Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Comprehensive Centers Program: National Comprehensive Center on Improving Literacy for Students with Disabilities; ALN 84.283D
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations with demonstrated ability to improve literacy for students with disabilities in early childhood through high school settings. Eligible applicants include research organizations, institutions of higher education, regional educational agencies, state educational agencies, and consortiums of such entities. The program funds one national center to provide capacity-building services and evidence-based strategies. Partnerships and consortiums are encouraged and allowed under federal regulations.
This grant is for organizations with demonstrated ability to improve literacy for students with disabilities in early childhood through high school settings. Eligible applicants include research organizations, institutions of higher education, regional educational agencies, state educational agencies, and consortiums of such entities. The program funds one national center to provide capacity-building services and evidence-based strategies. Partnerships and consortiums are encouraged and allowed under federal regulations.
Program description
Program Description: The purpose of the Comprehensive Centers (CC) program is to provide capacity-building services to state educational agencies (SEAs), regional educational agencies (REAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools that improve educational opportunities and student outcomes, close achievement gaps, and improve the quality of instruction for all students, particularly for groups of students with the greatest need. The Department intends to fund one Content Center, a National Comprehensive Center on Improving Literacy for Students with Disabilities (NCIL) focused on children in early childhood education programs through high school at risk of not attaining full literacy skills due to a disability, including dyslexia impacting reading or writing, or developmental delay impacting reading, writing, language processing, comprehension, or executive functioning.
Assistance Listing Number: 84.283D
Applicants are required to follow the 2025 Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234) and available at ED 2025 Common Instructions.
Note: For new potential grantees unfamiliar with grantmaking at ED, please consult our “Getting Started with Discretionary Grant Applications” webpage.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations with demonstrated ability to improve literacy for students with disabilities in early childhood through high school settings. Eligible applicants include research organizations, institutions of higher education, regional educational agencies, state educational agencies, and consortiums of such entities. The program funds one national center to provide capacity-building services and evidence-based strategies. Partnerships and consortiums are encouraged and allowed under federal regulations.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Education Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity Statement
- Evidence of Partners/Consortium Agreements (if applicable)
- Abstract
- Appendices (as outlined in ED Common Instructions)
Program contact
- 👤 Holly Clark Management and Program Analyst
- 📧 OESE.ComprehensiveCenters@ed.gov
- 📞 2022456408
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.283 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$32,210,741
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$28,987,461
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$26,955,186
-
$16,859,357
-
$16,527,502
-
$16,389,279
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$16,343,547
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$16,032,316
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$12,783,088
-
$12,220,897
Top States by Funding
- MD 7 awards $100.7M
- VA 8 awards $58.9M
- CA 5 awards $57.1M
- NC 4 awards $26.5M
- NH 2 awards $21.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Research organizations, colleges, universities, regional agencies, and consortiums with capacity to conduct literacy improvement work. Individuals and partnerships are also eligible.
What is the funding amount?
One award of $1,500,000 is available for this national center.
What activities does this grant support?
Capacity-building services to improve literacy instruction for students with disabilities, including dyslexia and developmental delays affecting reading, writing, or language skills.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is June 30, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
Do I need to match funds?
No cost sharing or matching is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- This is a highly competitive national award for one center, so demonstrate substantial expertise in literacy and disability research.
- Form a strong consortium with universities, research institutions, and school districts if possible.
- Clearly show how your team will serve all states and provide technical assistance nationwide.
- Use the 2025 ED Common Instructions guidance—follow the format and compliance requirements closely.
- Address dyslexia, developmental delays, and multiple disability populations in your evidence base and proposed activities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a single organization without strong research credentials or higher education partnerships. Unclear capacity to provide national-level services across all states. Ignoring the 2025 ED Common Instructions for formatting and compliance.
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