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GENERAL INFORMATION
Purpose: In accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Cooperation Act (HECA), the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) is seeking applications as described in this Request for Proposals (RFP) for Innovation Grants.The Act stipulates that Grantees receiving HECA grant funds shall serve both a public and secular purpose and be consistent with IBHE policies and priorities. HECA Grants are designed to support new projects that are innovative in both the proposal’s concepts and the methodology for implementation. A successful proposal will feature interinstitutional cooperation in higher education that promotes the efficient use of educational resources, an equitable distribution of educational services, the development of new and innovative educational concepts that effectively deliver educational programs, and involvement with the local community. Each proposal must clearly address an eligible funding category for consideration (see p. 2).
Applicant Eligibility: Cooperatives eligible to apply for a HECA Innovation Grant must include a t least two public or private not-for-profit higher education institutions. Not-for-profit corporations organized to administer programs of interinstitutional cooperation in higher education also are eligible. In addition, Illinois public schools may serve as additional participants in these cooperative arrangements.
Application Procedures: Proposals must be submitted online. Online application materials will be available at http://www.ibhe.org no later than February 22, 2008. Instructions for using the online application can be found in Appendix A. In addition, three (3) cover pages (Attachment 1) with original signatures must be mailed to: FY2009 HECA Innovation Grant, Illinois Board of Higher Education, 431 East Adams Street, Second Floor, Springfield, Illinois 62701-1404.
Application Deadline: Completed proposals - online application and three (3) hard copies of the original signed cover page, with participating institution pages - must be received no later than March 31, 2008 @ 5:00 p.m. CST . Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.
Funds Available: Based on the anticipated appropriation level for FY2009 and expected multi-year HECA Innovation grant renewals, the FY2009 HECA Innovation budget for new projects is estimated to be between $600,000 and $1,200,000. As always, award amounts and payment schedules are dependent upon final budgetary action by the Governor and the General Assembly.
Grant Period: Projects will be funded in separate annual HECA Innovation Grant awards. The FY2009 grant period will begin no sooner than July1, 2008 and will extend through August 31, 2009.
Grant Renewal: Projects may be renewed for up to two (2) years subject to annual state appropriations and approval of a renewal application that includes an interim evaluation indicating status of project implementation and progress made to date.
Requirements for Fiscal Agent: Each Grantee must designate a lead institution to serve as the project’s Fiscal Agent. The Fiscal Agent will be responsible for receiving, holding, disbursing and accounting for all assets and liabilities of the project. The Fiscal Agent shall agree to abide by and apply all statutes, policies and procedures applicable to the financial operation of the institution and to its duties as Fiscal Agent for the HECA project.
Contact Person: If you have questions about this RFP, please contact Rich Jachino at 217/557-7339 or e-mail Grants@ibhe.org.
Application Guidelines and Materials
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