Distance Learning Grants

Grant Details

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program (DLT)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service (RUS)

Funder Type: Federal Government	Award Amount: Varies
Deadlines: 05/18/10	Status: Active
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Award Description:
The anticipated amount available to fund grant awards in FY 2010 is $30,255,000. The maximum grant is $500,000. The minimum is $50,000. 260 awards are anticipated. There has been no budget authorization for the Combination Loan/Grant or Loan Programs. Should funds be appropriated, Program levels would be announced at a later date in the Federal Register.
Eligibility Description:
To be eligible, organizations must: (1) currently deliver or propose to deliver distance learning or telemedicine services for the term of the grant; (2) be legally organized as an incorporated organization or partnership; an Indian tribe or tribal organization; a state or local unit of government; a consortium; or other legal entity, including a private corporation organized on a for profit or not-for profit basis with the legal capacity to contract with the United States Government; and (3) operate a rural community facility or deliver distance learning or telemedicine services to entities that operate a rural community facility or to residents of rural areas.
Summary:
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program is specifically designed to meet the educational and health care needs of rural America through the use of advanced telecommunications technologies. DLT grants help rural communities enjoy enhanced educational opportunities, improved health care services and greater economic development. The intent of the DLT Program is to benefit rural areas (20,000 or less). It is important to note that the definition of "end-user" in the regulation envisioned only rural facilities such as rural elementary, secondary, and other educational institutions; rural hospitals, primary care centers, or other rural community facilities. The USDA encourages applicants to limit their projects to rural end-users. Historically, the DLT Program has provided three kinds of financial assistance: (1) 100% Grant, (2) Combination Loan/Grant (Combo); and (3) 100% Loan; however, in FYs 2009 and 2010, funding was not appropriated for DLT loans leaving only the 100% Grant option. The eligible purposes for 100% grants are the most restrictive. There are three categories of eligible purposes under the DLT Grant Program. In brief, the eligible purposes are (1) equipment, (2) instructional programming, and (3) technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment. Eligible equipment purchases and activities vary by assistance type. Acquiring, installing, or constructing telecommunications transmission facilities is one example of an eligible activity for combos and loans which is not eligible for grants. For specific allowable cost guidelines for each type of assistance see the official guidance located at the URL provided in the "Contact" section of this summary. The following are examples of eligible equipment purchases common to all DLT assistance types: computer hardware and software; audio and video equipment; computer network components; terminal equipment; data terminal equipment; interactive audio/video equipment; original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or OEM-authorized extended warranties on eligible equipment up to the three year life of the grant; and inside wiring. In general, equipment not electronically interconnected to the grant and match funded equipment is not eligible. The application must demonstrate both that the predominant purpose (50% or more of use) of every line-item in the grant and match budget meets the DLT Grant definition of distance learning and/or telemedicine, and further, that none of the use is for ineligible purposes.

Contacts

History

Additional Info.

Gary Allan, Acting Director, Advanced Services Division (ASD)
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Telecommunications Program

Address:
STOP 1550, Room 2844
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-1550

Telephone: (202) 720-0413
E-Mail: gary.allan@wdc.usda.gov
URL: http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm
Misc Info: For general DLT program questions email: dltinfo@wdc.usda.gov

Date Added: 12/03/04