To prepare to submit your application, please:

  1. Review the 2026-27 Application Guide (We give out a password which you’ll need to complete your application)
  2. Have permission from your school/district leadership to apply.  
  3. Have a UCS school leadership team in place. 
  4. Review the Application Questions and create implementation plans and an itemized budget to support your grant ask.
  5. For returning schools, be in good standing with your 2025-26 monthly reports and have submitted your 2026 UMass Boston survey on time. Applications will only be considered from schools in good standing.  

2026-27 Funding ApplicationApplication Questions (PDF)Application Guide

Application Deadline

We accept applications on a rolling basis, so there is no due date. However, we do recommend submitting your application as soon as possible to ensure we have funds available and to allow your Unified activities to get up and running.

Who May Apply

First time-applicants:

  • Funding is typically available to public and charter schools, as these schools often have student populations that include individuals both with and without intellectual disabilities—an essential component of Unified activities. Because UCS is built on inclusion, participating schools should have students from both groups working together.
  • If your school does not have students with intellectual disabilities but your district includes a special services school, both schools can partner to form a Unified program. This collaboration allows students from each school to participate fully in all UCS activities together.

Returning schools:

  • Must be in good standing with the previous year’s grant

Fundraiser Requirement

Each school awarded a UCS grant should plan to organize or participate in at least one fundraiser to support their Unified initiatives. The suggested fundraising amount is based on your funding level. Participating in a Cool Schools Challenge can fulfill this requirement.

UCS Grant AwardUp to $1,499$1,500-$2,999$3,000-$4,999$5,000+
Suggested Fundraising$300$500$800$1,200

Self-Funded Schools

The SONJ UCS grants are intended to be seed money to get your Unified programs and activities up and running. The expectation is that the district will absorb these costs within 5-7 years and then shift to a self-sustaining model.

Self-funded schools implementing UCS must still be registered with SONJ. Please complete the grant application and indicate where asked that you are not requesting funding.   

Flexibility with Requirements

We are committed to being flexible wherever needed to ensure that no one is discouraged from applying or participating. Please don’t let any requirement stand in your way; reach out to the UCS team so we can plan a personalized approach that works best in your school and district.  

Application FAQs

Where do expenses related to Unified Robotics fit into the application?

  • Under Unified Sports