School Choice Incentive Program CFDA 84.370A | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the School Choice Incentive Program (CFDA 84.370A)?

The School Choice Incentive Program (CFDA 84.370A), also referred to as the DC School Choice Incentive Program, is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Education. It was created under the DC School Choice Incentive Act of 2003.

2) What is the main goal of this grant program?

The central goal is to expand K-12 educational options for low-income parents who live in the District of Columbia by increasing access to alternative schooling opportunities for eligible DC students, giving families more choices beyond their assigned public schools.

3) Who administers this grant opportunity?

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

4) Is this a discretionary grant or a formula grant?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity.

5) What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is education.

6) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a standard grant.

7) How many awards was the Department expecting to make for the FY 2009 competition?

For the FY 2009 competition described in the Federal Register, the Department expected to make a single award.

8) What was the estimated total funding amount for FY 2009?

The estimated total funding amount was $12,600,000.

9) What was the award ceiling for FY 2009?

The award ceiling was $12,600,000.

10) Does this opportunity require cost sharing or matching funds?

No. The opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds, meaning applicants are not required to contribute non-federal dollars as a condition of receiving the grant.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to specific types of organizations tied to DC education and community governance. Eligible applicants include: (a) an educational entity of the District of Columbia Government, (b) a nonprofit organization, or (c) a consortium of nonprofit organizations.

12) Are there nonprofit eligibility categories mentioned in the notice?

Yes. The listing notes nonprofit eligibility categories such as 501(c)(3) organizations (other than institutions of higher education) and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (also other than institutions of higher education), along with other entities as clarified in the official notice.

13) Is there a governance or board membership requirement?

Yes. To receive an award, the applicant must ensure that a majority of the members of its voting board or governing body are residents of the District of Columbia.

14) Why was the FY 2009 competition reopened?

The FY 2009 competition was reopened due to conflicting submission instructions. The Federal Register notice required paper submission by mail or hand delivery, but the Department's website materials mistakenly directed applicants to submit through the e-Grants/Grants.gov system.

15) What was the revised application deadline for the reopened FY 2009 competition?

The revised deadline for transmittal of applications was July 13, 2009, replacing the original May 26, 2009 deadline.

16) If an applicant already submitted an application under the earlier instructions, did they have to do anything?

Yes. Any applicant who had already submitted under the earlier instructions was required to submit a new application under the reopened competition, using the corrected application package posted on the program website.

17) How were applications supposed to be submitted according to the Federal Register notice?

According to the Federal Register notice referenced in the announcement, applications were to be submitted on paper by mail or hand delivery. The notice points applicants to section IV.6, "Other Submission Requirements," for the specific paper-submission rules.

18) Should applicants rely on the public summary or the Federal Register notice?

The announcement emphasizes that the public summary is only a synopsis and that the controlling requirements are in the official Federal Register application notice.

19) Where can applicants find the full requirements for the FY 2009 competition?

Applicants are directed to consult the April 23, 2009 Federal Register notice for full details on requirements such as application content, submission procedures (including section IV.6, "Other Submission Requirements"), performance measures, priorities, and program contacts.

20) Are performance measures, priorities, and contact information included in the official notice?

Yes. The announcement indicates that the April 23, 2009 Federal Register notice contains performance measures, priorities, and program contacts.

21) Who should applicants contact for technical access issues versus program questions?

The notice provides points of contact at the U.S. Department of Education for technical access issues and for programmatic questions, including a listed program manager. Applicants should use the appropriate contact based on whether their issue is technical or program-related, as identified in the official notice.