Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 060311 002
Apply for ED GRANTS 060311 002
- The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) Investing in Innovation Fund Validation grants CDFA Number 84.411B" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.411 Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 7, 2011 and posted on Jun 3, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 2, 2011 Applications Available June 6, 2011. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications August 2, 2011.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $148,200,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $15,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Eligibility Information Providing Innovations That Improve Achievement for High Need Students All eligible applicants must implement practices, strategies, or programs for high need students (as defined in this notice). (2010 i3 NFP) Eligible Applicants Entities eligible to apply for Investing in Innovation Fund grants include (a) An LEA or (b) a partnership between a nonprofit organization and (1) One or more LEAs or (2) a consortium of schools. An eligible applicant that is a partnership applying under section 14007(a)(1)(B) of the ARRA must designate one of its official partners (as defined in this notice) to serve as the applicant in accordance with the Departments regulations governing group applications in 34 CFR 75.127 through 75.129. (2010 i3 NFP)
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund Validation Grants opportunity (CFDA 84.411B) was a U.S. Department of Education competitive discretionary grant program created under section 14007 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Its central aim was to scale up education practices that were not just novel, but backed by evidence showing they improve student outcomes. In particular, the program focused on expanding implementation of innovative strategies with demonstrated impact on student achievement or student growth, closing achievement gaps, reducing dropout rates, increasing high school graduation, and boosting college enrollment and completion.
Eligibility was limited to two main applicant types: (1) local educational agencies (LEAs), and (2) partnerships where a nonprofit organization applied together with either one or more LEAs or a consortium of schools. For partnership applications, the group had to name one official partner to act as the lead applicant under federal group application rules (34 CFR 75.127 through 75.129). A key program requirement was that funded projects serve high-need students, meaning applicants needed to propose practices, strategies, or programs specifically implemented for high-need populations as defined in the official notice.
As a Validation grant competition, the intent was to support approaches that already had some credible evidence of effectiveness and were ready for broader implementation and confirmation of impact at a larger scale or in additional settings. This sits between early-stage idea development and full-scale replication: the projects were expected to build on an existing record of success and produce results that further validate the innovation across contexts, while still emphasizing measurable improvements in student outcomes.
From a funding and administrative standpoint, the opportunity was substantial. The estimated total funding available was about $148.2 million, with an award ceiling of $15 million per grant, and the Department anticipated making around five awards. The program also required cost sharing or matching funds, meaning grantees needed to contribute non-federal resources to support the project budget according to the terms laid out in the official application notice.
Applications had to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, using the downloadable application package found by searching the CFDA number without the letter suffix (search for 84.411 rather than 84.411B). The application package became available on June 6, 2011, and the deadline to submit applications was August 2, 2011. The funding opportunity number for this competition was ED-GRANTS-060311-002. For technical issues with submission, applicants were directed to the Grants.gov Helpdesk (1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov).
Because the public posting is only a synopsis, the Federal Register notice was the controlling document for full requirements. That official notice contained the detailed rules on eligibility definitions (including what qualifies as high-need students), required evidence levels, performance measures, priorities, pre-application or application components, formatting and submission instructions, and program contacts. The listing provided contact points at the Department of Education for access issues and program questions, including Joyce Mays (202-245-6122, joyce.mays@ed.gov) and program manager Thelma Leenhouts (202-453-7122) at 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the i3 Fund Validation Grants opportunity (CFDA 84.411B)?
The Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund Validation Grants opportunity (CFDA 84.411B) was a U.S. Department of Education competitive discretionary grant program administered by the Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII). It was created under section 14007 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and focused on scaling up education practices that were innovative and supported by evidence of improved student outcomes.
What was the main purpose of the i3 Validation Grants?
The central aim was to expand implementation of innovative education strategies that had demonstrated impact and to further confirm their effectiveness at a larger scale or in additional settings. The program emphasized measurable improvements in student outcomes and prioritized strategies tied to student achievement or growth, closing achievement gaps, reducing dropout rates, increasing high school graduation, and increasing college enrollment and completion.
What kinds of results did the program seek to improve?
The opportunity highlighted improved student achievement or student growth, closing achievement gaps, reducing dropout rates, increasing high school graduation rates, and increasing college enrollment and college completion.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was limited to two applicant types: (1) local educational agencies (LEAs), and (2) partnerships where a nonprofit organization applied together with either one or more LEAs or a consortium of schools.
How did partnership applications work, and who submitted the application?
For partnership applications, the partners had to identify one official partner to serve as the lead applicant under the federal group application rules (34 CFR 75.127 through 75.129). That lead applicant was the entity responsible for submitting the application as the official applicant on behalf of the partnership.
Was there a requirement to serve specific student populations?
Yes. A key program requirement was that funded projects serve high-need students. Applicants needed to propose practices, strategies, or programs that would be implemented specifically for high-need populations as defined in the official notice.
What is a "Validation" grant in the i3 program context?
The Validation grant competition was intended for approaches that already had some credible evidence of effectiveness and were ready for broader implementation and additional confirmation of impact. These projects were expected to build on an existing record of success and produce results that further validate the innovation across contexts, while emphasizing measurable student outcome improvements.
How is a Validation grant different from early-stage development or full-scale replication?
Based on the description provided, Validation sits between early-stage idea development and full-scale replication. The approach was not meant to be purely conceptual or untested, and it was not described as the final stage of broad replication. Instead, it supported scaling and confirmation of effectiveness at a larger scale or in additional settings.
How much funding was available under this competition?
The estimated total funding available was about $148.2 million.
What was the maximum award size (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling was $15 million per grant.
How many awards did the Department expect to make?
The Department anticipated making around five awards.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. The program required cost sharing or matching funds, meaning grantees needed to contribute non-federal resources to support the project budget according to the terms in the official application notice.
Where and how were applications submitted?
Applications had to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the downloadable application package.
How do you find the correct application package on Grants.gov?
The application package was found by searching the CFDA number without the letter suffix. In other words, applicants were instructed to search for 84.411 (not 84.411B) to locate the package on Grants.gov.
What was the funding opportunity number for this competition?
The funding opportunity number was ED-GRANTS-060311-002.
When did the application package become available?
The application package became available on June 6, 2011.
What was the application deadline?
The deadline to submit applications was August 2, 2011.
What should applicants do if they had technical issues submitting through Grants.gov?
For technical submission issues, applicants were directed to contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.
Which document controlled the full requirements for the opportunity?
The Federal Register notice was the controlling document. The public posting was described as only a synopsis, and the Federal Register notice contained the full requirements.
What types of details were included in the Federal Register notice?
The official notice contained detailed rules on eligibility definitions (including what qualifies as high-need students), required evidence levels, performance measures, priorities, pre-application or application components, formatting and submission instructions, and program contacts.
Who were the Department of Education contacts listed for questions or access issues?
The listing provided Department of Education contact points including Joyce Mays (202-245-6122, joyce.mays@ed.gov) and program manager Thelma Leenhouts (202-453-7122). A mailing address was also provided: 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202.
Which office within the Department of Education administered this program?
The program was associated with the Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) within the U.S. Department of Education.
What law created or authorized this i3 grant competition?
The i3 program described here was created under section 14007 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: Autism Centers of Excellence Centers (P50)
Previous opportunity: Geoscientists in the Park
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for ED GRANTS 060311 002
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (ED GRANTS 060311 002) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) Investing in Innovation Fund CFDA Number 84.411C Apply for ED GRANTS 060311 003 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 060311 003 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs Partnership Grants CFDA Number 84.334A Apply for ED GRANTS 061411 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 061411 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $7,000,000 |
| Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs State Grants CFDA Number 84.334S Apply for ED GRANTS 061411 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 061411 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Risk Management Education in Targeted States (Targeted States Program) Apply for RMA TS 2011 Funding Number: RMA TS 2011 Agency: Risk Management Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Risk Management Education and Outreach Partnerships Program Apply for USDA RMA RME SSGP 002011 Funding Number: USDA RMA RME SSGP 002011 Agency: Risk Management Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Youth Environmental Outdoor Education and Camps Apply for L11AS00115 Funding Number: L11AS00115 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Education Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Internet and Exchange Component for High School Entrepreneurs Apply for EURAK 11 GR001 EUR 062211 Funding Number: EURAK 11 GR001 EUR 062211 Agency: Mission to Turkey Category: Education Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) RERC on Low vision and Blindness CFDA Number 84.133E 1 Apply for ED GRANTS 062411 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 062411 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) RERC on Wireless Technologies CFDA Number 84.133E 3 Apply for ED GRANTS 062411 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 062411 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Interventions to Promote Community Living Among Individuals with Disabilities CFDA Number 84.133B 1 Apply for ED GRANTS 062711 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 062711 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network Regional Centers CFDA Number 84.133A 6 Apply for ED GRANTS 062911 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 062911 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,246,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network Knowledge Translation Center CFDA Number 84.133A 7 Apply for ED GRANTS 062911 003 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 062911 003 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) Literacy Information and Communication System Regional Professional Development Centers Program CFDA Number 84.191B Apply for ED GRANTS 063011 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 063011 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ADFG Facility Use Apply for P11AC90426 Funding Number: P11AC90426 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) Promise Neighborhoods Program Implementation Grant Competition CFDA Number 84.215N Apply for ED GRANTS 070611 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 070611 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) Promise Neighborhoods Program Planning Grant Competition CFDA Number 84.215P Apply for ED GRANTS 070611 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 070611 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| DEM Bones Apply for P11AT30886 Funding Number: P11AT30886 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Internal Title Fostering International Research on Women in Public Service Apply for AFPG AFPDPA 11 001 Funding Number: AFPG AFPDPA 11 001 Agency: Bureau of African Affairs Category: Education Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KTDRR Center) CFDA Number 84.133A 13 Apply for ED GRANTS 021412 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 021412 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) Investing in Innovation Fund (I3) Scale Up Grants CFDA Number 84.411A Apply for ED GRANTS 032712 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 032712 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "ED GRANTS 060311 002", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.
