Contains whereas clauses.

Sets forth five definitions, including Development Director (a full- or part-time employee of an eligible unit whose primary duties include identifying, pursuing, and managing external funding opportunities for the eligible unit, as described), eligible unit (a local school administrative unit that does not currently employ a full-time staff member whose primary duties are grant writing and development, and satisfies at least one of three listed requirements: location in a county with a population less than 150,000, qualification for supplement funding, and has a percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act at or above the statewide average for the prior school year).

Establishes the Every District Has Resources Grant Program (Program) to assist eligible units in establishing a Development Director position. Tasks the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) with administering the Program so long as funds are available to do so. Specifies that the Program begins in 2026-27 and concludes on June 30, 2029. Provides for a Program application. Specifies that grant awardees will receive an award for three consecutive grant years, subject to the annual performance and reporting requirements of this act and any other requirements set by DPI. In grant year one, funding is provided for up to 100% of the position, not to exceed $75,000 per unit. In grant year two, funding is provided for up to 50% of the position, not to exceed $37,500 per unit. Requires the awardee to provide matching fund equal to the remaining 50%. In grant year three, funding is provided for up 25% of the position not to exceed $18,750, with the awardee to match funds equal to 75% of the position or more. Limits use of award funds to the total position cost. Requires awardees to maintain the Development Director position throughout all three grant years. Provides for repayment of grant funds as described if an awardee eliminates the position during a grant year. Conditions an awardee’s continued award eligibility on four things: its timely submission of the annual performance report (as described), verification by DPI that the position was maintained for the full preceding grant year and that matching funds were contributed (if applicable), and a written finding by DPI that participation by the awardee remains consistent with the purposes of the act. Provides for audits. Requires DPI to provide an annual report by no later than October 1, for each year of the program on the specified eight matters to the specified NCGA committee. Requires DPI to make the report available on its website.

Appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to DPI for 2026-27 to establish and administer the Program. Clarifies that unencumbered Program funds at the end of each fiscal year during the Program do not revert to the General Fund but are instead transferred to the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund.

Effective July 1, 2026, and applies beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.