Strengthening Institutions Program FY 2026 Competition
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions of higher education seeking to strengthen academic programs and improve institutional management.
Eligible institutions include HBCUs, HSIs, tribal colleges, and other qualifying postsecondary institutions designated by the Department of Education. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to fiscal stability and self-sufficiency.
The program supports activities that enhance academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and financial sustainability. Consult the published notice of intent for detailed institutional eligibility criteria.
Program description
The purpose of SIP is to provide assistance to eligible institutions of higher education to improve their academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability in order to increase their self-sufficiency.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (if required)
- Project Narrative/Statement of Need
- Institutional Strategic Plan documentation
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of support (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Office of Postsecondary Education
- 📧 nalini.lamba-nieves@ed.gov
- 📞 202-693-2606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.031 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$74,343,856
-
$68,696,788
-
$57,181,397
-
$54,925,682
-
$53,157,737
-
$48,878,901
-
$47,922,406
-
$45,895,713
-
$45,548,559
-
$42,992,905
Top States by Funding
- GA 12 awards $340.0M
- NC 10 awards $295.2M
- TX 7 awards $266.0M
- LA 10 awards $241.5M
- AL 11 awards $229.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 84.031). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $866,203,000 | |
| 2019 | $873,637,000 | |
| 2020 | $966,028,000 | |
| 2021 | $994,988,000 | |
| 2022 | $1,087,172,000 | |
| 2023 | $1,215,019,953 | |
| 2024 est. | $1,206,295,394 | |
| 2025 est. | $1,318,077,000 |
FAQ
Which institutions can apply for SIP funding?
Institutions designated as eligible by the Department of Education can apply. This typically includes HBCUs, HSIs, and tribal colleges. Check the detailed eligibility notice for your institution's status.
What is the deadline for the FY 2026 competition?
The deadline is June 23, 2026. Plan ahead to allow sufficient time for internal approval processes and application preparation.
What types of activities can SIP funding support?
The program supports improvements to academic programs, institutional management, and financial operations. Projects must demonstrate how they increase institutional self-sufficiency.
How competitive is this grant?
With $350 million available nationally, competition is moderate to strong. Focus your proposal on demonstrable institutional need and clear outcomes for self-sufficiency improvement.
What funding levels should I expect?
Awards typically range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. Your institution's size, demonstrated need, and proposal quality influence funding level.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by confirming your institution's eligibility status in the published notice of intent. Do not assume eligibility based on institution type.
- Build your proposal around a clear self-sufficiency strategy. Show how funded activities will reduce future institutional dependence on federal support.
- Document your institutional need through data on enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and financial stability. Stronger baseline data strengthens competitive position.
- Align SIP activities with your strategic plan and accreditation requirements. Reviewers favor proposals that fit broader institutional goals.
- Begin planning now even though deadline is June 2026. Internal approval, budgeting, and partner coordination typically require 6-9 months.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants fail to demonstrate clear institutional need or do not provide sufficient data on current academic and financial performance. Proposals lack a credible plan showing how funding increases self-sufficiency rather than creating ongoing dependency. Institutions overlook the detailed eligibility criteria and apply when not officially designated as eligible.
Similar grants
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Rangeland Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN Infertility Training Center — Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
- OPEN Tribal Colleges Extension Program – Capacity Applications — National Institute of Food and Agriculture