The Department of Education has revised its common instructions for applicants seeking discretionary grant funds, superseding previous guidance from December 2022. The updated instructions provide a centralized resource for application procedures, highlighting the importance of proper registration in SAM.gov, the need for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and the submission process through Grants.gov. Applicants must ensure their materials comply with formatting requirements, including using non-fillable PDF formats, and confirm their registrations ahead of deadlines. Notably, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in grant applications is permissible, though applicants must remain accountable for content integrity and adhere to principles of responsible AI usage. The document stresses the importance of adhering to submission deadlines, provides guidance for handling technical issues with Grants.gov, and outlines protocols for paper submissions where electronic methods are unavailable. This comprehensive set of instructions aims to streamline the grant application process while ensuring compliance and accountability among applicants.
The document outlines federal notices regarding two grant programs: the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for Willamette Valley hydropower operations and the Department of Education's Charter Schools Program (CSP)—Grants for Credit Enhancement and Model Development and Dissemination.
The USACE plans to prepare an SEIS for ongoing hydropower operations, incorporating input from tribal and federal partners and addressing alternatives, including a "no-hydropower" option based on a recent Biological Opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The draft SEIS is expected for public comment in Fall 2025.
The CSP grant programs, with a total of $60 million available, will support charter schools in securing funding for facilities and disseminating best practices. Applications for Credit Enhancement Grants are due by June 25, 2025, with significant funding levels ranging from $2 to $20 million, aiming to improve charter school infrastructure. The Model Development grant program seeks to develop and share high-quality charter school practices, with applications due by July 14, 2025.
These initiatives reflect federal efforts to enhance environmental management and expand educational opportunities through charter schools, emphasizing public engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders.