If you have researched student tracking and bus routing software, you may already be aware of the opportunities these programs provide to improve student safety and achieve a significant return on initial investments. Student GPS tracking may be the best option for your school district in light of the benefits to both your students and your budget.
Perhaps all that’s left to do is find solutions for funding your new transportation scheduling software. Even if your budget is restricted by financial constraints, there are a number of options for funding school bus routing software and student trackers.
Subscription Services And Local Advertising
Due to the notification service student GPS tracking provides to parents, some school districts choose to fund their software investment by charging a subscription service fee. Parents pay $5, or any given amount, for a notification system that sends updates on their child’s location.
Student tracking software also provides the opportunity for local businesses to advertise their goods and services to students and parents. By taking advantage of this source of revenue, administrators may avoid charging a subscription fee to parents for school bus routing software.
Grants For Transportation Scheduling Software
Many school districts that benefit from student tracking and bus scheduling software must raise money to purchase the programs. Because certain districts serve communities that don’t have an abundance of wealth, they may be financially disadvantaged.
Fortunately, grants exist to fund efforts that improve student safety, communication and transportation efficiency. The Communications Act of 1934, which states that all U.S. citizens should have access to efficient, nationwide communication services, provides an opportunity for cellular service funding required by bus tracking.
According to the FCC, any institution that meets the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965’s definition of a school is eligible to apply for grants. The FCC states that while schools and libraries don’t receive direct funding from the government, they receive discounts on payments to vendors for services that qualify.
In addition to the FCC, other resources for funding student GPS tracking and school bus software exist:
- The School Funding Center allows you to search for federal grants by state.
- Grants.gov offers search-by-keyword grant opportunities.
- Violence Prevention Works provides links to foundations that fund schools for safety initiatives.
Fundraising For Bus Tracking
While subscription services, advertising and grants may provide a sufficient amount of funding, one method of paying for student tracking software that should not be overlooked is fundraising.
School fundraising options are becoming increasingly creative. Recycling fundraisers, for example, are gaining popularity among environmental enthusiasts. Instead of asking supporters to donate money, ask parents to collect and donate their empty ink cartridges and cell phones.
Not only does environmental fundraising raise money for your cause, but your efforts contribute to the environmental cause, as well. Funding Factory may be the perfect choice for your student tracking and school bus software fundraising efforts.
Other creative options to help pay for bus routing software include:
- Bake sales
- Seasonal carnivals
- One-mile races
- Silent auctions
- Recipe books
- Movie nights
Beginning Your Student Tracker Funding Initiative
It may take momentum and initiative to fund the purchase of bus and student tracking software, but there are many options that allow administrators to pay for these programs with a smaller contribution from their own budget.
If your school district is considering bus scheduling software but wondering how to pay for it, an industry expert is able to provide more information on budgeting for your new student GPS tracking system.
Ready to speak with an experienced industry professional who has the expertise to answer your questions about student tracking? Call 866-740-8994 or click here to access a live chat and receive further insight from our experts. 
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