Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (84.116)

 

Program

84.116 Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education

 

Federal Agency

Agency: Department of Education
Office: Office Of Postsecondary Education

 

Authorization

Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended,, Executive Order Title VII , Part B.

 

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

No Credentials or documentation are required. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Applications, consultation and assistance are available from the Fund staff. Application materials and further information is also available on the WEB. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. 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

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. In any fiscal year in which funds are available for new awards. The Department of Education publishes a notice in the Federal Register inviting applications and establishing a deadline date.

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

Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 4 to 8 months.

Appeals

Not Applicable.

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

This program has no statutory formula.

This program has no matching requirements.

This program does not have MOE requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

The Fund will support multi-year projects; grants are awarded on a 1-to 4-year basis. Funds are released as required. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: by letter of credit.

 

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. Cash reports are not applicable. Progress reports are not applicable. Expenditure reports are not applicable. Performance monitoring is not applicable.

Audits

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-133. Awardees must comply with standard Education Department audit requirements.

Records

Grant recipients are required to maintain standard financial records.

 

Program Accomplishments

Fiscal Year 2008: The Fund awarded 69 comprehensive program grants. Fiscal Year 2009: Approximately 125 comprehensive program grants are expected to be awarded. Fiscal Year 2010: No Current Data Available

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0201-0-1-502.

Obligations

(Project Grants) FY 08 $120,333,397; FY 09 est $133,667,000; FY 10 est $47,424,000

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

To be determined.

 

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

Not Applicable.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Cassandra Courtney Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington, District of Columbia 20202 Email: cassandra.courtney@ed.gov Phone: (202) 502-7506

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/programs/fipsecomp/.

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Fiscal Year 2008: (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. Fiscal Year 2009: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2010: No Current Data Available

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

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

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