PBIS is a multi-tiered framework that schools use to teach and reinforce expected behavior, provide extra support to students who need it, and use data to make decisions. The federally funded Center on PBIS provides free technical assistance, training materials and evaluation tools. Implementation costs are mainly staff time, training and coaching, data systems and recognition systems, so the search for funding starts with the funds a district already receives.
What PBIS money usually pays for
- Training for school leadership teams and staff, often provided by a state PBIS network or regional education service agency.
- Coaching time, either a district coach or a stipend for a school-based coordinator.
- Substitute teachers so staff can attend training.
- Data and fidelity tools, such as behavior data systems and the Tiered Fidelity Inventory.
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions such as check-in/check-out and function-based supports.
- Modest acknowledgment systems and printed materials.
Federal formula funds
ESSA Title IV, Part A
The Student Support and Academic Enrichment program names schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports among the activities to support safe and healthy students in section 4108 of the law (20 U.S.C. 7118). Districts that receive a larger allocation must spend a portion on safe and healthy students activities, so PBIS fits naturally. State education agencies publish guidance on allowable uses.
Title I
In schoolwide programs, Title I funds can support a schoolwide tiered model to prevent and address problem behavior when it is part of the school's comprehensive needs assessment and plan.
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act supports positive behavioral interventions for students with disabilities, and districts may use a portion of IDEA Part B funds for coordinated early intervening services, which can include behavioral supports for students who are not yet identified. Ask your special education director how your district applies these rules.
Your district federal programs coordinator is the right first contact for all three.
Competitive federal grants
The U.S. Department of Education's School Climate Transformation Grant program has funded state agencies and school districts to develop and expand multi-tiered behavioral frameworks such as PBIS. Competitions are not held every year; check the program page and Grants.gov for open or forecast opportunities. Mental health and school safety programs at the Department of Education and at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have also funded work that includes PBIS when it is part of a wider plan.
State initiatives
Many states run a PBIS or MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) network, often based at the state education agency, a university or regional service centers. These networks frequently provide training and coaching at low or no cost to participating schools, sometimes with small implementation grants. Search your state education agency's site for "PBIS" or "MTSS".
Foundations and local partners
- Community foundations and local health foundations sometimes fund school climate, social-emotional learning and mental health projects. See our community foundations listing.
- Children and youth funders: see children, youth and family grants.
- Local businesses and PTAs often donate items for student acknowledgment systems.
- University partnerships can provide evaluation support and coaching through research or training programs.
Writing a PBIS funding request
Use your own data
Office discipline referrals, suspensions, attendance and school climate survey results establish the need. Disaggregate by grade and student group where appropriate.
Describe the framework honestly
Explain which tiers you are implementing, who is on the leadership team, the training provider and the timeline. Funders like to see that you know PBIS takes several years to implement with fidelity.
Measure fidelity and outcomes
Name the tools you will use, such as the Tiered Fidelity Inventory, and the outcome measures, such as referral rates and attendance.
Plan for sustainability
Show how coaching and data systems will continue once the grant ends, usually by moving costs into the district's regular federal or general budget.
Typical first-year budget lines
A first-year PBIS budget is usually modest and mostly people-related. A request might include:
- stipends for a school PBIS coordinator or coach,
- substitute coverage for leadership team training days,
- training registration fees, if your state network charges them,
- a behavior data system subscription, if the district does not already provide one,
- printing for posters, lesson plans and family materials, and
- a small amount for student acknowledgment.
Keep acknowledgment items a small share of the request. Reviewers look for investment in staff capacity, data use and fidelity, which is what sustains the framework.
Who to talk to first
- Your district federal programs coordinator, about Title I and Title IV, Part A.
- Your special education director, about IDEA and early intervening services.
- Your state PBIS or MTSS network, about free training and coaching.
- Local funders, for anything the first three cannot cover.
Frequently asked questions
Are there grants specifically for PBIS?
Occasionally, through federal programs such as the School Climate Transformation Grant and some state initiatives. Most schools fund PBIS through existing federal formula funds, especially Title IV, Part A and Title I, plus state training networks.
Can Title IV-A pay for PBIS?
Yes. Section 4108 of ESSA lists schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports among the activities to support safe and healthy students.
Where can a school get free PBIS training?
The Center on PBIS publishes free resources, and many state PBIS or MTSS networks provide training and coaching at low or no cost to participating schools.
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