Stronger Connections Grant

The Stronger Connections Grant (SCG) program is a component of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, and provides $1 billion in funding for states to distribute to high-need schools under Title IV Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. SCG program funds will be used to provide competitive grants to high-need PreK-12 public school districts as determined by the State.

Purpose

The purpose of the Stronger Connections Grant is to help schools provide all students with safe and supportive learning opportunities and environments that are critical for their success by establishing emergency operation plans, a positive school culture and climate and prioritizing student wellness.

The Stronger Connections Grant (SCG) program is a component of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, and provides $1 billion in funding for states to distribute to high-need schools under Title IV Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Grant implementation must address the following:

1. Implementing comprehensive, evidence-based strategies that meet each student’s social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being needs; create positive, inclusive, and supportive school environments; and increase access to place-based interventions and services.
2. Engaging students, families, educators, staff, and community organizations in the selection and implementation of strategies and interventions to create safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
3. Designing and implementing policies and practices that advance equity and are responsive to underserved students, protect student rights, and demonstrate respect for student dignity and potential.

The funding period for this grant expires Sept. 30, 2026.

Subgrantees

• AGWSR Community School District
• Bedford Community School District
• Burlington Community School District
• Cardinal Community School District
• Cedar Rapids Community School District
• Centerville Community School District
• Chariton Community School District
• Choice Charter School
• Colfax-Mingo Community School District
• Columbus Community School District
• Des Moines Public Schools
• Dubuque Community School District
• Fort Dodge Community School District
• Fort Madison Community School District
• Gilmore City Bradgate Community School District
• Graettinger-Terril Community School District
• Green County Community School District
• Hamburg Community School District
• Hampton Dumont Community School District
• Hartley-Melvin Community School District
• Keokuk Community School District
• Maple Valley-Anthon Oto Community Schools
• Marshalltown Community School District
• Mason City Community Schools
• Midland Community School District
• Monticello Community School District
• Muscatine Community School District
• Newton Community School District
• Ottumwa Community School District
• Paton Churdan Community Schools
• Perry Community School District
• Riverside Community School District
• Ruthven-Ayrshire Community Schools
• Saydel Community School District
• Seymour Community School District
• Sheldon Community School District
• Sioux Center Community Schools
• South Tama Community School District
• Spencer Community School District
• Storm Lake Community School District
• Waterloo Community Schools
• West Monona Community School District
• Westwood Community School District
• Winfield-Mt. Union Community School District

Program Funds

Due Dates

Annual Status Reports

Grantees will report annual progress with action plans and annual evaluation data starting Sept. 30, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2026 in IowaGrants.gov. Status reports are directly aligned with grantee SCG Action Plan.

Reporting Requirements:

• Program Action Plan Implementation Steps and Status (all 3 areas)
• Annual Action Plan Evaluation Data Uploaded
• Year End Action Plan Impact Analysis- based on evaluation data results

Steps to Access and Complete Annual Status Reports:

1. Go to IowaGrants.gov and select:
2. Grants Stronger Connections Grant (locate in the list of grants and click on)
3. Grant Components
4. Status Reports
5. FY23 SCG Annual Status Report
6. Click on Edit Form, the complete status report by responding to each question for all of the components of your action plan with descriptions of your current implementation steps taken and projected plans to proceed. Be sure to include any changes made to your action plan and the reasoning for those changes.
7. Then, upload Evaluation Data. For the first annual report data will most likely serve as a baseline for future data comparisons to evaluate progress. Lastly, respond to Year End Action Plan Impact Analysis- based on data results what do you hope to achieve and what has been accomplished.
8. Click on Save Form
9. Review and if correct, click on Mark as Complete
10. If status report is ready for submission click on, Submit Status Report

Reimbursement

IowaGrants External User Guide - pg. 14 Submitting Claims

Claims are directly aligned with grantee budget and must include an uploaded year-to-date general ledger (July 1– June 30) which includes:

• Project Code - 4668
• Project Code totals
• Object Codes
• Purchase Information and Expenditure Description

Claims are submitted in IowaGrants.gov during the quarterly claim period windows:

1. Quarter 1: Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Last Day to Submit Corrections: Dec.10
2. Quarter 2: Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, Last Day to Submit Corrections: Feb. 10
3. Quarter 3: April 30 – May 1, Last Day to Submit Corrections: May 10
4. Quarter 4: June 1 – July 15*, Last Day to Submit Corrections: July 25

*Expenses must occur by June 30.

Guidelines

Stronger Connections Grant Guidelines - Grant Recipients are encouraged to thoroughly read this document for expenditure allowability prior to submitting reimbursement claims in IowaGrants.gov.

Recipient Resources

Stronger Connections Grant Spring 2025 Implementation Webinar  - Recorded 1-14-25. Webinar provides subgrant recipients with information on how to proceed with action plan implementation, reimbursements and annual status reports. 2025-01-14 PowerPoint

Grant Resources Memo