The U.S. Department of Education, through its Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), administers the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE): Special Projects under Assistance Listing Number 84.116J. This discretionary grant program aims to support innovative projects addressing critical national needs within the postsecondary education sector. The FIPSE Special Projects initiative promotes systemic improvements and innovation in U.S. higher education through targeted investments in areas identified by the Secretary of Education as national priorities.
For the current funding cycle, the Department is emphasizing four key areas: the advancement and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in postsecondary settings, the promotion of civil discourse on college campuses, accreditation reform, and the development of high-quality short-term credential programs. Applicants must align their proposals with one or more of these areas and apply under the corresponding absolute priorities. The Department intends to allocate $50 million for AI initiatives, $60 million for civil discourse projects, $7 million for accreditation reform, and $50 million for short-term program capacity-building. These allocations may be adjusted depending on the volume and quality of proposals received.
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (IHEs), consortia of such institutions, and other public or private nonprofit institutions and agencies, including state higher education agencies. Each eligible entity may submit one application per area of national need as the lead applicant but may participate as a partner in multiple proposals. Nonprofit applicants must demonstrate their tax-exempt status through IRS recognition, state certification, or incorporation documentation.
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov. The application window opened on November 12, 2025, and closes on December 3, 2025. A subsequent intergovernmental review deadline is set for December 12, 2025. The application must be submitted in accordance with the Common Instructions published by the Department of Education on August 29, 2025. The official Federal Register notice contains detailed requirements, submission procedures, and performance expectations.
The grant program is not subject to a cost-sharing or matching requirement. Evaluation criteria include innovation, alignment with national priorities, capacity to implement, and expected outcomes. Awards are expected to be distributed among an estimated 89 grantees, though this number may vary. For technical assistance or clarification, applicants can contact Stacey Slijepcevic at the U.S. Department of Education by phone at (202) 453-6150 or email at Stacey.Slijepcevic@ed.gov.
There is no indication of recurring cycles or future submission dates beyond the current round. All interested parties should ensure timely and complete submission, as late or incomplete applications may be disqualified.
