Core service
E-rate consulting
Full-service and limited-service engagements covering application preparation, deadline tracking, and recordkeeping.
Services
Our Guides prepare your applications, track your deadlines, and work with you through PIA review, appeals, and audits. You review and certify every filing. Before you do, a Guide goes through it with you.
The E-rate process
File the FCC Form 470 to announce you are seeking E-rate support. When it posts to USAC’s website, a 28-day period begins for service providers to submit bids. Cost of eligible goods and services must be the highest-weighted factor in vendor selection.
With a GuideWe draft the 470, set the bid calendar, and document your evaluation.
Submit the FCC Form 471 detailing the products and services for which discounts are sought, including contracts with selected providers and the costs of eligible products and services.
With a GuideWe build the 471 line by line and check it against your contracts before it is certified.
USAC reviews the application to confirm funding requests are for eligible services at eligible locations. On approval, USAC issues a Funding Commitment Decision Letter.
With a GuideWe answer reviewer questions with you and track every request to its deadline.
Services are delivered during the E-rate funding year. The Form 486 confirms approved services are being delivered and that you comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
With a GuideWe file the 486 and confirm your CIPA documentation is in order.
Receive discounts directly on provider invoices (providers bill the SLD via Form 474), or pay in full and request reimbursement of the discounted amount by filing the FCC Form 472.
With a GuideWe reconcile invoices against commitments and flag anything you haven’t claimed.
Eligibility & discounts
E-rate participants include public K-12 school districts, individual and private schools, public libraries and library systems, and consortia.
Discounts on eligible services range from 20–90% depending on your community’s location and poverty level. Unsure of your eligibility? Ask a Guide.
How we help
Between filings, our Guides follow the program so your applications reflect the rules in effect.
Our services
Core service
Full-service and limited-service engagements covering application preparation, deadline tracking, and recordkeeping.
Federal pilot
Guidance through the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot program for schools and libraries strengthening their network defenses.
COMPLIANCE
We prepare appeals to USAC and the FCC and support clients through program audits.
CLIENT STORIES
What schools, libraries, and partners say about working the E-rate process with FFL.
Talk to a Guide
Tell us which funding year you’re in and what’s on your desk. We’ll tell you what we’d do first.
Funds For Learning sells no E-rate eligible services, holds no SPIN, and accepts no payments from service providers tied to their sales to applicants. Our only interest is our clients' funding.
Standard of Conduct