E-rate Commentary

by John Harrington

Serving on Purpose: What Board Leadership Teaches Us

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of attending two incredible annual conferences—each uniquely impactful, both deeply aligned with my purpose: serving others through leadership. From the tech-forward...

What to Expect in the 2025 Applicant Survey

Each year, the E-rate applicant survey provides a valuable opportunity for schools and libraries to share their voices—and shape the future of the E-rate program. As the 2025 survey approaches,...

15 Years of Feedback: The Legacy of the E-rate Applicant Survey

For the past 15 years, Funds For Learning has been dedicated to gathering invaluable feedback from the E-rate community through our annual E-rate Applicant Survey. This milestone marks a significant...

by Patrick Burke

The Filing Window is Over – Now What?

Great job on submitting your Form 471! Now that the filing window is closed, here are some steps to help you move forward smoothly: Get Ready for PIA Questions PIA...

by John Harrington

Neatness Counts: A Reflection on Loss, Routine, and What Really Matters

I’ve been thinking a lot about routines lately—not the kind you read about in productivity blogs, but the quiet, personal rhythms that shape our days without fanfare. For over sixteen...

by Megan Keating

Document Retention 101: Keeping Your E-rate Records in Order

As an E-rate applicant, keeping your documentation in order is not just a good practice—it’s essential for compliance and future audits. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) requires all E-rate...

Understanding Your FCDL: What’s Next After the Commitment

After receiving the Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL), applicants should focus on clear steps to ensure they remain compliant and progress smoothly toward project implementation. Here’s a breakdown of what...

by Cathy Cruzan

The Power of Feedback: How Your Voice Shapes the Future of E-rate

As we mark the 15th annual E-rate Trends Survey, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have shared with the E-rate community. For fifteen years, thousands of school...