Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 040716 001
The Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program (CFDA 84.215G) is a discretionary grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). Its main goal is to support strong, well-designed literacy efforts for children from birth through 12th grade, specifically in high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) and the schools they serve. The program is aimed at improving literacy outcomes across the full developmental span: building early literacy for very young children, encouraging and motivating older students to read more, and boosting overall academic achievement through literacy-focused strategies. A central theme of the program is using school libraries as active partners in literacy improvement, along with efforts like distributing free books to children and families and providing high-quality literacy activities that are grounded in a clear, evidence-informed theory of how the project will produce results.
The Department emphasizes innovation and quality, meaning applicants are expected to propose programs that are more than just general reading support. Projects should show a thoughtful plan for how literacy skills will be developed and improved, and they should reflect approaches supported by evidence or at least a strong rationale tied to research and practice. The opportunity highlights several example strategies the Department intends to support: early childhood literacy programming, initiatives that get older students engaged and interested in reading, school library partnerships that expand students access to literacy resources, and book distribution models that help build home libraries and family reading habits. Overall, the program is framed around both access (making sure students have books and resources) and instruction/engagement (making sure students are participating in meaningful literacy experiences).
Eligibility is limited to certain types of applicants connected to high-need communities. An applicant must be either a high-need LEA; a national not-for-profit organization (NNP) serving children and students within the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs; a consortium of those eligible NNPs serving within those same boundaries; a consortium of high-need LEAs; or a mixed consortium made up of one or more high-need LEAs and one or more NNPs serving within the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs. In addition to fitting one of those categories, applicants are expected to coordinate with school libraries when developing project proposals, reinforcing the program focus on libraries as key delivery partners for literacy resources and learning opportunities.
This specific notice also includes an important clarification tied to congressional intent and prior IAL competitions: the Secretary reserves the right to direct at least 50 percent of available IAL funds to LEAs that submit strong applications for school library projects. These library-focused projects are expected to increase access to a broad range of literacy resources, whether print or digital, and to create learning opportunities for all students. In practice, that means LEA-led proposals connected to school libraries may receive a substantial share of available funding if they are high-quality and aligned with the program goals. The supplemental notice is described as a clarification rather than a change, meaning it does not rewrite the original application notice published April 7, 2016; it simply reinforces how the Department may prioritize awards.
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and cannot be submitted by email. Applicants have to locate the application package by searching the CFDA number without the letter suffix, meaning the search should be for 84.215 rather than 84.215G. The funding opportunity is identified as ED GRANTS 040716 001, with an original closing date of May 9, 2016, and an expectation of 32 awards. For the full set of requirements such as priorities, performance measures, and detailed submission instructions, applicants are directed to the official Federal Register notice (81 FR 20376) and related materials, since the opportunity description provided is only a synopsis and the Federal Register publication controls in the event of any differences.Apply for ED GRANTS 040716 001
- The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program CFDA Number 84.215G" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.215.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2016-04-07.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-05-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 32 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program?
The Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program (CFDA 84.215G) is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). It supports strong, well-designed literacy efforts for children from birth through 12th grade, with an emphasis on high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) and the schools they serve.
What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?
The main purpose is to improve literacy outcomes across the full developmental span, from early literacy for very young children through motivating older students to read more, and supporting broader academic achievement through literacy-focused strategies. The program stresses both access to literacy resources and meaningful literacy instruction and engagement.
What age/grade levels can IAL projects serve?
IAL projects may serve children from birth through 12th grade.
Which communities or schools are the focus of IAL funding?
The program is specifically focused on high-need LEAs and the schools they serve. Eligible national not-for-profit organizations and consortia must serve children and students within the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs.
What kinds of projects does the IAL Program support?
The Department describes support for literacy efforts that are well-designed and grounded in a clear, evidence-informed theory of how the project will produce results. Example strategies highlighted include early childhood literacy programming, initiatives to engage older students in reading, school library partnerships that expand access to literacy resources, and book distribution models that build home libraries and family reading habits.
Is this grant intended for general reading support programs?
The Department emphasizes innovation and quality, signaling that applicants are expected to propose programs that are more than general reading support. Proposals should show a thoughtful plan for developing literacy skills and should be supported by evidence or a strong rationale tied to research and practice.
How important are school libraries in the IAL Program?
School libraries are a central theme of the program and are described as active partners in literacy improvement. The program highlights school library partnerships as a key strategy to expand access to literacy resources and create literacy-related learning opportunities for students.
Are applicants required to coordinate with school libraries?
Yes. Applicants are expected to coordinate with school libraries when developing project proposals, reinforcing the program focus on libraries as key delivery partners for literacy resources and learning opportunities.
Does the Department plan to prioritize any particular type of project?
This notice includes a clarification that the Secretary reserves the right to direct at least 50 percent of available IAL funds to LEAs that submit strong applications for school library projects. These projects are expected to increase access to a broad range of literacy resources (print or digital) and create learning opportunities for all students.
Does the 50 percent funding statement change the original competition requirements?
No. The supplemental notice is described as a clarification rather than a change. It does not rewrite the original application notice published April 7, 2016, and it indicates that the Department may prioritize awards consistent with that clarification.
Who is eligible to apply for the IAL Program?
Eligibility is limited to the following applicant types connected to high-need communities: (1) a high-need LEA; (2) a national not-for-profit organization (NNP) serving children and students within the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs; (3) a consortium of eligible NNPs serving within those same boundaries; (4) a consortium of high-need LEAs; or (5) a mixed consortium made up of one or more high-need LEAs and one or more NNPS serving within the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs.
What is meant by a national not-for-profit organization (NNP) for eligibility?
The opportunity description specifies eligibility for a national not-for-profit organization that serves children and students within the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs.
If applying as a consortium, what combinations are allowed?
The synopsis allows three consortium formats: (1) a consortium of eligible national not-for-profits; (2) a consortium of high-need LEAs; or (3) a mixed consortium with one or more high-need LEAs and one or more eligible national not-for-profits serving within the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs.
How do applicants submit an application?
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applications cannot be submitted by email.
How do I find the correct application package on Grants.gov?
Applicants must locate the application package by searching the CFDA number without the letter suffix. That means searching for 84.215 (not 84.215G).
What is the funding opportunity identifier for this competition?
The funding opportunity is identified as ED GRANTS 040716 001.
What was the original application closing date listed in the notice?
The original closing date listed is May 9, 2016.
How many awards were expected?
The notice states an expectation of 32 awards.
Where are the official requirements and detailed instructions located?
Applicants are directed to the official Federal Register notice (81 FR 20376) and related materials for the full set of requirements, including priorities, performance measures, and detailed submission instructions.
What happens if there is a difference between the synopsis and the Federal Register notice?
The synopsis indicates that the Federal Register publication controls in the event of any differences.
What kinds of literacy resources are contemplated for library-related projects?
The clarification notes that school library projects are expected to increase access to a broad range of literacy resources, which may include print or digital resources, and to create learning opportunities for all students.
Does the program support distributing free books to families?
Yes. The program description highlights distributing free books to children and families as an example strategy, along with book distribution models that help build home libraries and family reading habits.
Does the program require a specific theory of change or project rationale?
The synopsis emphasizes that projects should be grounded in a clear, evidence-informed theory of how the project will produce results, and should reflect approaches supported by evidence or a strong rationale tied to research and practice.
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| Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind Program CFDA Number: 84.160C Apply for ED GRANTS 072516 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 072516 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Implementing Partner - Model UN simulation Apply for DOS MEX PD DF 2016 05 Funding Number: DOS MEX PD DF 2016 05 Agency: U.S. Mission to Mexico Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Enhanced Assessment Instruments Grant Program: Enhanced Assessment Instruments CFDA Number 84.368A Apply for ED GRANTS 080816 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 080816 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE): Performance Partnership Pilots (P3) CFDA Number 84.420A Apply for ED GRANTS 081516 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 081516 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Let Girls Learn Apply for PRE SOLICITATION 391 APS 16 00001 Funding Number: PRE SOLICITATION 391 APS 16 00001 Agency: Pakistan USAID-Islamabad Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Records Management Development Apply for A16AP00154 Funding Number: A16AP00154 Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Upward Bound Program CFDA Number 84.047A Apply for ED GRANTS 101716 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 101716 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII): Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) CFDA Number 84.165A Apply for ED GRANTS 121316 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121316 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Opening Doors, Expanding Opportunities CFDA Number 84.377C Apply for ED GRANTS 121416 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121416 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII): Education Innovation and Research Program--Mid-phase Grants CFDA Number 84.411B Apply for ED GRANTS 121516 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121516 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII): Education Innovation and Research Program--Early-phase Grants CFDA Number 84.411C Apply for ED GRANTS 121516 003 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121516 003 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII): Education Innovation and Research Program--Expansion Grants CFDA Number 84.411A Apply for ED GRANTS 121516 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121516 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII): Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Grant Program CFDA Number 84.367D Apply for ED GRANTS 122116 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 122116 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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