ALAWON: American Library Association Washington Office Newsline
Volume 14, Number 55
May 26, 2005

In This Issue: Department of Education Grants Information 

GRANTS FORECAST
Be sure to review the FY 2005 Grants Forecast (as of April 29) at http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/find/edlite-forecast.html, which lists virtually all programs and competitions under which the Department has invited or expects to invite applications for awards and provides actual or estimated dates for the transmittal of applications under these programs.  The lists are in the form of charts -- organized according to principal program offices -- and will be updated regularly through July 2005.  (This document is advisory only and is not an official application notice of the Department of Education.)

Smaller Learning Communities 
School districts representing large high schools (with an enrollment of 1,000 or more students) are eligible for grants under the Smaller Learning Communities Program.  Awards are based on school size and the number of schools served, ranging from $650,000-$1,175,000 for one school to $11,750,000 for local education agencies applying on behalf of up to 10 schools.  Applicants must prioritize helping all students "succeed in rigorous academic courses."  The deadline for applications is June 7.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/slcp/.

Teaching American History Grant Program 
And how about a grant opportunity?  The Teaching American History Grant Program -- which requires e-Application -- supports projects to raise student achievement by improving teachers' appreciation and understanding of traditional American history.  Grant awards assist school districts, in partnership with entities that have extensive content expertise (such as colleges and universities, libraries, and museums), to design, implement, and demonstrate "effective, research-based professional development programs."  Applications must be received by June 14.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/teachinghistory/.


GRANT POLICIES
The U.S. Department of Education is transitioning to Grants.gov, a web site that allows individuals and organizations to find and apply for grants from all grant-making agencies electronically.  If you are planning to apply for federal grants, please note the following:

* All potential applicants for grants should register early at Grants.gov.  Do not wait until the grant opportunity you are interested in is posted.
* The Department has changed its policy and procedural requirements for permitting applicants, under certain circumstances, to submit paper applications for competitions that otherwise require the electronic submission of applications through Grants.gov or e-Application.
* The Department's Grants Forecast (http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/find/edlite-forecast.html) indicates which competitions might decide to use Grants.gov this year; however, the application notice for each competition is always the final authority.
* In addition to the preceding information, potential applicants for grants should read the Federal Register notice published by the Department's Chief Financial Officer on February 10, 2005 (see http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2005-1/021005d.html).
* For information on Grants.gov, call the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-GRANTS.  





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