# Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/ed-grant-26-036-rural-postsecondary-and-economic-development-grant-program/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362518

> Office of Postsecondary Education offered grants of up to $2.5 million (at least $1.5 million) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make about 20 awards worth $45.0 million in total. Applications closed on June 23, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | ED-GRANT-26-036 |
| Agency | Office of Postsecondary Education |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | June 23, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $2.5 million |
| Award floor | $1.5 million |
| Expected awards | 20 |
| Total funding | $45.0 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
- Nonprofits that do not have 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 are Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1001), that are public or private nonprofit IHEs, and public and private nonprofit organizations and agencies. Note: "Public agencies" includes 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.

## What the grant funds

The purpose of the RPED Grant Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through development of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region.

## Questions people ask

### Is ED-GRANT-26-036 still open?

No. It closed on June 23, 2026.

### Who can apply for Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant 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 Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant 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 $2.5 million each. About $45.0 million in total across about 20 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.