Catholic and private schools can use federal Title funds to pay for ThouShaltNotClick. Here's every funding source that applies — and how to access them.
Equitable services is not a separate funding source — it's a federal legal mandate built into the Title programs themselves. Under Title VIII of ESSA (Section 8501), your local public school district is required by law to set aside a proportional share of their Title I, II, III, and IV funds for eligible private schools within their boundaries — before they spend anything on public schools.
Most Catholic school administrators don't know about this. The public district is supposed to contact you every year, but in practice, you often need to initiate the conversation.
⚡ Two programs where you apply directly (no equitable services needed):
The FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program and E-Rate are structured differently — private schools submit their own applications through USAC without going through the local district.
Title IV-A has three pillars: well-rounded education, safe and healthy students, and effective use of technology. ThouShaltNotClick maps directly to two of them.
Private schools are eligible through equitable services. Your local public school district (LEA) is required to set aside a proportional share of Title IV-A funds for eligible private school students, teachers, and staff. Contact your LEA to participate.
Title II-A funds professional development that improves instruction quality and student achievement. Cybersecurity training for school staff is an allowable use.
Private schools receive equitable services through their local public school district under Title VIII of ESSA. The LEA must consult with private school officials and provide proportional services.
A $200 million federal program specifically designed to fund cybersecurity services and equipment for K-12 schools. Both public and private schools are eligible.
Private schools are directly eligible to apply — this is not routed through the local public school district. Schools apply through USAC (the same organization that manages E-Rate).
The E-Rate program provides 20-85% discounts on telecommunications and internet services. Private schools are eligible. While traditional E-Rate doesn't cover cybersecurity training directly, the Cybersecurity Pilot was built on E-Rate infrastructure.
Private schools apply directly — E-Rate eligibility is not dependent on the local public school district. Over $5 billion is available annually.
While Title I primarily targets low-income students, equitable services for private school students can include technology and professional development that supports a safe learning environment.
Private school students who reside in a participating Title I public school attendance area and are identified as low-achieving are eligible for services. The LEA determines the proportional share before any expenditures.
A FEMA/CISA program providing funding to state and local governments to improve cybersecurity. Schools can be subrecipients through their state agency.
Schools access this through their State Administrative Agency (SAA). Contact your state's homeland security office to inquire about subrecipient eligibility for school cybersecurity programs.
The DHS Homeland Security Grant Program provides funding for security measures, including cybersecurity training for employees at schools and other organizations.
Nonprofits (including private schools) can be subrecipients. Contact your state administrative agency.
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