National Association of Federally Impacted Schools

The National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS) is a non-profit, non-partisan corporation of school districts from throughout the United States, organized primarily to educate the Congress on the importance of impact aid. Founded in 1973, the association works to ensure that the needs of federally connected children are met with adequate federal funds. Nationwide, there are four types of federally connected children NAFIS represents: children residing on Indian Lands, military children, children residing in federal low-rent housing projects and children whose parents are civilian but work and/or live on federal property. NAFIS is governed by a board of directors, elected from its membership. The association is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a full-time professional staff under the leadership of an executive director.

NEW! Were You at the NAFIS Spring 2005 Conference? Then Download the Evaluation Form, Fill It Out and Fax It to Us...Click here.

NEW! See the National Conference of State Legislatures' NCLB Status Report as Presented to NAFIS Membership at NAFIS Spring Conference by David Shreve...Click here.

NAFIS' belongs to the Committee for Education Funding. See it's newest newsletter online...Click here.

See President's FY 2006 Budget compared with NAFIS budget request...Click here.

See the latest on FY'05 Funding Updates from the House and Senate...Click Here.

NAFIS Analyzes No Child Left Behind Act...See what it means to you...Click here.

Superintendents now have a direct link to the U.S. Department of Education for quick, concise, and targeted responses to questions about No Child Left Behind: 1-888-NCLB-SUP (1-888-625-2787). The resource line will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Also, technology-savvy superintendents may send email inquiries to a dedicated Inbox: mailto:NCLBSUP@ed.gov. Staff will ensure that all issues are addressed as efficiently as possible. Click here.

GRANT POLICIES

The U.S. Department of Education is transitioning to Grants.gov, a web site that allows individuals and organizations to find and apply for grants from all grant-making agencies electronically. If you are planning to apply for federal grants, please note the following:

· All potential applicants for grants should register early at Grants.gov. Do not wait until the grant opportunity you are interested in is posted.

· The Department has changed its policy and procedural requirements for permitting applicants, under certain circumstances, to submit paper applications for competitions that otherwise require the electronic submission of applications through Grants.gov or e-Application.

· The Department's Grants Forecast (http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/find/edlite-forecast.html) indicates which competitions might decide to use Grants.gov this year; however, the application notice for each competition is always the final authority.

· In addition to the preceding information, potential applicants for grants should read the Federal Register notice published by the Department's Chief Financial Officer on February 10, 2005 (see http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2005-1/021005d.html).

· For information on Grants.gov, call the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-GRANTS.

And how about a grant opportunity? The Teaching American History Grant Program -- which requires e-Application -- supports projects to raise student achievement by improving teachers' appreciation and understanding of traditional American history. Grant awards assist school districts, in partnership with entities that have extensive content expertise (such as colleges and universities, libraries, and museums), to design, implement, and demonstrate "effective, research-based professional development programs." Applications must be received by June 14. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/teachinghistory/.