Emergency Assistance for Nonpublic Schools (EANS) Program
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which passed in December 2020, created the Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools (EANS) grant within the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) II Fund. The $2.75 billion program will provide funding for emergency assistance to nonpublic schools.
Under this provision, state education agencies (SEAs) will administer the funds. Nonpublic schools can apply for these funds for “secular, neutral, and nonideological” services and assistance, including sanitization, personal protective equipment, COVID testing, educational technology, and connectivity. The state must provide these services directly or under contract and retain control of funds and titles to equipment. The NDDPI is required to prioritize services or assistance to nonpublic schools that enroll low-income students and are most impacted by the qualifying emergency.
On Monday, February 22, 2021, the Governor’s Office submitted North Dakota’s grant application for Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools (EANS). The U.S. Department of Education approved North Dakota’s application on March 1, 2021.
Additional information on the timing and process for applying for EANS funding is forthcoming.
- Must have been in existence prior to March 13, 2020.
- Must be an approved nonpublic school through NDDPI for the 2019-2020 school year.
- Must be an established not-for-profit entity. For profit schools are ineligible.
- Did not and will not apply for and receive a loan under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(37)) that is made on or after December 27, 2020.
- Must submit an application for review/approval by NDDPI for allowable activities for reimbursement or future services.
A non-public school may apply to receive reimbursement, and services or assistance to address educational disruptions resulting from COVID-19 for:
- Supplies to sanitize, disinfect, and clean school facilities
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Improving ventilation systems, including windows or portable air purification systems
- Training and professional development for staff on sanitization, the use of PPE, and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases
- Physical barriers to facilitate social distancing
- Other materials, supplies or equipment recommended by the CDC for reopening and operation of school facilities to effectively maintain health and safety
- Expanding capacity to administer coronavirus testing to effectively monitor and suppress the virus
- Educational technology
- Redeveloping instructional plans for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss
- Leasing sites or spaces to ensure social distancing
- Reasonable transportation costs
- Initiating and maintaining education and support services or assistance for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss
Reimbursement for the expenses of any services or assistance described above that a non-public school incurred on or after March 13, 2020, are allowable from the categories above, except for:
- Improvements to ventilation systems (including windows), except for portable air purification systems, which may be reimbursed.
- Staff training and professional development on sanitization, the use of PPE, and minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
- Developing instructional plans, including curriculum development, for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss.
- Initiating and maintaining education and support services or assistance for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss.
- Any expenses reimbursed through a loan guaranteed under the PPP (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) prior to December 27, 2020.
- Any expenses or services already provided through ESSER I equitable services, GEER I equitable services, or North Dakota CARES Act funding.
| February 22, 2021 | ND Governor's Office applies for EANS grant. |
| March 1, 2021 | USED approves EANS grant and awards EANS funds to NDDPI. |
| March 31, 2021 | NDDPI disseminates information and makes application available. |
| April 30, 2021 | Nonpublic schools have 30 days to submit completed application. |
| June 1, 2021 | NDDPI approves/denies applications within 30 days of receipt. |
| September 1, 2021 | All funds must be obligated according to the USED definition of obligation. |
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) - United States Department of Education's website for the EANS program.
OESE Frequently Asked Questions - United States Department of Education's website for the EANS frequently asked questions.