Funds for Learning Offers Free E-Rate Software Trial During USAC Downtime
Edmond, OK-based Funds for Learning said recently that it will offer its services free when the Universal Services Administrative Co. (USAC) Web site becomes unavailable Sept. 2 through Sept. 13 (owing to maintenance). The USAC oversees the federal E-Rate program to help schools fund educational technology purchases and upgrades.
A one-year subscription to the software and service usually starts at $249, but, according to FFL, because September is such a critical month for schools seeking annual technology funding, the company is trying to offer relief to all schools and administrators who can't afford a two-week lapse in their ongoing efforts to navigate the labyrinthine E-Rate funding applications process. FFL provides management software and services as an alternative to self-managing the forms, requirements, reimbursement requests, and organization of extensive paperwork in the E-Rate process.
Features inaccessible during the Web site downtime that will be available using E-Rate Manager include:
- Status and details about funding requests and commitments;
- Dates and amounts of authorized reimbursements;
- Copies of Form 470 and 471 paperwork as it appears on the USAC Web site;
- SPIN contact information; and
- Billed entity numbers.
Those wishing to take advantage of the free month offer can visit the activation page here.
About the Author
Scott Aronowitz is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas. He has covered the technology, advertising, and entertainment sectors for seven years. He can be reached here.