In this article, the author talks about the Race to the Top-District (RttT-D) grant competition. People need to pay attention to RttT-D because the priorities expressed in its requirements are very likely to be harbingers for other competition requirements. If one thinks he/she might apply for any type of competitive federal funding in the future, knowing about RttT-D could help one prepare in advance. The author discusses how the latest Race to the Top competition will have a long-lasting impact on federal funding.