Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

ESSER Funding Application Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

ESSER Funding Application Form

Applicant Name:    LEA / District Code:

Primary Contact for Application

Phone:    Email:

Project Summary & Scope

Project Start Date:     Project End Date:

Budget Request

Provide an itemized breakdown. Enter amounts in whole dollars or two-decimal format.

Proposed Activities and Allowable Uses

Indicate which allowable ESSER purposes the proposed project will address (check all that apply):

  Addressing learning loss and summer enrichment

  Activities to maintain health and safety (sanitation, PPE, ventilation)

  Technology to support remote/hybrid instruction (devices, connectivity)

  Mental health and social-emotional supports for students and staff

  Professional development and staff training

  Continuity of services and operational needs

  Other (provide explanation below)

Needs Assessment & Expected Outcomes

Assurances and Certifications

By submitting this application, the applicant certifies and agrees to the following. Check each box to indicate agreement.

  Funds will be used only for allowable ESSER purposes and in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements.

  Procurement will follow applicable competitive procurement standards and documentation will be maintained.

  Funds will supplement, not supplant, state and local funds as required by federal law.

  Records necessary to support costs and monitoring will be maintained and made available to authorized reviewers.

  The applicant will comply with civil rights and non-discrimination obligations and provide services in an equitable manner.

  The applicant will comply with reporting requirements and provide requested data and performance reports on a timely basis.

Authorized Official Certification

I certify under penalty of law that the information in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge; that the proposed use of funds is consistent with applicable federal guidance governing ESSER funds; and that the applicant will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. I understand that intentional false statements may be a violation of law and could subject the applicant to administrative or criminal penalties.

Authorized Official (Print Name):

Title:

Signature:

Date:

Enter text✕
Prepare your document for signing right on this page
  • 01 Edit the text and complete the fields
  • 02 Click Sign Now and on the next screen add recipients and signature fields in SignNow
  • 03 Start your free trial to sign and send your doc
Sign Now

What the ESSER Funding Application Form Is

The ESSER Funding Application Form is the document districts and eligible educational agencies use to request Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program funds and to describe planned uses, budget details, and assurances. It compiles applicant identification, project descriptions, budget line items, timelines, compliance attestations, and required signatures so state education agencies can review eligibility, ensure alignment with federal requirements, and obligate grant awards. The form supports auditability by collecting programmatic and fiscal data and typically includes attachments such as budget spreadsheets, needs assessments, and local board approvals.

Why Completing This Form Matters

Completing the ESSER Funding Application Form accurately documents eligible uses, secures federal reimbursement, and creates the record needed for monitoring and audits under federal grant rules.

Why Completing This Form Matters

Who Prepares and Signs ESSER Applications

Typical preparers include district grant managers, business officers, superintendent designees, and administrative staff responsible for federal programs.

  • Grant Manager or Federal Programs Director — Prepares narrative sections, compiles supporting documentation, and coordinates internal approvals.
  • Chief Financial Officer or Business Official — Completes budget tables, certifies cost allowability, and confirms accounting codes and fund tracking.
  • Superintendent or Board Designee — Signs final assurances and certifications attesting to accuracy and compliance with federal requirements.

Final signers are authorized officials with signing authority for the LEA or charter school; evidence of authority should be retained with the application.

Step-by-step: filling out the ESSER application

Follow these core steps to prepare, review, and submit a compliant ESSER application to your state education agency.

  • 01
    Gather documents: Collect budgets, needs assessments, board approvals, and UEI/SAM records.
  • 02
    Draft application: Complete narratives, project descriptions, and budget tables offline for review.
  • 03
    Internal approval: Obtain CFO and superintendent sign-off and any required board motions.
  • 04
    Submit and retain: Upload to the state portal or e-mail per instructions and keep a signed copy for records.

Essential parts of a professional ESSER application

A complete application presents the applicant identity, program narrative, detailed budget, compliance assurances, supporting exhibits, and a clear signatory block to establish accountability and audit readiness.

Applicant Identification

Legal entity name, UEI, state district code, contact information, and authorized representative details required for award processing and payment setup.

Program Narrative

Clear description of needs, planned activities, expected outcomes, timelines, and how ESSER funds will address COVID-related learning loss or operational needs.

Detailed Budget

Line-by-line budget with object codes, justification for each cost, and how costs are reasonable, necessary, and allocable under 2 CFR Part 200.

Assurances and Certifications

Signed federal assurances that the LEA will comply with federal statutes, procurement rules, civil rights, and applicable state conditions.

Supporting Attachments

Board minutes, procurement records, vendor quotes, cost estimates, and needs assessment documentation that substantiate budgeted expenses.

Signature and Date

Authorized official signature, printed name, title, and date to certify accuracy and authorize fund acceptance and compliance responsibilities.

Required data elements to include

Legal Entity: Full registered name
Federal ID: UEI (SAM) or DUNS where applicable
Contact Info: Phone and official email
Budget Totals: Summary and line-item amounts
Certifications: Signed assurances
Attachments: Board minutes, quotes

Configuring an online ESSER application workflow

When using an electronic platform, define roles, approval order, field validation, and required attachments to reduce processing delays.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Setup superintendent then CFO sequential approval
Required Fields Make UEI, budget totals, and signatures mandatory
Attachment Rules Accept PDF, DOCX, and XLSX; enforce size limits
Notifications Enable email alerts for pending approvals

Digital submission and eSignature considerations

Choose a platform that supports secure uploads, audit trails, access controls, and compliant eSignatures for public grants.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, XLSX supported
  • Security: TLS and AES-256 encryption
  • Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, and action logs

Where to file and how the routing works

State education agencies publish submission instructions; typical routing is upload to a grants portal followed by internal review and state approval that leads to award obligation.

  • Upload: Submit application and attachments via the state portal.
  • State Review: State agency verifies eligibility and budget compliance.
  • Award Decision: State issues award notification and terms.
  • Obligation: Funds are obligated to the LEA for expenditure.

Typical timelines and processing expectations

Deadlines and processing times vary by state; plan internal milestones so reviews, board approvals, and submissions meet state agency windows for obligation and reporting.

Internal Preparation Deadline:

Allow 2–4 weeks for drafting, review, and board sign-off

State Submission Window:

Follow the state education agency published deadline

State Review Time:

Expect 2–8 weeks depending on volume and completeness

Award Obligation:

Occurs after state approval and completes award documents

Reporting Deadlines:

Schedule quarterly or annual reports as required

Common mistakes that delay ESSER approvals

  • Incomplete or inconsistent UEI/TIN information that causes identity verification failures and halts award processing.
  • Budget totals that do not reconcile between summary and line-item worksheets, triggering requests for amended submissions.
  • Missing board approval evidence or unsigned assurances that require resubmission and extend review timelines.
  • Uploading incorrect file formats or oversized attachments that the state portal rejects during intake, causing processing delays.

Consequences of errors or noncompliance

Funding Delay: Award may be postponed
Disallowed Costs: Costs can be rejected in audit
Repayment: LEA may owe funds back
Audit Findings: Findings may require corrective action
Penalties: State remedies vary
Reputational Risk: May impact future awards

eSignature vendor comparison for completing ESSER forms

Below is a concise pricing and capability snapshot to help compare eSignature vendors commonly used to collect signatures and maintain audit trails for grant applications.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about ESSER application filing

Answers to common questions about preparing, signing, and storing ESSER application materials, plus notes on legal and technical checks.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users
Sign Now
Company
Forms
Pricing
Resources
Knowledge base
Other Products
© 2026 airSlate Inc. All rights reserved.