# Open Textbook Pilot Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/ed-grant-26-035-open-textbook-pilot-program/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362511

> Office of Postsecondary Education offered grants of up to $2.0 million (at least $1.5 million) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make about 4 awards worth $7.0 million in total. Applications closed on June 23, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | ED-GRANT-26-035 |
| Agency | Office of Postsecondary Education |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | June 23, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $2.0 million |
| Award floor | $1.5 million |
| Expected awards | 4 |
| Total funding | $7.0 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 84.116 |

## Who can apply

- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)), combinations of such institutions, and other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies. Note: "Public agencies" include State Education Agencies and State Higher Education Agencies. Note: An applicant that is a nonprofit organization may, under 34 CFR 75.51, demonstrate its nonprofit status by providing: Proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax-deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A statement from a state taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual. A certified copy of the applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or Any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate. Note: For specific eligibility, please see ANI.

## What the grant funds

The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the Open Textbook Pilot Program (OTP) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Secretary of Education (Secretary). The purpose of the OTP program is to support projects at eligible institutions of higher education (IHEs) or State higher education agencies that create new open textbooks and expand the use of open textbooks and course materials in courses that are part of a degree-granting program, particularly those with high enrollments. This pilot program emphasizes the development of projects that demonstrate the greatest potential to achieve the highest level of savings for students through sustainable, expanded use of open textbooks in high-enrollment courses or in programs that prepare individuals for in-demand fields.

## Questions people ask

### Is ED-GRANT-26-035 still open?

No. It closed on June 23, 2026.

### Who can apply for Open Textbook Pilot Program?

Office of Postsecondary Education accepted applications from nonprofits and colleges and universities. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Open Textbook Pilot Program?

Closed June 23, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $2.0 million each. About $7.0 million in total across about 4 awards.

### Who has won Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were University of Alabama, University of Vermont & State Agricultural College, Research Foundation of the City University of New York. The program made 955 awards worth $1.3 billion in that time.