How to Fund Your

School’s Sensory Solution

Funding for schools can be complex. We’ll help you skip the guesswork, secure your budget and get your students the support they need.

esser funding
Get Grant Guide
Contact Us
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How to Fund Your

School’s Sensory Solution

Funding for schools can be complex. We’ll help you skip the guesswork, secure your budget and get your students the support they need.

esser funding
Get Grant Guide
Contact Us
esser_main

How to Fund Your

School’s Sensory Solution

Funding for schools can be complex. We’ll help you skip the guesswork, secure your budget and get your students the support they need.

esser funding
Get Grant Guide
Contact Us
esser_main
fund1.png

You’ve found the perfect sensory solution, but securing funding feels like navigating a complicated maze of paperwork and deadlines.

fund2.

On top of all that, the funding landscape is in flux, making it even harder to know where to focus your efforts. 

fund3

You’re wondering—Which funding streams can cover sensory tools?Does your purchase meet the grant’s criteria? How do you write a strong proposal?  

maze

You’ve found the perfect sensory solution, but securing funding feels like navigating a complicated maze of paperwork and deadlines.

chart

On top of all that, the funding landscape is in flux,
making it even harder to know where to focus your
efforts. 

pencil

You’re wondering—which funding streams can cover sensory tools? Does your purchase meet the grant’s criteria? How do you write a strong proposal?  

We're Here to Help!

On this page, you'll find:

coins

Up-to-date funding sources that could work for your school

gear icon.svg__PID:7a77b65c-a6dc-430d-bf72-7ef3be84667f

How sensory solutions align with common funding priorities

target icon.svg__PID:777a77b6-5ca6-4ca3-8d7f-727ef3be8466

Insider tips and guidance to support your funding journey from start to finish

We're Here to Help!

On this page, you'll find:

coins

Up-to-date funding sources that could work for your school

gear icon.svg__PID:7a77b65c-a6dc-430d-bf72-7ef3be84667f

How sensory solutions align with common funding priorities

target icon.svg__PID:777a77b6-5ca6-4ca3-8d7f-727ef3be8466

Insider tips and guidance to support your funding journey from start to finish

Funding Options for
Sensory Tools

There are several key funding streams for sensory tools—the key is knowing where to look

Funding Options for Sensory Tools

There are several key funding streams for sensory tools—the key is knowing where to look.

1. Federal Programs

Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

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Did you know?

IDEA doesn’t just serve students with IEPs. Schools can also use up to 15% of IDEA Part B funds for Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) to support students who are not in special education but need extra support.

What is IDEA Part B?

IDEA provides federal funding to support students with disabilities. Funds can be used for tools and programs in a student’s IEP. Eligibility is based on having an IEP and meeting state requirements.

Who is eligible?

All public schools that serve students with IEPs.

How do I request these funds?

Ask your principal or special education director about using IDEA funds for sensory tools that support IEP goals.

ESSA/Title I, Part A

What is ESSA?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)—sometimes referred to as the ESSA education law—is the main federal law for K-12 education, providing schools with annual funding to support student achievement and well-being.

What is Title I Part A?

Title I, Part A is the largest federal funding program under ESSA. It distributes money each year through a formula based on the number of students from low-income families. The funds help schools strengthen instruction, support equity and raise student achievement.

Who is eligible?

Any public school that receives Title I, Part A funding is eligible. This is determined by the school’s percentage of students from low-income families.

How do I request these funds?

Talk to your principal or district Title I coordinator about using a portion of your school’s allocation for sensory tools or spaces that align with program goals.

Do these funds carry over if we don’t use them?

Title I funds are often “use it or lose it,” meaning they must be spent within the school year and don’t automatically roll over. Check your district’s deadlines and plan purchases early so you don’t miss the opportunity.

Other ESSA Programs and Competitive Grants

ESSA funding is not limited to Title I. Schools can also tap into other federal programs to fund their projects—some are formula-based (distributed automatically each year) while others are competitive, requiring an application.

Title IV Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment (Formula-Based)

Title IV, Part A supports safe and healthy learning environments. Schools can use these funds for projects that improve climate and student well-being. Sensory tools fit here by helping students regulate, build social-emotional skills and stay engaged in learning.

Title IV Part A – School Climate Transformation Grants (Competitive)

School Climate Transformation Grants help districts and states strengthen climate, SEL and behavior frameworks like PBIS. Sensory tools support these efforts by promoting self-regulation, equity and positive behavior.

Title IV Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Competitive)

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program funds before- and after-school programs and summer learning in areas like STEM, SEL, wellness and the arts. Sensory tools can strengthen these programs by providing calming spaces and supports that help students participate fully.

2. State Grants

In addition to federal programs, many states offer grants that can help cover the cost of sensory tools.

State-level programs often complement federal education funding by offering relief funds or grant opportunities for schools to support students with disabilities.

Where can I find opportunities?

Each state has its own education department or grant portal where opportunities are posted. You can also contact Contact Zena Hirsch at zhirsch@funandfunction.com for help finding active opportunities in your state.

How do I know if my school is eligible?

Most state grants are competitive, with clear eligibility rules and deadlines. Our Grant Writing Toolkit offers tips and sample language to help strengthen your proposal.

Who should I contact for support?

Your district’s grants coordinator, special education director or finance office can guide you through identifying opportunities, meeting requirements and submitting applications on time.

3. Foundation Grants

Foundations and nonprofit organizations offer grants that schools can apply for to fund sensory tools and spaces.

Where can I find opportunities?

Search grant databases or contact Zena at zhirsch@funandfunction.com for help finding active opportunities in your state.

How do I apply?

Use the grant foundation’s application process and requirements. Our Grant Writing Guide offers tips and ready-to-use language to strengthen your proposal.

1. Federal—Programs

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Lightbulb.svg__PID:2a084e57-3c66-4874-9335-b99bc58f9f2e

Did you know?

IDEA doesn’t just serve students with IEPs. Schools can also use up to 15% of IDEA Part B funds for Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) to support students who are not in special education but need extra support.

What is IDEA Part B?

IDEA provides federal funding to support students with disabilities. Funds can be used for tools and programs in a student’s IEP. Eligibility is based on having an IEP and meeting state requirements.

Who is eligible?

All public schools that serve students with IEPs.

How do I request these funds?

Ask your principal or special education director about using IDEA funds for sensory tools that support IEP goals.

ESSA/Title I, Part A

What is ESSA?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)—sometimes referred to as the ESSA education law—is the main federal law for K-12 education, providing schools with annual funding to support student achievement and well-being.

What is Title I Part A?

Title I, Part A is the largest federal funding program under ESSA. It distributes money each year through a formula based on the number of students from low-income families. The funds help schools strengthen instruction, support equity and raise student achievement.

Who is eligible?

Any public school that receives Title I, Part A funding is eligible. This is determined by the school’s percentage of students from low-income families.

How do I request these funds?

Talk to your principal or district Title I coordinator about using a portion of your school’s allocation for sensory tools or spaces that align with program goals.

Do these funds carry over if we don’t use them?

Title I funds are often “use it or lose it,” meaning they must be spent within the school year and don’t automatically roll over. Check your district’s deadlines and plan purchases early so you don’t miss the opportunity.

Other ESSA Programs and Competitive Grants

ESSA funding is not limited to Title I. Schools can also tap into other federal programs to fund their projects—some are formula-based (distributed automatically each year) while others are competitive, requiring an application.

Title IV Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment (Formula-Based)

Title IV, Part A supports safe and healthy learning environments. Schools can use these funds for projects that improve climate and student well-being. Sensory tools fit here by helping students regulate, build social-emotional skills and stay engaged in learning.

Title IV Part A – School Climate Transformation Grants (Competitive)

School Climate Transformation Grants help districts and states strengthen climate, SEL and behavior frameworks like PBIS. Sensory tools support these efforts by promoting self-regulation, equity and positive behavior.

Title IV Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Competitive)

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program funds before- and after-school programs and summer learning in areas like STEM, SEL, wellness and the arts. Sensory tools can strengthen these programs by providing calming spaces and supports that help students participate fully.

2. State Grants

In addition to federal programs, many states offer grants that can help cover the cost of sensory tools.

State-level programs often complement federal education funding by offering relief funds or grant opportunities for schools to support students with disabilities.

Where can I find opportunities?

Each state has its own education department or grant portal where opportunities are posted. You can also Contact Zena Hirsch at zhirsch@funandfunction.com for help finding active opportunities in your state.

How do I know if my school is eligible?

Most state grants are competitive, with clear eligibility rules and deadlines. Our Grant Writing Toolkit offers tips and sample language to help strengthen your proposal.

Who should I contact for support?

Your district’s grants coordinator, special education director or finance office can guide you through identifying opportunities, meeting requirements and submitting applications on time.



3. Foundation Grants

Foundations and nonprofit organizations offer grants that schools can apply for to fund sensory tools and spaces.

Where can I find opportunities?

Search grant databases or contact Zena at zhirsch@funandfunction.com for help finding active opportunities in your state.

How do I apply?

Use the grant foundation’s application process and requirements. Our Grant Writing Guide offers tips and ready-to-use language to strengthen your proposal.

How to Show Your Purchase Meets Funding Goals

Once you’ve identified a potential funding source, you’ll need to show how your purchase will support what that program or grant is trying to accomplish.

Our sensory tools support common funding goals like:

Improving school climate and student well-being

Improving school climate and student well-being

Supporting inclusion and classroom participation

Supporting inclusion and classroom participation

Providing behavior support through MTSS or PBIS

Providing behavior support through MTSS or PBIS

Meeting student needs outlined in IEPs

Meeting student needs outlined in IEPs

Promoting equity and reducing discipline referrals

Promoting equity & reducing discipline referrals

Advancing literacy and reading readiness

Advancing Literacy and Reading Readiness

Improving school climate and student well-being

Improving school climate and student well-being

Supporting inclusion and classroom participation

Supporting inclusion and classroom participation

Providing behavior support through MTSS or PBIS

Providing behavior support through MTSS or PBIS

Meeting student needs outlined in IEPs

Meeting student needs outlined in IEPs

Promoting equity & reducing discipline referrals

Promoting equity & reducing discipline referrals

Advancing Literacy and Reading Readiness

Literacy

How to Show Your Purchase Meets Funding Goals

Our sensory tools support common funding goals like:

Improving school climate and student well-being
student in class

Sensory tools give students healthy ways to regulate emotions and manage stress. They support SEL by building self-awareness and self-regulation skills, while also reducing classroom disruptions and contributing to a calmer, more positive school climate.

Supporting Inclusion and Classroom Participation
kid in classroom

Sensory tools like flexible seating, calm-down corners, and fidgets make it easier for students with different needs to learn alongside their peers. These supports reduce barriers, encourage participation, and help create classrooms where all students can be included.

Providing behavior support through MTSS or PBIS
behavior support

Sensory tools are frequently used in Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions, including BIPs. They help reduce disruptions and promote self-regulation.

Meeting student needs outlined in IEPs
student needs

Many of our tools can be written directly into IEPs to support focus, transitions, and emotional regulation — especially for students with sensory processing challenges.

Promoting equity and reducing discipline referrals
uquity

Federal guidance encourages the use of tools and strategies that reduce exclusionary discipline. Sensory tools offer alternatives that support regulation and inclusion.

Advancing Literacy and Reading Readiness
literacy

Federal guidance encourages schools to invest in strategies that strengthen literacy skills and reading readiness. Sensory tools create calming spaces that help students regulate and focus, making them ready to read and learn. Supports like lap pads, fidgets, and noise-reduction headphones can boost attention during literacy activities, while pre-writing and reading tools lay the foundation for ABCs, handwriting, and fluency.

Need Help Justifying Your Purchase Request?

We’ve got ready-to-use language you can plug into proposals or budget requests.

Get Grant Guide

How Fun and Function Can Help

checklist

Grant Guide

Step-by-step guidance, expert tips and sample responses 

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Budget Support

Detailed, itemized quotes aligned with grant or district budget requirements

cart

Purchase Justification

Ready-to-use language that shows how sensory tools align with funding goals and demonstrate real impact

Need Help Justifying Your Purchase Request?

We’ve got ready-to-use language you can plug into proposals or budget requests.

Get Grant Guide

How Fun and Function Can Help

Whether you’re navigating federal funding for schools or submitting a proposal to a local foundation, we can make the process easier and less overwhelming.

checklist

Grant Guide

Step-by-step guidance, expert tips and sample responses

coins

Budget Support

Detailed, itemized quotes aligned with grant or district budget requirements

cart.

Purchase Justification

Ready-to-use language that shows how sensory tools align with funding goals and demonstrate real impact

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Tell us what you’re working on,

 and we'll direct you to the appropriate support.

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Tell us what you’re working on,

 and we'll direct you to the appropriate support.

Let’s Fund Your Sensory Solution!

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Can sensory tools really be covered by school funding?

Yes. Many federal, state and foundation programs allow funding for sensory tools when they support school climate, inclusion, student well-being and engagement—all of which align with their stated goals.

Who should I contact at my school or district to start the funding process?

Begin with your principal, special education director or Title I coordinator. These staff members can help identify available funding streams and guide you on how to request them.

What if my school doesn’t receive ESSA or IDEA funds?

There are still options. Many districts qualify for state grants or private foundation funding, so you may be eligible through those routes as well.

Are school funding rules changing?

Yes. Federal priorities and rules for K–12 funding are shifting, which means some programs look a little different than they have in the past. The core sources (like IDEA and Title I) are still in place, but it’s more important than ever to confirm how your district is allocating funds this year.

Do these changes affect sensory tools?

Not directly. Sensory tools remain strongly tied to priorities like SEL, inclusion and behavior support. Those areas continue to be recognized across funding programs, so your purchase can still align even as rules evolve.

Do I need to write a formal grant proposal?

Not always. Some funding requests are as simple as submitting a short form or purchase justification.

Do unused funds automatically roll over to the next year?

Funds like Title I are typically "use it or lose it"—unspent dollars don’t roll over. It’s important to check your district’s deadlines and plan purchases early.

How long does it usually take to secure funding?

Timelines vary. Programs like IDEA and Title I are allocated annually and often have tight timelines, while foundation grants may be seasonal. Starting early is always best.