Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs: FY2018

Special Education Discretionary Federal Program Improvement Grant
Fund Code: 249

Purpose:	The purpose of this federal grant program is to fund professional development activities that will increase the capacity of personnel in approved Massachusetts private special education schools and programs to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Priorities:	The priorities of this grant program are to enhance program-based induction, mentoring, and retention programs and to advance the skills of educators through professional development activities. All funded programs must be high quality, sustainable, and intensive in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction and outcomes for students with disabilities. Four priorities have been identified by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for the FY2018 Fund Code: 249 Grant. Applicants are directed to select at least one priority and complete the required program information. Priority #1 — Strengthening Curriculum and Instruction Priority #2 — Non-Academic Supports Priority #3 — Early Childhood Inclusive Practices for Students with disabilities Priority #4 — Secondary Transition
Eligibility:	Only Massachusetts approved private special education schools and programs may be awarded funds under this grant. Agencies with multiple approved schools/programs may submit a proposal from any additional individually approved program that has an enrollment greater than 35 students.
Funding Type:	Federal CFDA: 84.027
Funding:	Approximate award amount is $145,500. The Fund Code 249 Grant, which historically has been awarded on a sliding scale basis based on individual program enrollment of Massachusetts students in approved special education schools, is going to be structured differently this year. Due to limited funding, each eligible recipient will be awarded a flat amount of $1500. Expenditures can be made upon DESE approval of the grant application until August 30, 2018. See the eligible recipient list attached which lists eligible applicants by the agency who may apply and the programs representing that agency. School-Program Funding Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding is to become available, it will be distributed under the same guideline as listed in the initial RFP document.
Fund Use:	The following are allowable costs: Stipends; Fringe (related to stipends only); Tuition costs for college/university courses; Conference registration costs; Supplies, materials, and books specifically for training purposes and professional development; Printing and reproduction of training materials; Consultant fees; Substitutes; and In-state travel. Funds may not be used for: Computer hardware or software; Indirect costs; Direct services or materials for students; Food; and Restraint training as required under 603 CMR 46.00.
Project Duration:	Upon Approval - 8/31/2018
Program Unit:	Special Education Planning and Policy Development
Contact:	Bob Hanafin
Phone Number:	(781) 338-3364
Date Due:	Friday, March 16, 2018
Required Forms:	Part I — General — Program Unit Signature Page — (Standard Contract Form and Application for Program Grants)   Part II — Required Program Information (See information on required Activity Sheets for each Priority.) Priority #1 — Strengthen Curriculum and Instruction Priority #2 — Non-Academic Supports Priority #3 — Early Childhood Inclusive Practices for Students with Disabilities Priority #4 — Secondary Transition
Additional Information:	Instructions for Completing an Application Submission in EdGrants EdGrants Front Office User Guide: Requesting Grant Funds (payments) EdGrants: User Security Controls Budget Detail - Description of Line Item Information Applications can legally claim expenses to the grant only as of the DESE approved start date.
Submission Instructions:	Submit all required grant materials through EdGrants In EdGrants, districts are required to create and name the project. Please use the following naming convention for your "Applicant Project Name" in EdGrants: FY18 249 [LEA # District Name] All items listed under the required forms section of this RFP should be uploaded / attached in the Attachments List formlet of the Application Submission in EdGrants. This includes a signed / scanned PDF of Part I / Coversheet with an original signature of the Superintendent/Executive Director and Required Program Information. The final budget the applicant is requesting will be entered directly into EdGrants as part of the application submission process. Please note: An optional Allowable Cost Calculator is available to support district budget planning prior to completing the EdGrants budget formlet. For Guidance Documents regarding EdGrants, visit EdGrants: User Guides and Information. Please note: It is up to the district to determine who they want to add as EdGrants Front Office users in order to submit the grant application as well as payment request information. Please review the EdGrants: User Security Controls to make informed decisions regarding assigning your district level users.
Amendments:	Amendments are to be submitted through EdGrants. Refer to EdGrants Front Office User Guide: Application Submission . If you have specific questions, please contact Bob Hanafin at bob.hanafin@doe.mass.edu or 781-338-3364.