Minnesota K-12 Education Grants & Funding Resources
How districts in Minnesota can fund attendance, HR, and payroll compliance technology
- Safe Schools Revenue (Minnesota Statute 126C.44)
- What it is: Minnesota’s Safe Schools Revenue provides every public district with annual, dedicated dollars for school safety, mental health, and cybersecurity. Districts receive up to $36 per pupil (plus $15 for intermediate districts) to fund security personnel, infrastructure, technology, and prevention programs. Beginning in FY2025–26, the state added a significant aid component, expanding this reliable funding stream for safer, smarter schools.
- Why it matters: Because Safe Schools Revenue can fund both facility security enhancements and cybersecurity measures, it’s one of the most flexible and powerful tools districts have for improving safety and accountability. Touchpoint’s SmartClock hardware qualifies as a building security device that verifies staff presence and aids emergency readiness, while Touchpoint’s attendance software fits under the cybersecurity category—helping schools protect data, monitor access, and ensure compliance. These purchases directly fulfill the law’s purpose: keeping Minnesota’s schools safe, secure, and well-managed year after year.
Looking for federal grants? Minnesota districts are also eligible for ESSER, E-Rate, Title II, Title IV, and other federal funding. View all federal grant opportunities →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use safety grants for SmartClocks?
Yes. Many federal and state-level school safety grants allow funding for secure entry systems, visitor management, and accountability technology. Attendance kiosks and time-collection devices often qualify when tied to improving building safety, student supervision, and emergency preparedness.
Do federal funds cover staff training for new systems?
Absolutely. Federal programs like Title II-A and Title IV-A explicitly permit the use of funds for professional development and training. This means districts can not only purchase new compliance or attendance systems, but also train staff to use them effectively.
Which grants require local matches?
Most formula-based federal funds (such as Title I–IV, IDEA, Perkins) do not require a local match. However, some competitive safety and security grants (for example, COPS SVPP or certain state-level safety funds) may require a partial cost share. Districts should review the application guidelines for each program.
What’s the best fit for rural or small districts?
Rural and small districts often benefit most from flexible funding streams such as the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP/RLIS), smaller targeted state safety grants, and regional cooperative programs (like service agencies or intermediate units). These sources are designed to give smaller districts the flexibility to cover essential needs like attendance or HR compliance technology.
Can foundations or private donations support pilot projects?
Yes. Across the U.S., local education foundations, community foundations, and corporate giving programs frequently support pilot programs, innovative technology, or attendance improvement initiatives. Many states also have tax-credit donation programs where businesses fund local education foundations. These funds can help districts test attendance or HR tools before scaling them district-wide.
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