Funding Year 2026 commitments keep rolling out, though the overall pace is running behind last year.
More than seven in ten funding requests now have a decision, so if yours has not arrived, you are not an outlier. Most of the gap compared to last year traces to a smaller first wave, not to a slowdown since. Here is what to do next, whether you are still waiting or already holding an FCDL.
FY2026 by the Numbers
- $1.88 billion committed nationwide, 53% of all funding requested
- 42,221 of 58,705 funding requests decided, more than seven in ten
- More than $1 billion committed in Wave 1 alone
- More than 60% of applicants received at least one decision in Wave 1
That’s real movement from earlier this summer, when the FY2026 total stood at about $1.1 billion. Last year at this point, 62% of requested funding had been committed.
Still Waiting for a Decision?
Don’t assume there’s a problem. Recent waves have been larger than last year’s were at this stage, which is a good sign if your decision has not arrived yet. Wave 20, released September 10, carried 859 funding requests. At the same point in FY2025, the weekly wave had thinned to 211.
If you haven’t heard from your USAC reviewer in a while, we’d suggest reaching out to the Client Service Bureau (CSB) to check on your application’s status. In the meantime, keep an eye on your E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) account and respond promptly to any Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) requests that come through.
USAC continues to release funding waves on a regular basis, and applications that require additional review often receive decisions later in the funding cycle. We’ve seen a significant number of Cost-Effectiveness Reviews, where USAC asks applicants to justify pricing, on requests for licenses and maintenance services.
Received an FCDL? Focus on Next Steps
If you’ve already received your Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL), your attention now shifts from getting approved to actually putting the funding to work.
Key post-commitment tasks include:
- Reviewing the FCDL for accuracy
- Filing FCC Form 486 as soon as eligible
- Confirming invoicing procedures with your service providers
- Verifying FCC Form 498 information if using the BEAR reimbursement method
- Maintaining documentation supporting service delivery and invoicing requirements
If you use BEAR invoicing, be aware of USAC’s transition to SAM.gov banking information. You’ll need an active SAM.gov registration and a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) on your FCC Form 498 to avoid payment delays. USAC has posted the details on its announcements page.
Bottom Line
The FY2026 funding cycle is moving. Commitments continue to grow, weekly wave releases are ongoing, and tens of thousands of funding requests have already received decisions. Whether you’re still waiting on an FCDL or getting ready to file Form 486, now is a good time to make sure you’re set for the next phase.
Every number above comes from E-rate Manager®. See what it shows for your own applications. Request a demo today.
About the Author: Sean Lock is a veteran E-rate Guide at Funds For Learning with nearly two decades of industry experience. Since entering the field during the 2007 financial collapse, Sean has dedicated his career to helping clients, from individual charter schools to the nation’s largest districts, maintain compliance and maximize their E-rate benefits. When he’s not untangling federal funding regulations, Sean enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active, whether it’s running socially with his local group or training for a new personal best.
