West Virginia Grants

What Grants Are Available in West Virginia?

West Virginia Public School Support Program – Step 7b (Instructional Technology Funding)
- What it is: Step 7b of West Virginia’s Public School Support Program provides recurring annual funding to school districts to improve instructional technology. Each district receives a base allocation plus additional funding distributed according to enrollment. Following legislative changes under HB 206, these funds are distributed as part of a block grant that allows county school boards significant flexibility in how the funds are spent.
- Why it matters: Because Step 7b funding is intended to support technology improvements and is now part of a flexible block grant structure, districts can use these funds to implement operational technology systems that improve efficiency and accountability. This creates a viable pathway for schools to invest in solutions such as Touchpoint’s SmartClocks, which modernize employee time tracking, strengthen operational oversight, and help districts manage staff attendance more effectively without requiring a separate grant application.

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.

West Virginia K-12 Education Grants & Funding Resources