Funding guide › Rural districts (REAP)
For rural districts
Rural districts: REAP, SRSA and REAP-Flex
The Rural Education Achievement Program gives small and rural districts extra money and, just as useful, more flexibility in how they spend their federal funds.
This guide is general information, last reviewed October 2026, not legal or grant advice. Your state education agency and your district’s federal programs director decide what’s allowable, and rules vary by state. We’re a software company, and we sell the apps this guide mentions.
The two grants
- Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) goes directly from the U.S. Department of Education to eligible small, rural districts, which apply each spring (the 2026 window ran April 13 to May 18). Funds can pay for activities allowable under Title I-A, Title II-A, Title III, Title IV-A and Title IV-B.
- Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) goes through the state to eligible rural, lower-income districts, for activities allowable under Title I-A, Title II-A, Title III and Title IV-A, plus parent involvement.
A district eligible for both can receive only one. Eligibility is set each year in the Department’s master eligibility spreadsheet.
REAP-Flex
SRSA-eligible districts can use their Title II-A and Title IV-A funds for any activity allowable under SRSA (the Alternative Fund Use Authority). Districts usually must tell their state they’re using it. That means, for example, Title IV-A money can support teacher recruitment and retention activities that would otherwise only fit Title II-A.
Where our apps can fit
| App | Fit | How it connects |
|---|---|---|
| Weaverbird HR | Good fit | Recruiting, onboarding and keeping teachers is allowable under Title II-A, so it fits SRSA, RLIS and REAP-Flex spending. |
| Weaverbird Subs | Can fit | Keeping classes covered so teachers can attend professional learning ties to Title II-A activities. |
| Weaverbird Help Desk | Can fit | Technology support connects to Title IV-A’s technology area; the 15% infrastructure cap and professional learning still apply. |
REAP funds still have to supplement, not supplant, other funds and meet the Uniform Guidance.
Sources
Rural district? We can check what you're eligible for.
Tell us your state and the apps you’re considering. We’ll send which programs fit, draft wording for your application and a quote for your budget line. Free, with no obligation.