This publication provides a nontechnical summary of the U.S. Department of Education's discretionary grants process and the laws and regulations that govern it. This document is intended for individuals and organizations that are interested in applying to the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements, have received an award, or are interested in knowing more about the Department's discretionary grants process. It describes how grant programs are created by Congress and administered by the Department, and how the public goes about applying for and receiving discretionary grants. The sections comprising this publication are: (1) Grants at the U.S. Department of Education; (2) Applying for a Grant; (3) The Application Review Process at the Department; (4) When Your Project Receives Funding; (5) Grantee Responsibilities and Accountability; and (6) As the Project Ends. A glossary is included. [For the third edition, see ED496644.]