FIPSE Programs : Help : FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What is FIPSE?

   FIPSE stands for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. FIPSE is legislatively mandated to improve the quality of and access to postsecondary education through grants that support reform and innovation.

2. How can I find information on applying for a grant from FIPSE?

   Please go to FIPSE's homepage at http://www.ed.gov/FIPSE/ and "How to Get a FIPSE Grant" at http://www.ed.gov/FIPSE/funding.html for more information.




Grant Database Information

3. How many FIPSE grants are presently included in the database?

   The total number of grants is listed in the Welcome box on the grant database homepage. Currently there are 3096 grants in the database.

4. Do I need a username and password?

   You do not need a username and password to view the grants in the grant database. An individual needs to be logged in with a username and password only in order to modify grant information in the database. As such, only certain FIPSE grantees and FIPSE staff are eligible to receive a grant database account. If you have not received a username and password, you are most likely not eligible for an account. If you believe information in the database is incorrect or inaccurate, or if you would like to request a grant database account, please let us know.

5. How far back can I search?

   The database contains information on grants awarded by FIPSE from 1994 to present.

6. Are all FIPSE discretionary grants between 1994 and the present included in the database?

   Yes, the database contains information on every discretionary grant made by FIPSE from 1994 through 2008. Newly awarded grants may not be immediately available and will be added as quickly as possible. If you believe a grant is missing or if a grant is found that appears to have incorrect data, please contact us with more details.

7. Is there a particular Web browser that is better to use with the online database?

   No, the database web site has been designed with support for most current browsers in mind. The site should be fully compatible with all "mostly" standards-compliant web browsers, including but not limited to Opera, Mozilla, Lynx, Netscape, and Internet Explorer. The grant database website does not use any platform specific technologies other than conformance with the HTML 4.0.1 specification. If you have difficulty viewing this site, please make sure your browser is not outdated (more than a few years old) and that it conforms to this standard.

8. How can I suggest improvements in the content or accessibility of this database?

   We are always looking for suggestions and feedback. Please see our online contact section to leave your suggestion, comment, or question with FIPSE staff.




Problem Solving

9. What if I have difficulty using the database?

   Most common technical questions should be answered using the online help tool. For any additional questions please contact technical support staff through the contact section.

10. How do I find more information on a particular grant?

    Each database entry should list a set of contacts for the grant, including the Project Director. For grants that have ended, the Project Director and/or other contacts may no longer be available at the address listed. In this event, you may attempt to contact the department or institution that was awarded the grant, and inquire as to where you may find more information.