| Funds For Learning Adds New Module to E-rate Manager for Applicants |
| October 17, 2007 | |
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EDMOND, OKLA. (Oct. 17, 2007) - More than 30,000 schools and libraries apply for E-rate funding discounts every year, with about 90 percent receiving the assistance they need to provide telecommunications services and Internet access. Applicants for E-rate funding face a 10-month process involving complex forms and multiple deadlines. To simplify the process, Funds For Learning LLC, the nation's leading E-rate funding compliance services firm, introduces the Form 471 Wizard, a new component of E-rate Manager for Applicants. Once an E-rate applicant has developed a technology plan, announced they are seeking E-rate support and selected a service provider, the next step is to submit a Services Ordered and Certification Form, also known as Form 471. The form notifies the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the E-rate program, which service provider was selected, the goods and services for which the applicant is requesting E-rate support, and the cost of those goods and services. "With more than $2.25 billion available to schools and libraries every year through the E-rate program, our goal is to make the application process as easy as possible," said John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning. "The Form 471 Wizard guides applicants through the form from start to finish, simplifying the process to help ensure they receive the funding they need." The Form 471 Wizard allows an applicant to gather in one central location the multiple pieces of information required to complete the application. A user generates Form 471 online through an interface similar to that used with tax preparation software, and has the option to complete the form in one pass, or select a specific area to focus on. The Form 471 Wizard reviews applications to highlight areas of concern, and provides tips throughout the process to ensure applicants stay in compliance and receive maximum benefit from the program. When complete, the Form 471 may be transmitted to the Web site of the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company, or printed for applicants to submit via mail. All the documents related to the application may be stored in E-rate Manager for Applicants Compliance Archive for future reference. Schools and libraries turn to E-rate Manager for Applicants for assistance with their E-rate funding requests and commitments. The online suite of tools enables school districts to stay current with fluctuating deadlines and paperwork, track remaining E-rate funding, monitor sites where funding is used, and respond to E-rate program auditors. E-rate Manager for Applicants is available as an annual subscription per user fee based on student population. Prices start at $249 per year for up to 4,999 students. To mark the 10th anniversary of the E-rate program and Funds For Learning, the company has published "E-rate Review: 10 Years and Counting," a white paper on the success of the E-rate program and its impact on stakeholders. To download a copy, visit www.fundsforlearning.com/content/view/918/65/ . For more information about Funds For Learning, visit www.fundsforlearning.com or phone 405-341-4140. About Funds For Learning Funds For Learning, LLC, is an E-rate compliance firm specializing in guiding E-rate applicants and service providers through the complex and ever-changing E-rate regulatory process. With more than 10 years of experience in providing professional advice and assistance relating to the E-rate program, Funds For Learning exists to provide high-quality solutions for the needs of E-rate stakeholders. The company was established in 1997 and is headquartered in Edmond, Okla. For more information, visit www.fundsforlearning.com or phone 405-341-4140. # # # |
