Texas Foundation School Program: Basic Allotment
Eligibility
Every public school district and open-enrollment charter school in Texas qualifies. The funding is not competitive. Districts with more students receive more total dollars. The per-pupil amount can shift slightly based on state budget cycles, but the formula has remained stable for years.
- Eligible: All Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools
- No application required - funding is automatic and annual
- Allocation is based on enrollment reported in PEIMS
- Flexible use - can fund instructional materials and STEM tools
Program Goals
The Texas Foundation School Program (FSP) is the state's main education funding formula. Every school district receives a base allotment for each enrolled student. This money flows automatically to districts each year, forming the core of every Texas school district's operating budget.
The Basic Allotment is the foundation upon which other weighted allotments (CTE, special education, compensatory education) are calculated. Understanding the Basic Allotment helps educators understand the total funding picture for their district.
Application and Distribution
The current Basic Allotment is approximately $6,160 per student per year, though this can vary slightly with state budget adjustments. A district with 500 students receives roughly $3.08 million annually from the Basic Allotment alone. These funds go into the district's general fund and are available for any educational purpose.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Classroom Kits — Classroom sets of programmable microcontrollers for hands-on coding and physical computing. Qualifies as K-12 CS hardware; supports standards-aligned programming instruction across grade levels.
- MicroChat — AI-powered classroom learning tool that introduces students to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. Qualifies for AI literacy, educational technology, and computer science grant programs.
- Coding for Climate Kit — Hands-on curriculum kit teaching climate science, environmental data collection, and coding-based problem-solving. Aligns with STEM and environmental literacy grants; cross-curricular science and CS integration.
Keep in Mind
Even though Basic Allotment is flexible, your district's curriculum office will want to see how a purchase connects to state standards. Get a TEKS alignment document from Forward Education before submitting a purchase request.
Basic Allotment is your general fund. Use IMA funds (dedicated instructional materials money) first for textbooks and curriculum, then use general fund money for additional tools and technology.
Most Texas districts run on a September-to-August fiscal year. Purchase requests for new STEM tools are most successful when submitted in spring for the following school year budget, or in August when new fiscal year funds become available.
This is the simplest funding path for most Texas schools. Talk to your principal and curriculum director, get a quote, and submit a purchase request. No competitive process, no application, no waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Texas Foundation School Program: Basic Allotment in Texas?
Every public school district and open-enrollment charter school in Texas qualifies. The funding is not competitive. Districts with more students receive more total dollars. The per-pupil amount can shift slightly based on state budget cycles, but the formula has remained stable for years. Eligible: All Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools No application required - funding is automatic and annual Allocation is based on enrollment reported in PEIMS Flexible use - can f
How much funding is available through Texas Foundation School Program: Basic Allotment?
~$6,160 per student per year. Check the current program guidelines for the latest award ranges and allocation details.
Can Texas Foundation School Program: Basic Allotment funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Texas Foundation School Program: Basic Allotment funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
Do schools need to apply for Texas Foundation School Program: Basic Allotment?
The current Basic Allotment is approximately $6,160 per student per year, though this can vary slightly with state budget adjustments. A district with 500 students receives roughly $3.08 million annually from the Basic Allotment alone. These funds go into the district's general fund and are available for any educational purpose.
How can Forward Education help with Texas Foundation School Program: Basic Allotment funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Texas schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Texas Foundation School Program: Basic Allotment funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more Texas funding resources
View all Texas AI & CS grants →Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
Get the Grant Guide
