What Is Grant Stacking?
Grant stacking is the practice of using two or more federal funding programs to co-fund the same purchase or initiative. Instead of relying on a single grant, you split the cost across multiple eligible programs, each covering a portion of the total.
This is allowed under federal rules as long as each program's funds are used for an allowable purpose under that program, and you do not claim the same dollar from two sources (no "double-dipping").
How It Works in ThinkKits
ThinkKits automatically identifies stacking opportunities for any school. When you open a school profile, the platform evaluates which funding programs the school qualifies for and which combinations can co-fund purchases.
- Search for a school by name or NCES ID.
- Open the school's funding profile.
- Look for the Stacking Opportunities section, which lists viable combinations.
- Each combination shows the programs involved and the estimated combined funding available.
You can also specify a target purchase amount. ThinkKits will filter to show only combinations that cover at least 80% of that amount.
Common Stacking Combinations
Title I + Title IV-A + IDEA
Instructional materials for inclusive classrooms. Title I covers the core materials for high-poverty students, Title IV-A covers technology or supplemental resources, and IDEA covers accommodations and specialized materials for students with disabilities.
Title I + Title IV-A
Classroom materials in high-poverty schools. Title I addresses instructional needs, while Title IV-A covers well-rounded education, safe schools, or effective technology use.
Title IV-A + IDEA
Instructional technology with accessibility features. Title IV-A funds the technology, while IDEA funds accommodations and assistive components.
Key Rules
- No double-dipping: Each dollar of expense must be charged to only one program. You split the cost, not duplicate it.
- Allowable use: Each program's share must be an allowable expense under that program's rules.
- Supplement, not supplant: Title I and some other programs require that federal funds add to (not replace) state and local spending.
- Documentation: Keep records showing which program paid for which portion. ThinkKits generates this breakdown in the Submission Package.
Tier Access
Grant stacking data is available on the Starter plan and above. The Submission Package tool (Professional plan) generates the full documentation needed to submit a stacked funding request.
Schools with a funding score of 75 or higher often have the best stacking opportunities because they qualify for five or more programs.
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