Program Descriptions
Program Number
84.116
Title
Fund For The Improvement Of Postsecondary Education
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF 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.
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
Applications, consultation and assistance are available from the Fund staff. 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
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. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
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
From 4 to 8 months.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
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; grants are awarded on a 1-to 4-year basis. 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.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0201-0-1-502.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 07 $21,988,890; FY 08 est $120,333,397; and FY 09 est $37,433,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In FY 08, the average FIPSE comprehensive program grant was $200,000.
Program Accomplishments
In FY 08, the Fund awarded approximately 68 comprehensive program grants.
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.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-5175. Contact: Cassandra Courtney; E-mail: cassandra.courtney@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 502-7506.
Web Site Address
http://www.ed.gov/programs/fipsecomp/
Related Programs
None.
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.
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