Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program
🏛 Office of Postsecondary Education
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions of higher education, systems of multiple colleges, and nonprofit organizations seeking to address student basic needs insecurity.
Eligible institutions include accredited colleges, universities, consortia of schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. State education and higher education agencies also qualify. Public and private nonprofit organizations working on postsecondary student support are eligible.
Applicants must be recognized by the IRS as tax-deductible entities, or demonstrate nonprofit status through state certification, incorporation documents, or parent organization affiliation.
The program funds systemic solutions to basic needs like food, housing, and emergency assistance that improve student outcomes and retention.
This grant is for institutions of higher education, systems of multiple colleges, and nonprofit organizations seeking to address student basic needs insecurity.
Eligible institutions include accredited colleges, universities, consortia of schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. State education and higher education agencies also qualify. Public and private nonprofit organizations working on postsecondary student support are eligible.
Applicants must be recognized by the IRS as tax-deductible entities, or demonstrate nonprofit status through state certification, incorporation documents, or parent organization affiliation.
The program funds systemic solutions to basic needs like food, housing, and emergency assistance that improve student outcomes and retention.
Program description
The purpose of the FIPSE-Basic Needs Program is to advance systemic and sustainable solutions to student basic needs insecurity through support programs that address the basic needs of students and to report on practices that improve outcomes for students.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Community College
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public University
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for institutions of higher education, systems of multiple colleges, and nonprofit organizations seeking to address student basic needs insecurity.
Eligible institutions include accredited colleges, universities, consortia of schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. State education and higher education agencies also qualify. Public and private nonprofit organizations working on postsecondary student support are eligible.
Applicants must be recognized by the IRS as tax-deductible entities, or demonstrate nonprofit status through state certification, incorporation documents, or parent organization affiliation.
The program funds systemic solutions to basic needs like food, housing, and emergency assistance that improve student outcomes and retention.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Program Description
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation (institutional accreditation or nonprofit status verification)
- Evaluation plan and expected outcomes
- Letters of support from institutional leadership and partners
Program contact
- 👤 Office of Postsecondary Education
- 📧 BasicNeedsforPostsecondaryStudentsProgram@ed.gov
- 📞 202-693-2606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.116 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$50,000,000
-
$10,000,000
-
$8,000,000
-
$7,972,036
-
$7,959,963
-
$7,844,905
-
$7,800,000
-
$7,578,694
-
$7,319,134
-
$7,299,868
Top States by Funding
- AL 4 awards $70.7M
- CA 12 awards $48.1M
- TX 10 awards $43.1M
- NY 7 awards $30.1M
- GA 6 awards $26.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Colleges and universities, systems of higher education institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. State education agencies are also eligible.
How do I prove nonprofit status?
Submit IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) organization, state certification of nonprofit status, certified incorporation documents, or a letter from a parent organization confirming your nonprofit status.
What types of projects does this fund?
Programs that provide basic needs support (food, housing, emergency aid) to postsecondary students. Funding priorities include sustainable, systemic solutions that demonstrate improved student outcomes.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is June 23, 2026. This appears to be a fixed, non-rolling deadline.
What is the award range?
Grants typically range from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. Total program funding is $10,000,000.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by documenting your institution's current basic needs programs and demonstrating data on student outcomes and retention improvements.
- Build partnerships with campus departments (student services, enrollment, financial aid) to show institutional commitment and coordination.
- Include specific metrics: how many students served, reduction in food/housing insecurity, improved GPA or graduation rates.
- Clearly describe your sustainability plan—how will the program continue after federal funding ends?
- Address equity: explain how your program reaches underrepresented and low-income students on your campus.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate measurable student outcomes or connecting basic needs support to enrollment and graduation improvements. Proposing one-time assistance instead of systemic, sustainable solutions that will outlast the grant period. Unclear budget justification for how funds directly address basic needs versus other student services.
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