Funds for Learning Offers Free E-Rate Software Trial During USAC Downtime

• By Scott Aronowitz
• 09/01/09

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.