E-Rate Funding

The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) usually issues the first wave of funding commitments in May prior to the beginning of the funding year. Funding for Priority 1 services (Telecommunications & Internet Access) is issued first. After the FCC has reviewed the funding demand and SLD has reviewed applications submitted, the FCC will approve the release of funding for Priority 2 (Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance) applications based on the amount of funds remaining in the program.

How to View Funding Commitments:
Detailed instructions on how to view the list of schools and libraries included in the funding waves are posted on the SLD web site: Automated Search of Commitments Instructions
How to View Advanced Search Options:
You can view and/or download funding commitments by school/library, state, funding year by going to the commitments search screen on the SLD web site. Then click on "Advanced Search" : Automated Search of Commitments Advanced Search
How to View Detailed Information about Your Funding:
The SLD's Data Retrieval Tool allows you to download details about your funding including funding date, denial reasons, original requests, committed amounts, contract expiration date, and amounts disbursed. See: Data Retrieval Tool
How to Find the Status on an Application:
If your school or library doesn't show up in the funding commitments, you can find out the status of your application. Go to the SLD web site's "Apply Online" page (see below). Under the Form 471 column, click on "Application Status". http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp
How to Find your Billed Entity Number (BEN)
In order to look up the status of your application, you have to know your billed entity number. You can find your BEN on SLD's web site using the Billed Entity Search: http://www.usac.org/sl/Utilities/BilledEntitySearch_Public.asp

If you have any questions about the E-Rate program, please feel free to call your E-Rate professionals, Kellogg & Sovereign ® Consulting, LLC at 866-334-1444.