Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Who has received this funding
Organizations awarded under CFDA 84.116 (USAspending.gov).
- University Of Alabama 2 awards $60,000,000
- Center For Collaborative Education Inc $8,000,000
- Portland State University $7,972,036
- California State University, Fresno Foundation $7,959,963
- Colorado State University-Pueblo $7,844,905
- University Of North Carolina System Office $7,800,000
- Georgia State University $7,578,694
- Research Foundation Of The City University Of New York $7,319,134
- The University Of Texas At San Antonio $7,299,868
Program Objective
To provide assistance to support institutional reforms and innovative strategies designed to improve postsecondary instruction, quality, and to expand postsecondary opportunities. For community project funding, to provide direct funding for activities selected by Congress.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Department/Agency of U.S. State
- Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Nonprofit Organization
- Other
Eligible applicants for FIPSE project grants include institutions of higher education, other public and private non-profit institutions and agencies and combinations of these institutions and agencies. Entities identified for Congressionally directed spending or community project funding under FIPSE are eligible.
Beneficiaries
- University Higher Education
Postsecondary educational institutions and their students will benefit.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
FIPSE project grant, proposals are reviewed by nonfederal reviewers. For community project funding/Congressionally directed spending, the Department will award funds to the named entities for the specified activities. The named entities are required to submit an approvable application.
From 4 to 8 months for FIPSE project grants. Community project funding/Congressionally directed spending applications are reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. The timeline for review of applications depends on the completeness of the submitted applications.
Program details & compliance
Description
The Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) supports a wide range of activities to promote institutional reforms and innovative programs with the potential to transform postsecondary education. Under FIPSE, all discretionary grants and contracts are awarded to institutions of higher education (IHEs) and other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies. Grants typically are frontloaded to pay full multi-year project costs from a single appropriation.
Mission Categories
Primary: Vocational Education
Other categories:
Educational FacilitiesHigher Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) provides project grants for activities sponsored by institutions of higher education that develop and demonstrate more effective approaches to postsecondary teaching and learning. In fiscal year 2024, Congress appropriated $7 million for the Open Textbooks Pilot (OTP) initiative (84.116T), , $9 million for the Centers of Excellence for Veterans Student Success (CEVSS) program (84.116G), $10 million for the Basic Needs Grant program, $45 million for the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) program (84.116W), $45 million for Postsecondary Student Success Grants (PSSG), $50 million for the HBCU, TCCU, and MSI Research and Development Infrastructure program, and $5 million for the Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education (TGIY) program (84.116Y). In fiscal year 2024, Congress also appropriated $202.3 million for community project funding/Congressionally directed spending (84.116Z). For these projects, grant activities must be consistent with the project description and the explanatory statement accompanying the Department’s appropriations act and regulations in 34 C.F.R. 75.104(a). Funds must be used to carry out the goals and activities presented in the entity’s application.
Restrictions
Contact program office contact for more information.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements