As schools navigate budgeting process, grants can be tricky

At 15 percent of the North Platte Public Schools budget, grants are an important source of funds. For the 2010-11 school year, the district has budgeted for nearly $6 million in grant funds. There are a variety of grants. Some are short-term and some are more specific than others, describing where and how they need to be spent.

The $6 million grant figure isn't money the district has received. It is money the district is expecting to receive during the 2010-11 school year. District Treasurer Stuart Simpson explained most grants are not paid out before the start of the school year, or before the budget is approved. These grant funds need to be budgeted in expectation of receiving them.

"If they weren't, the school district couldn't spend the money until it was received and had budget authorization from the school board," Simpson said.

There are two types of grant sources. One is given to the district on a yearly basis and the other is a one-time funding. Money from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, Obama's stimulus bill, is an example of one-time funding. Title 1 funds from the Department of Education are an example of funds the district is awarded yearly.

Source: http://www.nptelegraph.com/articles/2011/02/06/news/40001268.txt