Title III SIP is the longest-standing institutional strengthening grant for colleges and universities. The program improves academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability for institutions serving high numbers of low-income students. SIP funding has been used to hire personnel; invest in infrastructure, such as retention enterprise systems; make capital improvements; and introduce novel enrollment management solutions.
In the FY26 federal appropriations bills, Congress allocated $493 million across all Title III and Title V programs, including the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) (see here: McAllister & Quinn’s analysis). Should the Department decide to not offer MSI-dedicated grant competitions this year, as is widely rumored, the Title III SIP program could see a large infusion of funds for more awards and/or larger award amounts. The Department of Education recently launched their FY2026 eligibility process for the Title III Part A and F programs with a deadline of April 23, 2026, indicating that the new competition may be forthcoming this spring or summer.
With the FY26 Title III competition expected this spring and applications due in early summer, our Title III Coaching and Proposal Development Service is designed to help your institution assess readiness, refine strategy, and execute under a compressed timeline. We will help position both new and continuing applicants—including those who have drafted Title V applications who want to transition to a Title III—to compete confidently and successfully.
Title III SIP Funding for McAllister & Quinn College and University Clients
Success Rate in 2023 Title III SIP Competition (the last open competition) for McAllister & Quinn Clients
Our Tailored Services for Title III Proposal Development
Title III Consulting and Coaching Package
Our recommended timeline is 8-12 weeks. We will partner with you to determine an appropriate timeline based on your needs.
Review institutional data, eligibility, and compliance
High-level project concept development
Data collection and concept refinement
Vet initial project ideas
Narrow and refine institutional needs
Attachment support and compliance guidelines
Examples of successful Title III proposals
Custom project timeline
Proposal narrative development and refinement
Budget conceptualization
Data acquisition
Compliance check
Strengthen clarity, cohesion, and competitiveness
Align program purpose, priorities, and evaluation criteria
Identify opportunities to enhance outcomes
Formatting and technical compliance review
Final recommendations for submission-ready application package
Example Title III Proposal Successes
Strategic Intelligence
We are committed to helping position your institution for sustained funding success. Our Title III coaching is accompanied by exclusive access to our Strategic Intelligence resources for the duration of the engagement.
The McAllister & Quinn Difference – What Sets Us Apart from Other Consultants
Since 2004, McAllister & Quinn has supported institutions in seeking and securing federal funding. We enable you to achieve your institutional priorities and to build capacity for grant seeking through our deep policy expertise, effective project management, and real-time strategic intelligence. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a seasoned grantseeker, our Title III coaching will help you navigate complex requirements, manage risk, and compete with confidence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your institution.