Important Information about Applying for Emergency Connectivity Funding

New window to apply starts September 28.

Many RAILS member libraries are actively working to apply for the Emergency Connectivity Funding (ECF) before the deadline of August 13. One of the preliminary steps for eligible libraries to apply for this funding requires the library to establish a Billed Entity Number (BEN) with the administrator of the funding, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

The definition of a library system used on the application by USAC may cause confusion and even setbacks in the application process for libraries with multiple locations. As a part of this BEN application/set-up process within USAC, one of the questions asks if the library is a part of a library system. USAC's definition of a library system is a library with a main building and one or more additional locations, e.g., Oak Park Public Library's main location is on Lake Street, with branches on Augusta Street and Gunderson Avenue. Therefore, in order to avoid application delays and possible misdirected funding, unless a library has multiple branches or locations, it is not part of a library system under USAC definitions, regardless of being a member library of RAILS or IHLS.

A library with multiple locations should have a BEN for their "system" as a whole (parent entity), and for each individual building (child entities), including the main building. You can set up a new BEN or look up the library's pre-existing BEN(s) on USAC's website to verify that all of your locations have assigned BEN(s). Log into the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) to verify that your library's entity is correctly set up. USAC provides guidance about structuring parent and child entities.

For additional information on the application process, the Funds for Learning website offers recorded webinars about ECF. Sign up for the next webinar "Emergency Connectivity Fund Filing Window Webinar," on Thursday, September 2 at 10 a.m.