Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (84.116)

 

Program

84.116 Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, Title VII Part B, Public Law 105-277, 20 U.S.C. 1135-1135a-3.

 

Program Number

84.116

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To provide assistance for innovative programs that improve access to and the quality of postsecondary education.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

The Fund provides project grants for activities sponsored by institutions and agencies that develop and demonstrate more effective approaches to the postsecondary teaching and learning. Each year, the Department establishes funding competitions and priorities. Funded projects are action-oriented, focusing on improvements in practice rather than support for basic research.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible applicants include a full range of providers of postsecondary educational services including but not limited to: 2 and 4-year colleges and universities, community organizations, libraries, museums, consortia, student groups, and local government agencies.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Postsecondary educational institutions and their students will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

None.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

A preapplication (Form ED 40-514) is required. Consultation and assistance are available from the Fund. Contact the Fund directly at (202) 708-5750. Application forms are furnished by the Fund. Call (202) 205-0104. Application materials and further information is also available on the WEB. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

There is a two-stage proposal process. Preliminary proposals are submitted directly to the Fund. These five- page documents state the problem to be addressed, provide a description of the program, indicate an evaluation format and list a budget. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110. Successful preliminary applicants are invited to submit final proposals, also using Form ED 40-514.

Award Procedure

Proposals are reviewed by field readers, by staff, by the Board of the Fund, by the Fund Director, and by appropriate Department officials. State Postsecondary Education Commissions must be given an opportunity to comment on projects funded in their States.

Deadlines

Deadlines are published in the Federal Register or may be obtained by contacting the program office.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Applications for renewal of multi-year projects are processed and funded before those for new projects. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

The Fund suggests that some institutional funds be included as part of program support, but this is not required by current legislation or regulation.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

The Fund will support multi-year projects on a declining fund basis; grants are awarded on a 1-to 3-year basis, with phasing of assistance as required. Funds are released as required. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

The Fund require periodic progress evaluation reports from grant recipients, as well as a final report upon termination of funding. Reporting requirements are found in EDGAR.

Audits

Awardees must comply with standard Education Department audit requirements.

Records

Grant recipients are required to maintain standard financial records.

 

Program Accomplishments

In fiscal year 2002, the Fund awarded approximately 555 grants.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0201-0-1-502.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $180,922,000; FY 03 est $171,068,000; and FY 04 est $39,138,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

In fiscal year 2002, the average new FIPSE comprehensive program grant was $169,000; the average continuation grant was $117,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Program regulations are contained in 34 CFR 630. In addition, the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, and 85 also apply. The official Application Notice is published each year in the Federal Register. The Fund also published "Lessons Learned," a compilation of FIPSE projects. Contact the program office for more information.

 

Related Programs

None.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-5175. Contact: Joan Griggs; E-mail Address joan.griggs@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 502-7518.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/FIPSE/

 

Examples of Funded Projects

1) Improved undergraduate liberal arts curriculum; 2) improved undergraduate teaching; 3) improved graduate education; 4) improved access for Blacks, Hispanics, and other minorities; 5) cooperation between colleges and businesses; 6) teacher education; 7) uses of technology; and 8) improved study abroad programs.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Grantees are selected based on the project's significance in improving postsecondary education; feasibility; and appropriateness.