Sweethearts & Heroes Funding Options
All 50 Million+ students nationwide must hear our message of HOPE (Hold On, Possibilities Exist) and Action. These are the essential axioms that empower young people to face life’s challenges head-on, and there’s never been a more important time for students to develop them.
If budget constraints are a concern for your school, we encourage you to read below for suggestions on funding our work in your district.
Federal & State Grants
Sweethearts & Heroes qualifies for nationwide federal and state funding sources, allowing schools everywhere to deliver our message to their students.
Schools can use these funds to address learning loss, support student mental health, and create secure, connected learning environments. Many state-level grants and funding programs also support bringing in Sweethearts & Heroes, helping schools build a culture of empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
Consistent / Stable Funding Sources
Sweethearts & Heroes qualifies for funding through Titles I–V of ESSA, as well as IDEA and the Carl D. Perkins CTE Act, thanks to our focus on community-wide engagement, educator training, and creating secure, connected school environments.
Our program meets Tier 4 evidence-based criteria under ESSA, backed by a strong theory of change and ongoing evaluation — with a clear path toward Tier 2 as we expand impact through data and research partnerships.
Federal Funding
Sweethearts & Heroes aligns with New York State’s school funding through BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services). BOCES Agreements (CoSer) are a shared service model in New York State that allows schools to access specific programs and services. Schools that purchase services through a BOCES CoSer receive aid the following school year, helping to offset the cost.
NEW YORK STATE BOCES
Time-Sensitive Funding
Sweethearts & Heroes aligns with ESSER III funding by addressing learning loss, supporting mental health, and ensuring a secure return to in-person instruction.
Schools can leverage ESSER III funds over multi-year contracts to implement Sweethearts & Heroes, providing students with essential human development support and creating a positive learning environment that builds belonging. Additionally, the Education Department is approving requests to extend ESSER spending deadlines.
ESSER Funding
New York State OASAS Opioid Abatement Funds
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) passed a bill providing $64 million in abatement funds made available to counties through the Local Governmental Unit (LGU). You can find out how much your regional abatement is here.
These funds can be used for various initiatives, including treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and the Sweethearts & Heroes focus, Upstream Prevention (aimed at addressing the root causes or risk factors before problems manifest). To find out what funds you can receive and how to apply, check out your county abatement funds here and click the link to the LGU in charge of distributing these funds in your county.
Vermont has been allocated a portion of the national opioid settlement funds, which are aimed at combating the opioid crisis through various educational and preventative initiatives. These funds can be used for various initiatives, including treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and the Sweethearts & Heroes focus, Upstream Prevention (aimed at addressing the root causes or risk factors before problems manifest).
To discover how to apply for these funds in Vermont, we encourage you to connect with the Vermont Attorney General’s Office or the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. They can provide detailed information on the application process and how these funds can support your school’s efforts in opioid prevention and education.
Vermont State Opioid Abatement Funds
Other Grants
Grant opportunities may have specific application windows and eligibility requirements. Schools and applicants are encouraged to verify whether a grant is currently accepting applications by visiting the official grant website or contacting the grant provider directly. Availability and deadlines may change without notice.