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6 Grants for school counselors

Published on

Dec 22nd, 2025

Reviewed on

Updated on

Dec 23rd, 2025

Written by

Talkspace

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Grants for school counselors can help bridge critical funding gaps when supporting students’ academic success and mental health needs. These non-repayable funds can make it easier to manage overwhelming caseloads, launch meaningful programs, and do more for students, even when budgets and staffing fall short.

The reality is, your role is demanding. Many school counselors are balancing crisis response, limited resources, and growing student needs, often in districts with little access to outside mental health support.

The good news? Funding opportunities do exist. Whether you’re looking to support SEL programs, trauma-informed training, or college-readiness programs, grants can help you build services students truly need. Below, we break down six types of grants available to school counselors, along with key eligibility details, application tips, and lesser-known funding opportunities at both the K–12 and higher-education and lower levels—so you can improve your chances of securing support that makes a real difference.

Why grants matter for school counselors

Schools across the country are facing significant funding shortages, and grants play a direct role in supporting counseling programs and school-based needs. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a student-to-counselor ratio of no more than 250-to-1. Unfortunately, many schools exceed that benchmark—sometimes by a wide margin. In some areas, ratios climb above 600-to-1.

This imbalance places immense strain on counselors, often leaving less time for preventative care and forcing a more reactive, rather than proactive, approach to student support. Grants can help fill critical gaps when school support systems are stretched thin and are at risk of school counselor burnout.

You can use grant funding to cover costs such as:

SEL programs
Digital curriculum
Additional counselors and support staff
Counseling interns
Mental health screening tools
Scheduling software
Professional development initiatives
Training in trauma-informed care

In under-resourced and rural communities, grants can have a particularly significant impact. When access to comprehensive mental healthcare is limited, targeted funding helps close equity gaps, expand services, and improve student outcomes.

Types of grants available to school counselors

You may be surprised to discover the numerous funding opportunities available. The key is matching your needs with the right grant type.

Below are six basic types of grants for guidance counselors. Each has a slightly different focus and strict eligibility rules. Understanding what you’re applying for and exactly how to get approved is key.

Types of grants for school counselors include:

Federal grants
State and local grants
Grants offered by professional associations and nonprofits
Corporate and community foundation grants
Grants for professional development and continuing education
Technology and resource grants

1. Federal grants for school counselors

Federal grants offer the largest funding pools but require detailed reporting and data tracking. Many want a sustainability plan, and they commonly prioritize high-need districts and broad educational goals. For example, a federal grant might be awarded to improve student wellness, safety, or academic support in a district or school.

Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Programs (ESSCP) / School-Based Mental Health Services

For elementary and secondary schools seeking to implement or expand their SEL curriculum, hire counselors, or enhance crisis prevention efforts, the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Programs (ESSCP) and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program can serve as strong funding sources. Reestablished under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and managed by the U.S. Department of Education, the program supports efforts to hire qualified K–12 mental health professionals.

ESSCP funds can be used to:

Hire more school counselors
Hire additional clinical partners
Create and implement trauma-informed professional development opportunities
Purchase social-emotional learning (SEL) and behavioral data management software
Create effective frameworks to track students and their outcomes

In most cases, an application will require a sustainability plan. These grants also often require collaboration with local mental health agencies or universities.

*Note: This program may be folded into larger initiatives; in 2017, it was rolled into the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program under Title IV, part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education)

Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education) is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). There are several grants within Project AWARE. Grantees must partner with local education agencies, state mental health agencies, and community behavioral health service providers to be eligible for funding.

Funds can be used to train staff for early intervention and crisis prevention programs, create trauma-informed schools, and increase mental health awareness and engagement between parents and students. These grants align well with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) frameworks, allowing schools to offer universal prevention programs and targeted interventions. You can also use the funds to expand access to coordinated emotional and mental healthcare.

A grant from Project AWARE could fund initiatives like:

Professional development and training focused on MTSS-aligned strategies for mental health
Education sessions and resilience workshops for students and families
Partnering with local mental health providers and centers for referrals or additional services
Youth resilience initiatives

Title IV, Part A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants)

The Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Program helps schools improve student achievement by providing flexible funding for well-rounded education. These grants support programs that promote safe and healthy children and educational technology.

Examples of what an SSAE grant could fund:

Anti-bullying initiatives
Crisis response training
School improvement for student learning
Digital literacy programs and tools
Suicide prevention training
Crisis response protocols
Career exploration tools
College planning tools

SSAE grants are applied for through Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Working with your administration and superintendent can strengthen your proposal.

2. State and local grants for counseling programs

State education departments can administer annual grants for initiatives focused on mental health, safety, and wellness. Oftentimes, state or local grants are easier to secure than federal grants, especially if you’re hoping to support pilot programs or district-specific innovative projects.

Examples of state grants include:

California’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), which funds school-based partnerships to improve student mental health
New York’s Mental Health Grants for Schools, helping schools address issues like absenteeism, behavioral challenges, and emotional needs through school-based mental healthcare
Texas Education Agency’s mental and behavioral health initiatives, which prioritize funding for things like mental health, staff training, and preventive education efforts

The money you receive from a state or local grant can be used to fund peer mentoring programs or expand partnerships to bring additional mental health professionals to campus on a regular basis, and provide a consistent, stable environment for students.

You can search your state’s DOE or county education websites to find opportunities currently available. Be sure to check all requirements and deadlines before applying.

3. Grants offered by professional associations and nonprofits

You can often find grants offered by professional associations and nonprofits that award smaller, more targeted awards that still make a huge difference. These grants can be easier to secure and often attract less competition. While sometimes overlooked, these sources can be excellent opportunities to find support for professional development and student-centered programs.

American School Counselor Association (ASCA) grants and scholarships

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) provides multiple grants for guidance counselors. Awards can support research projects, innovative programs, and staff and faculty attendance at conferences.

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Examples of how you could use an ASCA grant include:

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Funding materials for new or improved SEL initiatives
Supporting application fees for the Recognized ASCA Model Program® (RAMP®) designation
Covering the cost of travel for staff and faculty professional training or national conferences

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ASCA awards typically range from $1000 to $5000, but the total amount will depend on the scope and the individual applicant pool for each cycle.

National Education Association (NEA) grants

The National Education Association (NEA) Foundation is a national nonprofit founded by educators. They provide Student Success Grants and Learning & Leadership Grants that fund counselor-led initiatives ranging from social-emotional learning to academic support. Collaborating with other educators in your school can strengthen your proposal and make your application more competitive, increasing your chance of being awarded a grant.

NEA grants can be used to:

Develop trauma-informed workshops
Launch college readiness programs for underrepresented students
Offer staff training for mentoring strategies
Facilitate professional development and training on inclusive language

Mental health and youth wellness foundations

Many private organizations dedicate funding to youth initiatives, including resilience training, grief support groups, and prevention programs. If you’ve been seeking funds to run anything from a grief support group to a mindfulness program, these types of foundations can be excellent partners.

Examples of youth wellness foundations that offer grant money:

Born This Way Foundation: Cofounded by Lady Gaga, the Born This Way Foundation supports LGBTQIA efforts and youth mental wellness.
American Psychological Foundation (APF): APF funds mental health education and research, including intervention programs.
Community foundations: These flexible, fast, and easy-to-fund opportunities can be ideal for smaller projects.

4. Corporate and community foundation grants

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are more popular today than ever. These grants can support youth wellness, safety, and education. As a school counselor, micro grants from a corporate or community foundation can help you implement high-impact, low-cost projects.

Corporate foundations that offer schools money:

The Walmart Foundation
Verizon
Target
State Farm
Local credit unions

You can use a community foundation grant to fund school-based projects focused on digital equity, safety, or SEL programs.

For example, you might apply for a CSR grant to:

Buy mindfulness tools
Fund SEL initiatives or purchase kits
Encourage digital equity
Promote youth safety
Sponsor a student leadership program

5. Grants for professional development and continuing education

Professional development and continuing education grants focus on helping counselors earn new and advanced certifications, train in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care, and stay current on ethical and culturally best practices. For instance, you could use the money awarded to pursue a certification in college advising or crisis intervention.

Common sources of funding include:

ASCA’s professional development scholarships
State counseling association mini-grants
Title II, Part A, federal funds for educator development

Professional development grants are a direct way to strengthen your skill set and grow in your role, offering measurable outcomes.

6. Technology and resource grants for counseling programs

Today, technology plays a crucial role beyond classroom instruction. When counselors have the right tools, it’s easier to track student progress and identify red flags for early intervention.

These grants can cover the funding for:

Counseling management software
Virtual counseling tools
SEL apps
Assessment platforms
Career exploration programs and devices
Crisis alert systems
Implementing preventive screening tools
Improving parent communication systems
Building a counseling resource library

Find support from sources like:

Google for Education: Funds large initiatives led by nonprofits focused on education and mental health resources.
DonorsChoose: A teacher- and counselor-friendly crowdfunding site that provides resources to schools.
Local telecommunications companies that fund digital equity initiatives

You can increase the chance of receiving an award by framing your school’s tech needs around ideal outcomes, like how data tracking can reduce your caseload or how virtual sessions can increase accessibility and affordability.

How to write a strong grant proposal as a school counselor

Having a compelling application helps you stand out against the competition. Start by meeting with your principal or administration to share that you have an opportunity to fund targeted counseling support.

To ensure your application stands out, use the following grant proposal best practices:

Align your goals with funder priorities
Share a student-centered story
Ensure you have data and context included
Set clear and measurable goals
Show how your initiative is sustainable
Collaborate early with stakeholders to increase buy-in and credibility

Bringing additional support to your school counseling program

Grants for guidance counselors can strengthen programs and increase outreach, but they won’t always cover all your needs. While they can be a strategic part of your ability to grow and serve the needs of students, partnering with an online platform like Talkspace can further your efforts by providing therapy for students. If your district is navigating shortages, long waitlists, or gaps in wellness programs, Talkspace can be an essential partner, offering online therapy services that extend support beyond school hours.

Learn how to support students outside the school day through online therapy from Talkspace. Talkspace partners with schools and districts to expand mental health access when traditional in-school counseling resources aren’t enough. Request a demo today to learn more.

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