Anchorage School District reports higher grant win rate, flags $12 million Digital Equity award

Savannah Esteban, the district's development director, updated the Anchorage School District School Board Finance Committee on discretionary grants on March 27, saying the district recorded a 56% win rate in 2024 and an 86% win rate so far in 2025, while noting a number of grant decisions remain outstanding. Esteban said the Development Office is tracking pending applications and providing an FY25 interim report of activity and strategy.

The report named several significant submissions the district has pursued this year: Promise Neighborhoods, a federal Digital Equity grant (identified as a $12 million opportunity), Department of Transportation funding, an application to the Federal Communications Commission, and the AC Fund through the Municipality of Anchorage. Esteban said the Digital Equity application remains under review and could yield substantial benefits for the district if awarded.

Esteban told the committee most discretionary grant funding the district pursues is federal or federal pass-through funding. She also described the department's role in supporting schools and staff: maintaining a library of previously developed applications, training district and community partners on grant development, and prioritizing proposals that match short- or long-term district needs. The office maintains a public list of resources, handouts and links to prior applications on the district website.

Committee members asked for detail on what the district counts as indirect cost recovery. Andy Ra (chief financial officer) explained the district uses a state-calculated indirect cost rate (about 5% this year) that covers central administrative functions such as accounting, HR and purchasing; the rate is applied to grant awards and is intended to offset general-fund costs for administering grants. Ra said fringe benefits and similar costs are not covered by that indirect cost recovery. Esteban agreed to provide a breakdown of grant sources (federal vs. state/local) on request.

Esteban and committee members said federal-level delays and uncertainty have slowed decisions on several grants. The Development Office noted there are many outstanding applications and cautioned that the 86% win rate may fall as more decisions are recorded. The office will continue monitoring responses and will provide follow-ups to the committee.

The Development Office also summarized its internal grant strategy: prioritize supports tied to elementary/secondary priorities, mental health and student supports, special programs and capital needs; reuse and adapt previously prepared proposals to increase submission volume; and work with community partners to leverage local matches and supports. The office said it regularly shares materials externally and will make the handout and the full grants calendar available on the district website.

Committee members thanked staff for the report and asked that the Development Office share a breakdown showing how much of current discretionary-grant funding is federal or federal pass-through when that information is available.

Ending: Esteban said the Development Office will return with more detail as awards are finalized and will share the referenced resources and links with the board and the public.