Government grants (statsbidrag) are financial support that the state provides to municipalities, school providers, or schools in addition to regular tax-based funding. The grants are usually distributed by Skolverket and are generally targeted at specific purposes.
Types of government grants
- Equity grant (Likvärdighetsbidraget) — targeted at schools with challenging conditions
- Teacher salary boost (Lärarlönelyftet) — extra salary supplement for skilled teachers
- Career posts (Karriärtjänster) — funding for lead teachers and senior lecturers
- Holiday school (Lovskola) — tuition during school holidays for students at risk of not meeting eligibility requirements
Debate
Targeted government grants have been criticised for being bureaucratic, short-term, and difficult for smaller municipalities to apply for. At the same time, the state argues that targeted grants are necessary to ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes.