The Education Amendments Act of 1972 authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to improve postsecondary education opportunities by providing assistance to educational institutions and agencies for a broad range of reforms and innovations. The Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education was established for this purpose. It is a governmental grant-making organization. Its two general goals are diversity and cost-effectiveness, which will be achieved primarily through the encouragement of structural, learner-centered improvements throughout postsecondary education. To achieve these purposes, the fund administers several distinctive program competitions. Applicants are invited to submit proposals under the comprehensive program competition, the special-focus program, and the national projects competition. The National Project of Teaching strengthens and encourages individuals and institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to raising the importance of teaching within postsecondary education. Special guidelines and procedures have been established for applicants to the national projects with reference to the general criteria of significance, feasibility, extent of institutional commitment, and appropriateness to the fund. (Author/KE)