Emergency Assistance for Nonpublic Schools (EANS Fund)

Funder: U.S. Federal Government (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021)

Total Funding for Minnesota: $41,697,717

Geographic Scope: Minnesota

Eligibility: Nonpublic (private and independent) K-12 schools in Minnesota

Administering Agency: Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) on behalf of the State Governor's Office

Purpose: To help nonpublic schools safely reopen or keep schools open during COVID-19 pandemic

Allowable Uses:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Portable air purification systems
• Educational technology
• Training and professional development for staff on sanitization, PPE use, and disease prevention
• Physical barriers to facilitate social distancing
• Other CDC-recommended materials, supplies, or equipment for reopening and safe operation
• Expanding capacity to administer coronavirus testing
• Redeveloping instructional plans for remote or hybrid learning
• Addressing learning loss through curriculum development and instructional planning
• Leasing sites or spaces to ensure social distancing
• Reasonable transportation costs
• Education and support services for remote or hybrid learning
• Reimbursement for expenses incurred on or after March 13, 2020

Non-Allowable Uses:

• Direct or indirect financial assistance to scholarship granting organizations
• Vouchers, tuition tax credit programs, education savings accounts
• Scholarships or scholarship programs
• Tuition-assistance programs
• Subsidizing or offsetting executive salaries and benefits
• Expenditures related to state or local teacher or faculty unions
• Bonuses, merit pay, or similar expenditures
• Ventilation system improvements (except portable air purification)
• Reimbursement for PPP loan expenses paid before December 27, 2020

Background: The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) was signed into law on December 27, 2020, providing $2.75 billion nationally for the EANS Fund. Minnesota received $41,697,717 of this allocation.

Contact Information:

• Minnesota Department of Education
• Email: [email protected]
• Additional resources available on MDE website

Resources Available:

• USDE EANS Guidance Document
• Presentation materials from March 2021 webinars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Program Timeline
• Planning Guide
• COVID-19 Information and Resources

Application Process

Applications are submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education for review and approval in alignment with federal guidance on distribution.

Key Steps:

1. Contact Minnesota Department of Education for application materials
2. Submit application describing intended use of funds
3. Align proposed uses with allowable uses under CRRSA guidance
4. Include budget and timeline for fund utilization
5. MDE reviews and approves applications

Required Documentation:

• Completed application form
• Description of how funds will address COVID-19 impacts
• Budget breakdown by allowable use category
• Timeline for expenditure
• Certification of eligible school status

Contact for Application Details:

• Minnesota Department of Education
• Email: [email protected]