit entity.
• The organisation should have its website for proactive disclosure of the information, if possible.
• The school must have higher classes (up to at least class 12). However, those NGO-operated schools (up to Class 8th) can also apply for the upgrade to Secondary/Sr grant. Secondary Schools (up to at least class 10) before 2027 and further 11 and 12. 
• SC student attendance will also be taken care of for the grant. If the attendance of SC students is 100% in Inspection, a 100% grant will be given; if 50 to 75% attendance, 75% of attendance will be provided; if 25 to 50%, 50% may be provided. However, if the SC student’s attendance is less than 25%, no grant will be given to the school. 

NGO School Requirement to Qualify for Government Grant 

1. Infrasture 

The school’s and hostel’s infrastructure should be satisfactory. According to the guidelines, there should be. 

• One room for each class/section.
• There are sufficient benches and desks (or chairs and tables) in the classroom for all students.
• A decent cot and bed for every child living in the school hostel.
• Light and fans for every classroom and residing room.
• Residential schools/hostels for girls must have female service staff, wardens and chowkidars, and adequate security provisions.
• Toilet/bathroom@ one for every 10 children. Toilets and bathrooms should always be kept clean and hygienic.
• Hygienic Kitchen & dining room.
• Nutritious and sufficient food should be given to the student thrice a day, and it should also be recorded and maintained.
• Clean and safe drinking water facilities are to be provided to the students.
• Doctors should visit the school and hostel regularly. A record of the Doctor’s visit must be maintained. First-aid boxes and all emergency medicines, etc., must be kept in both school and hostel for any emergency.
• The students will be given 4 sets of uniforms (including shoes) annually. The record of the purchase and distribution of uniforms will be maintained.
• Games and sports facilities, physical education, yoga, etc., and a playground for games and sports must be made available to the students.
• Installation of CCTVs and linkage of CCTVs with websites for live streaming.
• An Aadhaar-based attendance system can be integrated into a central portal.
• The school must have the recognition certificate of the Education Department of the State Government. In the case of High Schools, the school must be affiliated with the State/Central Board of Education. 

2. Standard 

• The 10th class and 12th class pass/mark percentage, shall be at least equal to the average Board result of the State/Central Board.
• The teachers engaged shall be qualified and well-trained as per the standards of the State/Central Board.
• The teachers in High Schools must be at least graduates in their respective fields with B.Ed. Qualification.
• Physical Education Teacher/ Yoga Teacher, must have passed the PET training from a Sports/Yoga Academy.
• Similarly, other wardens, staff cooks, helpers, ayas, sweepers, peons, guards, etc., should have the necessary qualifications and experience for their trade.
• The number of teachers shall be as per the State/ Central Board standards. In any case, their number must be at least 6 in a school and at least 2 in a hostel.
• The honorariums to the teachers and other staff working full time must be paid in time per the minimum rates prevailing in the district for similar jobs.
• All records and documents must be maintained and shown to the inspecting and audit teams as and when required.

How  to Apply for SHRESTHA Government Grant  (NGO Operated School)?

Eligible residential or nonresidential schools can apply for the SHRESTHA grant in-aid schemes by visiting the e-Anudan portal  www.grants-msje.gov.in. The e-Anudan portal opens annually on 1st April and closes on 30th June. NGO-operated schools can check out details of the SHRESTHA government grant before registering themselves. In the first quarter of the academic section every year, PMU (Program Management Unit) visits schools for physical inspection of the schools. 

1. Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan- Primary and Upper Primary School Grant 

Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan is a government initiative for primary (Classes 1 to 5) and upper primary (Classes 6 to 8) schools. It provides financial help to government schools, aided private schools, community schools, and local body schools. However, it doesn’t give monetary help to private schools; it provides indirect support such as teacher training, curriculum development, and implementation of education policies. 

How to Get Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan Funding? 

Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan funding is provided to schools  through a centralised planning and fund disbursement process managed by state and district education departments. Schools don’t need to apply for it. However, schools can form School Management Committees (SMCs) that can actively participate in the activities related to the Sarv Shiksha mission, ensure its implementation, and ensure the school’s suitability for the scheme. 

1. Maharashtra Private School Grant of 20% 

Maharashtra state government provides a 20% grant to almost all the unaided private primary, middle and higher secondary schools in Maharashtra. The scheme has a provision of Rs  1,160 crore and aims to benefit over 63,000 teaching and non-teaching staff of schools in the state.

How to apply for a Maharashtra Private School Grant?

Schools can visit  the Maharashtra Department of School Education and Sports to apply for the government grant by checking out the eligibility criteria or can visit the Maharashtra Education Department’s physical office to learn about the scheme in detail. 

2. IDMI Scheme for All India Aided/NonAided School Grant of Upto 75% 

For the Development of Infrastructure in Minority Educational Institutions of Elementary/Secondary and Higher Secondary Level, the government of India grants 75% of expenses, subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs per school.  The nationwide scheme covers minority institutions (private aided/unaided elementary/ secondary/ senior secondary schools). Preference will be given to those institutions located in districts, blocks, and towns with a minority population above 20%, based on available census data. 

Eligibility for IDMI Scheme 

• The applying schools must be in existence for at least three years. 
• The school must have a substantial enrolment of children from minority communities
• The school should not be involved in discrimination and/or political agenda. 
• Schools must have a proper constitution or Articles of Association.
• The volunteer institution also has a properly constituted managing body with its powers and duties clearly defined in the constitution.

How to Apply for IDMI Schools?  

Schools can apply for the IDMI scheme by applying to the concerned Secretary of the State/UT, who will be the Chairperson of the Grant-in-Aid committee in the State/UT. They can find the application for IDMI through India’s national portal. 

1. Karnataka Private School Grant for School Infrastructure, PlayGrounds etc 

With the objective of maintaining educational institutions, purchasing, erecting, enlarging, and improving school buildings, playgrounds, and permanent fixtures, the Karnataka government provides grant-in-aid to primary schools under private management and local bodies. The government decides whether or not to give grants at its own discretion. The school cannot claim it as a right. 

How to Apply for Karnataka Private School Grant? 

If you have a school or branch of the school, you can check the detailed process and grant in aid offered by the government of Karnataka to apply for. You can review the detailed document about the government grant for schools and follow the procedure. 

Wrap Up

Government grants help the school to invest in infrastructure, improve education quality, train teachers, and empower the education system. Different State government and central government grants are for your school and students. 

Apart from those foundations, corporate social responsibilities and NGOs offer school grants. Eligible schools can apply for funding and receive financial assistance.

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