E-rate Update - Form 471 Template Available
Message Posted March 12, 1998
The Schools and Libraries Corporation has released the Form 471 Template -- a new electronic template designed to assist E-rate applicants complete Form 471. It is only available in Microsoft Excel (version 7.0 for Windows 95 - download Windows viewer) format and can be found, along with a document listing instructions on its use, on the Schools and Libraries Corporation web site, under the Reference Section. Please note: the form template is no different than the paper version that you already have and is in no way required to be used.
The template was designed after the SLC received several comments from applicants requesting a way to type their Form 471 information electronically instead of manually typing or handwriting it on the paper forms. The template itself, of course, cannot be submitted electronically, but it may ease data entry onto the Form.
Applicants will now be able to import data from their existing spreadsheets and databases, expand fields, and type information directly onto the form instead of attaching additional pages. For example, if you are determining your discount for a shared service between 10 buildings, there is only enough space on the form to input the data for 6 buildings. With the help of the template, applicants can now continue to add rows to that grid instead of attaching additional pages. Another example is on Items 15 and 16 where you list which contracts you have signed and for which you are applying for discounts. Number 17 instructs you to attach sheets listing exactly what service(s) or connection(s) was purchased on that contract. With the help of the template, schools and libraries will be able to list those items on Items 15 and 16 in Column 6 instead of attaching that extra sheet.
To download the template and its instructions, go to the Reference Area of the Schools and Libraries Corporation web site, then click on the 471 Application Guidance button.
All completed Form 471s, both templates and existing forms, should be mailed to: Schools and Libraries Corporation, P.O. Box 4217, Iowa City, IA 52244-4217, or sent via express delivery to Schools and Libraries Corporation, c/o Sherri Chalupa, 2510 N. Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA 52245. No Form 471s will be accepted via e-mail or fax.
For help using the template or with the application process, call 888-203-8100.
-- Julie
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