Important Information
SAVE the DATE: Stronger Connections Collaborative - Starting this month (Sept 2025), ISBE will hold virtual monthly sessions for Stronger Connections grantees. The
Stronger Connections Collaborative will provide a space for participants to:
-
Learn – Discuss resources and strategies related to grant programming.
-
Share – Share their successful grant activities.
-
Collaborate – Network with local and statewide grantees.
-
Grow – Receive technical assistance for meeting grant reporting requirements.
Refer to the flyer with all session dates. If you have questions, please email:
strongerconnections@isbe.net.
FY 2025 Stronger Connections Grant End Date FAQ
–
Updated May 2025
This communication was sent to grantees in an email on May 23, 2025.
Grant Periodic Performance Report – Guidance Information –
Updated August 2025
This document provides guidance for completing the Grant Periodic Performance report in the Grant Periodic Report System in IWAS.
The overall goal of the Stronger Connection 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 operations plans, a positive school culture/climate, and prioritizing student wellness.
The Illinois State Board of Education received a total allocation of $40,627,885 for the Stronger Connections Grant program.
Stronger Connections Grant Program Summary
On June 25, 2022, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which provides $1 billion in funding to State Educational Agencies (SEAs) to be distributed under Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). The BSCA specifies that SEAs must make competitive subgrants to high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), as determined by the SEA, for activities to support safe and healthy students under Section 4108 of the ESEA. The department has designated BSCA Section 4108 funds as the Stronger Connections grant program to distinguish it from the regular Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants program, which funds a broader range of activities, including activities.
ISBE is pleased to announce that the fiscal year 2025 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Grant Program Request for Proposals is now available. The program's purpose is to support high-need Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in their efforts to prevent violence and to establish safe, healthy, inclusive, and supportive teaching and learning opportunities and environments that create a positive school culture and climate and prioritize student wellness and academic outcomes through evidence-based activities as specified in Section 4108 of the elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Available funds will not exceed $40,424,746. Successful applicants will receive a one-time award, with minimum grant awards of no less than $100,000 to a maximum of $4,958,020 contingent upon district population to include a base and per student amount based on the most recent fall enrollment report.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
HOW TO APPLY
