NEW Department of Education Grant Program with Awards up to $4,000,000

NEW Department of Education Grant Program with Awards up to $4,000,000
Trump Administration Department of Education
Capacity Building/Training Grants Strategy Higher Education Non-Profits & Public Agencies Proposal Development & Grant Writing Small & Mid-Sized Colleges & Universities November 13, 2025

The Department of Education (ED) Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education – Special Projects (FIPSE – SP) 

The recently released Department of Education (ED) FIPSE-SP (link) program aims to support innovative projects concerning one or more areas of national need identified by the Secretary. There is an estimated $167,000,000 available in funds to be allocated in grant awards.

Areas of National Need

  • Advancing the understanding of and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in postsecondary education
  • Promoting civil discourse on college and university campuses
  • Promoting accreditation reform
  • Supporting capacity-building for high-quality short-term programs

This competition contains seven absolute priorities across the four areas of national need and two competitive preference priorities. Click here for a new press release: U.S. Department of Education Releases Seven Priorities Under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education.

Learn More!
  • Eligible Applicants

    Institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the HEA), consortia of such institutions, and other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies including State higher education agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1003(22). An eligible entity may submit only one (1) grant application under an area of national need as the lead applicant.

  • Application Deadline

    December 3, 2025

  • Estimated Funding

    $167,000,000

  • Number of Awards

    Approximately 89 awards across all 7 absolute priorities

  • Grant Award Amounts

    Awards will not exceed the following amounts for each of these priorities for the entire project period of 48 months: Absolute Priorities 1 and 2: $4,000,000. Absolute Priority 3: $4,000,000. Absolute Priorities 4 and 5: $1,000,000. Absolute Priorities 6 and 7: $4,000,000

Navigate Complex Funding Opportunities with McAllister & Quinn

McAllister & Quinn supports two-year and four-year institutions of higher education with a suite of comprehensive services designed to increase external funding while building institutional capacity and brand awareness. We support our higher education clients as strategic partners and force multipliers, providing professional expertise and unparalled resources. McAllister & Quinn’s Higher Education Practice offers a range of consulting services, including grant-seeking strategies, faculty training, and proposal development. These efforts develop and focus our clients’ strategic funding efforts to achieve results that ensure a robust return on investment. 
 
Let’s discuss how we can position your institution for success with this opportunity and other foundation, local, state, and federal grants! 
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