Remote-Worker-5 Top Tips 2020

Looking to
Maximize Your
E-rate Dollars?

Here are 10 tips
from E-rate pros

Looking to  Maximize Your E-rate Dollars?

For two decades, E-rate funds have made technology more affordable for schools and libraries
across the U.S. In that time, many have discovered how to make the most of the E-rate dollars
available to them. We’ve taken their input—as well as recommendations from E-rate consulting
firm Funds for Learning—and developed this list of best practices: our top tips for E-rate success.

The E-rate program
is now stronger!

Starting in 2021, at least $8B
in funding will be available
and the five-year budget
cycle will be reset.

The E-rate program is now stronger!

Know the updated
budget calculation
for your school
or library.

Know the updated budget calculation for your school or library.

For schools/districts: (Enrollment) x $167 =
total pre-discount budget $ available. $4.50 per
square foot for all libraries (both rural and
urban). The per-site funding “floor” will be
increased from $9,200 per site to $25,000.

Assess resources,
and decide who will manage
your application.

55% of schools and libraries
say the application process
is getting easier and faster.

Assess resources

Create a tech vision
for your school or library.

Engage your stakeholders,
take a step back, and consider
the bigger picture.

Create a tech vision

Assess needs and prioritize.

98% of applicants say their
Wi-Fi network is critical to
fulfilling their mission.

79% of applicants will need to
upgrade their Wi-Fi within
three years.

Assess needs vand prioritize.

Plan + design your network
to align with your vision,
goals, and priorities.

See where you are today and
what’s needed by viewing our
Network Readiness Checklist.

Plan & design

Use a competitive
bidding process.

days of open bidding

Days of open
bidding.

cost is the highest weighted factor

Cost is the highest-
weighted factor.

Know the E-rate Productivity
Center (EPC), and mind
your deadlines.

55% of applicants agreed
that it took less time to
prepare and file applications
last year.

Know the E-rate

Identify matching and
other funding sources.

95% of applicants report that
E-rate funds are not sufficient
to meet their needs.

Identify matching and other funding sources

Manage the process
year-round.

Manage deadlines and document
work to stay ahead of the game
and keep E-rate funds flowing.

Manage the process
                    year round