Educator’s Guide to EANS Funding

Educator’s Guide to Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) Funding

Whenever federal funding is made available to schools, questions inevitably follow. This guide provides clarity on EANS funding, answering key questions about eligibility, application, and usage.

What is EANS?

The EANS program consists of two allocations:

• EANS I: $2.75 billion under the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER II) fund from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) of December 2020. EANS I prioritizes non-public schools enrolling low-income students and permits reimbursements for allowable expenses since March 13, 2020.
• EANS II: $2.75 billion under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of March 2021. EANS II focuses on providing services or assistance to non-public schools enrolling significant numbers of low-income students impacted by COVID-19. Reimbursements are not allowable under EANS II.

Why Should I Apply for EANS?

EANS funding is designed to help non-public schools accelerate learning and recover from pandemic-related disruptions. It provides resources to address learning loss and ensure students receive the support they need.

Is My School Eligible?

EANS I Eligibility

• All nonprofit private schools are eligible, but they can only receive either PPP Round 2 funding or EANS I.
• Schools that received PPP Round 1 are still eligible for EANS I.
• Title I funding is not required to qualify for EANS I.

EANS II Eligibility

• Eligible schools must enroll significant percentages of low-income students and be heavily impacted by COVID-19.
• Schools receiving PPP Round 2 funding are not eligible for EANS II.
• Title I funding is not required to qualify for EANS II.

How Do I Apply for EANS Funding?

Application processes vary by state. Check your state’s guidelines on the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education’s EANS page. States have six months from receipt to obligate EANS funds.

What Can EANS Funds Be Used For?

EANS II Funding

• Sanitization and cleaning supplies
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ventilation system improvements
• Staff training on minimizing infectious diseases
• Physical barriers for social distancing
• COVID-19 testing expansion
• Educational technology
• Curriculum development for remote or hybrid learning

EANS I Funding

Includes all EANS II services plus:

• Leasing sites for social distancing
• Reasonable transportation costs
• Maintaining education services for remote or hybrid learning

Missed EANS I? Can I Apply for EANS II?

Yes, nonprofit private schools may apply for EANS II if they meet eligibility criteria, even if they did not participate in EANS I. However, PPP Round 2 recipients are not eligible for EANS II.

Next Steps

EANS funding offers schools the opportunity to recover from the pandemic. By addressing learning loss and implementing programs for students and educators, these funds can make a significant impact.

For more information, visit our EANS webinar.