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.
